Elegant Centerpiece Ideas

When you are planning a party, one of the most significant decorative items is the centerpiece in the middle of the dining table. It's important that the centerpiece matches the elegance of the occasion, whether it's a wedding, quinceaera, awards ceremony or anniversary party. Whatever the occasion may be, a table is naked without an elegant centerpiece.

Floating Candles

In shallow, clear glass bowls, floating candles will make every table look like it has a miniature pond on it. The water and glass will reflect the light from the candles to create a soft glow. Two or three bowls with candles can be place on each table, depending on their side. For an extra decorative element, place glass marbles on the bottom of bowls to add a little more color.

Live Centerpieces

A live centerpiece containing fish will be remembered for years to come. These elegant fishbowls are made from tall, rectangular-shaped vases or tall hurricane vases. Polished stones are set at the bottom of the vase, anchoring two to three reeds of live bamboo. The fish that's peacefully swimming around is one whose color contrasts with the stones and bamboo. A clear mesh is typically discretely placed on top of the vase so the fish cannot jump out.

Flower Boxes

Thin, rectangular flower boxes with fresh flowers placed in them are a nice change from traditional bouquets that can get in the way of conversations. Flower boxes use low trays made of metal or wood that have a floral oasis placed inside them. Flowers that match the color pallet of the party are then tightly placed inside of them so they appear to bursting. Arrangements can also be made to look like they are more free-form by using dogwood, sweet peas, fiddleheads, and other flowers that give a cascading look.

Fruit Centerpiece

Perfect for a luncheon or tea party, a monochromatic centerpiece using fruit will give an event a country, chic look. Instead of using a bowl overflowing with fruit, a large hurricane vase is filled with different fruits of the same color. If one wanted to use the color green, for example, the vase could be filled with pears, granny smith apples, grapes, and quince. As a finishing touch, vines of ivy are placed to look like they grow out from between the fruit and are accented by white flowers.

Mirrored Centerpiece

Instead of just placing plain votives on a table, candles can be given an elegant look when they are placed on top of a large mirror. The mirror gently reflects the light of the flames to create a hovering glow at each table.