Small Centerpiece Ideas

Centerpieces can bring a finished look to any party or banquet and can tie the theme into each table. They can also be distracting obstacles, however, if people around a table have to strategically avoid them in order to converse. Create a small centerpiece that ties into the common theme for the day or night and allows guests to see one another with ease. Does this Spark an idea?

Flowers

Purchase tiny clay pots and fill them with soil and seeds a few weeks before the event. Water them regularly, letting them germinate in time for the party. Tie a brightly colored ribbon around each pot. Place the newly germinated plants on the tables in groups of three or four. Set a small clean watering can or shovel next to each group. This is great for springtime or garden-themed parties. For a simple flower centerpiece, purchase small bud vases. Clip single roses or carnations and place them in each bud vase. Arrange the bud vases on the tables in small groups.

Candles

Purchase small clear glass bowls. These could be candy bowls, clear soup bowls or small baking dishes. You can get creative and use clear mugs, glass jars or pie dishes as well -- anything that's short and clear. Fill them with water and drop in colored items, such as marbles or cranberries, to match your party dcor. Little glass balls, beads, rocks or even acorns also would work. Just make sure they're clean so the dirt doesn't muddy the water. Float tea candles among the items and light.

Fruit

Use fresh fruit to decorate your table. Incorporate the colors and feeling of the fruit to tie in the ambiance of your party. For instance, if you're having a summer or beach party, use citrus fruits, such as oranges, limes and lemons, or tropical fruits, such as pineapples or mangoes. If you're having an autumn get-together, use apples and pears. Place wooden or glass bowls on each table and fill each with the fruit of your choice.

Snacks

Use your centerpiece as an opportunity to serve a small snack before dinner or between courses. Fill candy dishes with candies, nuts or granola mixtures. Use the theme of your get-together as inspiration for the dish: for a garden party, use clean buckets; for a beach theme, use clean shells; for a sports party, use beer mugs; for a Mexican fiesta, use the rim of a sombrero, lined with clean napkins.