How to Make Creative Table Centerpieces

There's no better way to warmly welcome guests to a table then with a show-stopping centerpiece. Take advantage of a holiday, season, tradition or whatever is on hand to showcase the event. You can buy most of these items at a crafts or grocery store, or you can "shop" your home to make a centerpiece. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Match a table centerpiece to the theme of your party or celebration. For a beach or outdoor event, for example, buy a round fish bowl, fill it halfway with clean sand, and add seashells, sea glass and a sand dollar. If it's an evening event, arrange a few tea lights or shaped candles around the bowl.
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a festive centerpieces. Use red, white and blue potted plants; tie a bandanna around the flower pot. Place a few American flags into the flower pot. You also can paint the flowers pots red, white and blue and add some stars and fireworks.

2

Showcase seasonal items. You'll be able to find a plethora of usable in-season goods at reasonable prices. Try a pine-scented candle for a fall centerpiece. For a more dramatic look, buy the same color candles in varying heights and a large, round mirror. Place the largest candle in the middle of the mirror with the others clustered around it.
Hallow out a few small gourds and secure a few tea lights in the gourds. Place two or three of these on the table around a larger uncut gourd or basket of fall flowers.

3

Try something out of the ordinary. Place pictures of your guests in frames as the centerpiece. Look for pictures from when they were young, or ones that will make them laugh, or perhaps from the first time you met each other. This is a great way to personalize your celebration.
Candy and other treats as a centerpiece are always sure-fire conversation starters. Put the candy in colorful, funky dishes of various sizes and shapes. Purchase various types of candy and treats so guests can nibble. Sprinkle confetti or vase gems on the table.

4

Create a traditional table centerpiece of flowers. You can go with a seasonal arrangement, such as daisies for spring, or a poinsettia for winter. Or, think about an unusual tropical flowers arrangement that will stand out. Organize the flowers in a not-too-tall vase with marbles or rocks to hold them in place.
You could also place one flower in each of a variety of small vases for a sweet and simple look, or float a few flower buds in a bowl.

5

Get creative with items you have at home. Place candles in a few empty wine bottles. Take those fresh limes, lemons or oranges from the grocery store and put them in a clear vase to add a pop of color to a table. Float candles or flower buds in martini glasses, and add a few drops of food color to the water.