Centerpiece Ideas for Your Next Event

We're often asked about ideas for centerpieces for events, whether we are designing the event for the client or the client just needs some ideas. To assist you, we've listed some ideas for centerpieces that you can use for your event.

Why You Should Use Centerpieces at an Event

Generally any buffet or guest table at an event looks so much better with a centerpiece. When a centerpiece isn't used, it looks like something's missing. Think of it like putting the finishing touches on a virtual or PP presentation or a document--of course people can see and read the text without formatting and visuals, but without these finishing touches it's just a "So What?". In the same way, event tables need the finishing touch of centerpieces.

Which Tables Need Centerpieces?

A food buffet table that does NOT have chafers, whether the event is large or small, should have a centerpiece. A dessert table may have one but often dessert tables use risers and different heights to add visual interest, and if that's the case, you may not need a centerpiece. Guest tables at large events like weddings, galas, or fundraisers also need centerpieces. A bar or beverage station usually doesn't need one if there's someone serving drinks (and often these servers don't want a centerpiece as it gets in their way); but if it's a self-serve beverage station you can use a centerpiece but it's not necessary since these stations usually have a lot on them (glasses, bottles, bottle openers, drink garnishes, etc., etc.)

Centerpieces and More

Here's the other thing: Centerpieces can also be not one but two (or even more) decorative items on an event table. Some buffet tables often look better with more than one decorative piece, especially if they're very long. So you can use, for instance, a pair of candlesticks or candelabra or vases of flowers on either end or in the middle a line of small votives or small flower vases or a grouping of small statues or decorative objects (we saw a grouping of small Chinese figures in a Domino food buffet layout once and it was stunning) in the middle.

The rule of thumb is: if you have a lot of food and/or food-related items on a buffet table, either use only one centerpiece in the middle or two, one at each end; and if you use chafing dishes it's better not to use a centerpiece at all (we use greenery, draped, on tables with chafers).

Ideas for Centerpieces and Decorative Items for Your Event Tables

• Buy a clear glass footed bowl, cake stand (use the bottom part), or trifle bowl (at Bed, Bath, and Beyond and dept. stores). Some ideas for these footed pieces: fill the bowl (pile it up) with fresh or sugared fruit, flower petals, pine cones or ornaments, greenery and flower heads, or party favors. Or fill and use a wooden or pottery bowl, or those white very modern porcelain round or square bowls or trays, or glass tiered stands (designed to stack).
• Put highly-colored cut or potted flowers (like African violets) in a silver or ceramic pitcher or in its pot if the pot is attractive
• Put tiny votives inside small paper bags with some holes punched out to make mini luminarias
• Put small potted herbs or plants in a grouping (at least 3) and wind greenery or ribbon around the bases.
• Use decorative pieces you have around the house or visit a resale shop--here are five ideas: a small statue or grouping of statues; a grouping of silver mint julep cups or footed candy dishes; a line of votives on a thick ribbon used as a runner or on an actual runner, with flower petals strewn; a decorative bowl filled with favors or candy or flower petals; or any decorative piece you like that isn't too big for the table.

I could literally write a book on this, but my advice is: look around and see what you have that you might be able to use, then visit consignment shops or other stores. We recently bought several footed silverplate bowls at a consignment shop to use as ice buckets and our clients loved them.

What About Centerpieces for Formal Occasions?

Most of the above suggestions will work for these occasions too. Ideas for guest table centerpieces for formal occasions: mini dessert, candy, or truffle displays; favor box pyramids; wine-chilling buckets wrapped in greenery or centerpiece table wine trays decorated with greenery or flower petals.

Warmly,

Kristina

Kristina Ríos de Lumbreras, Ph.D.
Fandango Catering and Events
(713) 522-0077
info@fandango-catering.com
www.fandango-catering.com