Food and Recipes Entertaining Ideas & Tips 30 Centerpiece Ideas For Any Kind Of Party Elevate your next event with one of these statement-making centerpieces. By Hallie Milstein Hallie Milstein Hallie Milstein is an Editorial Fellow for Southern Living covering food and culture. She has been published in Modern Luxury magazines, Our State Magazine, and Hudson Valley Magazine. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on May 26, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Laurey W. Glenn The star at any dinner party is the delicious meal that you’ve prepared, but no matter how pretty you plate the food, no tablescape is complete without a charming centerpiece. Dress your table setting up with your finest china, pretty silverware, statement stemware, and a centerpiece to pull it all together. The centerpiece can be a single arrangement, like a bouquet in a vase, or an assortment of decor strewn stylishly across the center of your table. Choose a centerpiece that complements the rest of your table settings and speaks to the mood of your event. Opt to make a bold impression with an over-the-top centerpiece, or create a more intimate affair with a more subtle display. Remember that whatever you choose will be in the middle of your table, so consider your options when it comes to being able to see the person sitting across from you. With the right centerpiece, conversation can flow easily and your event can sail smoothly. Here’s our best centerpiece inspiration to inspire your next gathering. 01 of 30 Sunflower Frenzy A lush bouquet by Ana MarÃa Arellano of Volvér Flowers. CARMEL BRANTLEY; Tablescape Design: Marta Galaz Cancio and Alexis Eskenazi; Floral Design: Volvér Flowers A flower bouquet in the middle of the table is a classic move. Arrange the brightest floral centerpiece with jolly and vibrant sunflowers. 02 of 30 Nod To The Occasion Set a festive table without falling into a holiday stereotype. Instead of going above and beyond to acknowledge the occasion in your centerpiece, choose a classy display that subtly mixes in some cheer, like this table with pretty, purple irises and Mardi Gras beads. 03 of 30 Match Your Glassware ALISON GOOTEE FLORAL DESIGN: EMILY CLARKE EVENTS Here, lovely white and pink-tinged florals with vibrant, green stems stun alongside similarly-colored decor. Green and white cups and pink stemware insert a pleasant layer of color cohesion. 04 of 30 Hint To The Tropics Carmel Brantley; Styling: Page Mullins Even if you're completely landlocked, a bit of tropical flair will never fail. Use palm leaves, island-inspired patterns, and whimsical colors to transport your party guests to a tropical oasis. 05 of 30 Beyond A Bouquet Robbie Caponetto; Design: Mariée Ami; Styling: Kathleen Varner Flowers are far from the only centerpiece option. Still, having something fresh to ground your table will always be a lovely touch. These miniature, potted trees are as lovely as can be. 06 of 30 Understated Display Carmel Brantley; Styling: Page Mullins When the goal is a simple and pretty event table, you may be tempted to forgo a centerpiece. Don't! A simple and smaller display can have a big impact. 07 of 30 Seasonal Beauty photographs by LAUREY W. GLENN styling by BUFFY HARGETT MILLER Incorporate the best colors, blooms, and produce of the season on your table. This stunning autumn display is perfectly prepared for an equally seasonal meal. 08 of 30 Fresh With Fruit Photo: Lauren Rubinstein Fruit and flowers are a stunning table-top combination, but just one or the other will also get the job done. Here, beautiful bowls are piled high with pristine, green fruit to brighten up the table. 09 of 30 Warm And Toasty Hector Manuel Sanchez; Design: Kathleen Varner; Location and Props: Courtesy Black Sheep Antiques Set a welcoming table with warm, soothing colors and cozy, natural textures. This display will stun no matter the season or occasion. 10 of 30 Taper Candles Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Break Grandma's old candle-holders out of storage and create a stunningly dynamic display with tall taper candles. Add more buzz with prettily colors of these statuesque candles. 11 of 30 Cabbage Ware ALISON GOOTEE; Styling by Dakota Willimon When the weather gets warm, it's time to get the cabbage ware out. This sweet style of decor is a tried and true classic Southern decoration staple. 12 of 30 Cabbage Container Laurey W.Glenn Or, ditch the cabbage ware for a full blown cabbage. Here's how. This leafy centerpiece promises to be a conversation-starter. 13 of 30 Fill A Runner Helen Norman; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller and Caroline M. Cunningham When styling a long table, give every guest something interesting to look at. Rather than just one star of the table, layer your look with an assortment organized across a central table runner. 14 of 30 Striking Palms HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; Styled by Kathleen Varner Add that extra oomph to your floral arrangement by incorporating bold palm leaves. This stunning greenery can make any drab old bouquet into something special. 15 of 30 Max Out A Color Scheme Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller This lovely table with a stunning gradient centerpiece is pretty in pink for a valentines day bash, bridal or baby shower, or girl's luncheon. Follow this table's lead with your favorite hue for any event you please. 16 of 30 Floating Florals Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham Get creative with your floral centerpiece by arranging unexpected displays. To get this magical (and budget-friendly!) look, fill a glass globe-shaped bowl half-way with water. Then, swirl a grouping of tulips inside the bowl and float additional blooms (with ½ inch stems) on the water. 17 of 30 Unexpected Vessels Laurey W. Glenn Like unexpected arrangements, thinking outside the box for the vessel can make your table stand apart from the rest. Here, beautiful teacups are put to use as miniature vases to complement a larger one. 18 of 30 An Assorted Collection HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; Styling by Kathleen Varner Break out all your best vases for one occasion. Everyone needs a few different types of vases to cover all their bases, and they look lovely as can be when displayed all together. 19 of 30 Green And White Are Always Right MURIEL SILVA When in doubt, implement a green and white color scheme for your centerpiece. Pretty, white florals are a classic, while their vibrant green stems offer just the right amount of color to an otherwise neutral display. 20 of 30 Match Your Plates Photo: Laurey W. Glenn For those who love their china and can't imagine anything else on the table stealing the spotlight from your prized plates, let you dishes take the lead. When determining your centerpiece, take cues from the colors and patterns of your plates. 21 of 30 Rise Tall ALISON GOOTEE If your centerpiece doesn't make enough of an impression on its own, boost it to new heights with a riser. Decorative stands, boxes, and books all make for stellar stepping stools for your favorite centerpiece. 22 of 30 Statement Piece Brie Williams; Styling by Kate Malpeli An effortless centerpiece is one that can make an impression on any table for any occasion and doesn't require much fuss. Quality faux leaves in a pretty container can top a casual breakfast table or a fancy affair spread. 23 of 30 Rustic Centerpiece Annie Schlechter; Styling: Raina Kattelson Build a warm and cozy set-up with inspiration from rustic style. Natural textures, warm colors, and a no-fuss, simple design will lend themselves to a welcoming table. 24 of 30 Beautiful Branches The stems make a wonderful display even after the flowers have run their course. photographs by ROBBIE CAPONETTO; Styling by Buffy Hargett Miller In cold weather months when flowers aren't readily available, stick to their roots. Branches make for lovely and striking arrangements when displayed like florals would be. 25 of 30 Oversized Display Hector Manuel Sanchez; Produced: Kathleen Varner Of anywhere, the centerpiece is the place to go above and beyond. Layer your display with florals, fruits, and surprises like feathers, pearls, or pampas grass. 26 of 30 Vary Heights Photo: Jonny Valiant Establish a dynamic tablescape with centerpiece components of different heights. Use tall and short vessels to lift flowers, candles, and decor to varying levels of shortness or tallness. 27 of 30 Monotone Table Brian Woodcock; Styling: Page Mullins When you find a color that works for you, by all means stick with it. Here, lime green abounds. The more the merrier for your favorite shade. 28 of 30 Coastal Cues Laurey Glenn Whether you're hosting an event on the shore or in the mountains, coastal decor is a proven classic. Get inspired by nautical motifs like lighthouses and anchors and color palettes like navy and white. 29 of 30 Single File Photography: Laura Moss, Styling: Natasha Louise King Get your ducks, and decor, in a row for a stunning event. A look like this is a classic and will prove your hosting prowess to all your guests. 30 of 30 Color Coordination Laurey W. Glenn If you will be using flowers as your centerpiece, hold off on selecting your bouquet until after you have planned the rest of the set-up. Then, choose an arrangement that will complement the rest of your tablescape including the vessel and your linens. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit