Party Table Centerpieces

Fresh flowers are a popular choice for party table centerpieces. They brighten up any place setting and can add a touch of fragrance. Carefully arrange your favorite blooms in a decorative vase, bowl or basket.

Although many hosts think of using fresh flowers as a centerpiece, fresh fruit can also add a vibrant touch to your table. Fill a simple plate, bowl or basket with lemons, apples, oranges or an assortment of your favorites.

Get fun and festive with your party table centerpieces. For a birthday celebration, graduation open house or New Year's Eve party, just add party hats, metallic streamers, confetti, a balloon bouquet or other bright and bold accents to your table.

A candle centerpiece adds a warm glow to any party. You can find candles in colors to fit any décor or theme. There are many options that can add a special touch to you candle display. For instance, you can:

• Wrap ribbon around candles.
• Display candles on a decorative plate.
• Place candles on mirrors.
• Use floating candles in small bowls.

Add interest to a centerpiece of fresh flowers by presenting them in a unique vase. For instance, this rectangular vase draws attention to the rosebuds by concealing the stems, while also providing a modern, angular look for the table.

Take care not to incorporate too many elements into your centerpieces. In this arrangement, the vase, candle and scattered rose petals compete for guests' attention. Sometimes you can make more of an impact by keeping your presentation clean and simple.

Adding sand and seashells to a party table centerpiece is great for a get-together at a beach house or any occasion when you want to add a summery feel. Natural grasses, starfish, and small flowers can also complement these beach-ready arrangements.

Bring the harvest to your dinner table with distinctive fall centerpieces. You can include pumpkins, gourds, cornucopia, fall leaves, decorative corn and flowers in fall colors.

If you're hosting a party during the holidays, let your centerpiece reflect the season. A glass bowl filled with ornaments can add shine to any table. Wreaths and small decorated trees are other options.

Combine several different flowers in similar hues for a striking look. Pastels are great for spring. Vibrant colors can brighten up a summer celebration. Fall and winter call for deeper, darker colors.

Think height, color, unique materials and volume when you want to make an impact with your centerpiece. For example, the feathers in this centerpiece catch the eye because they are not traditionally found in centerpieces while they also add height to the arrangement. Splashes of metallic color accent the white flowers and feathers. Use all the space in the vase, for a full, lush effect. Finally, be sure your guests will be able to see over the centerpiece! ---- Now that you've decorated your tables, what are you going to serve on them? Find party menu ideas that are great for any occasion.