20 5-Minute Centerpiece Ideas for Every Occasion

Gerbera daisies in a flower bed of wheatgrass flower arrangement

James Baigrie

Short on time? It’s still possible to pull together a wow-worthy table arrangement that suits your party style. Create one of these inspiring ideas in five minutes or less.

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Wishing Well

Centerpiece of curled paper notes on a cake stand

Levi Brown

This one is an interactive and heartfelt way to celebrate someone—Mom, a recent graduate, an expectant parent. Pass around strips of paper about six inches long and ask guests to write a message or a wish for the honoree. Twist the papers around a pen to curl them, then toss them into a large bowl. Have the guest of honor read the messages aloud during dessert.

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Charming Container

Flowers and plates on a dining table

James Merrell

Big blossoms, such as hydrangeas, roses, and peonies, look gorgeous displayed in an unused serving piece, like a soup tureen.

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Related: Easy 15-Minute Party Centerpieces

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Floating Fruit

Vases with green apples floating in water as centerpieces

Anita Calero

Float bright Granny Smiths in large, clear-glass vases (filled to different levels) for a whimsical still life.

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Sweet Stash

Lollipop bouquet as centerpiece

Anita Calero

A bouquet of colorful pinwheel lollipops stands steadily and cheerfully in a bucket packed with dry sand.

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Creative Combo

Sweet peas in cabbage flower arrangement

James Baigrie

The rich tones of sweet peas and cabbages (yes, cabbages) work together beautifully in a creative combination.

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Natural Pairing

Centerpiece made of pomegranates and plums

Maura McEvoy

Add jewel-toned fruit to a white bowl with sensuous lines for an easy arrangement. Look for fruits of differing sizes and shapes but with similar coloring, as with these plums and pomegranates.

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Silver Bells

Hershey Kisses in a vase

Anita Calero

What could be more delicious than a large footed vase sparkling with foil-wrapped treats?

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Citrus Twist

Lemon centerpiece

Maura McEvoy

Pair smooth objects (lemons) with smaller, textured ones (nuts) for a compelling composition. Show it off in a glass bowl with a pedestal for drama.

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Colorful Cocktails

Bottles of soda as centerpiece

Anita Calero

An array of brightly colored sodas or juices add a fun note to a dinner.

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Paper Pom Poms

Bouquet of paper flowers

Quentin Bacon

On a steamy night, set a casual table with a bouquet of hot-colored paper flowers, guaranteed not to wilt.

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Daisy Toppers

Daisies inside oranges flower arrangement

James Baigrie

Bring a splash of sunshine to your meal with a vibrant partnering of daisies and oranges.

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Fruit Fillers

Citrus fruit and Peruvian lillies in a glass fish bowl flower arrangement

James Baigrie

This tone-on-tone assemblage starts with miniature citrus fruits (key limes, kumquats) and Peruvian lilies bursting with color.

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Modern Fruit Display

Red pears and grapes displayes on pedestals

Anita Calero

Flip containers (here, acrylic boxes and lids) upside down and arrange fruit on top to create a multitiered design.

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Row of Daisies

Wheatgrass Arrangement

James Baigrie

A field of gerbera daisies and wheatgrass “grow” charmingly in a rustic table runner.

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Mix and Match Vessels

Floral arrangement in a jelly mold

Marcus Nilsson

Line floral arrangements down your table―if you don’t have enough vases, cake tins, jelly molds, and small ice buckets make surprisingly pretty containers.

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Lush Carnation Display

Centerpiece made of carnations

Maura McEvoy

Two humble elements—a wooden salad bowl and carnations—add up to something special. Cut the stems to three or four inches, arrange in a glass dish, and place in the bowl.

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Seasonal Substitution

Flower centerpiece in pumpkin vase

David Prince

It’s November 1 and your pumpkin is still going strong? Trim off its top and hollow out the seeds. Arrange fresh flowers in a water-filled jar and place inside, or use dried leaves and twigs.

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Heavy Metal

Centerpiece made of leaves on a table with bread and wine

Maura McEvoy

A galvanized tub becomes the base for a gathering of oversize leaves, like these from a magnolia.

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Autumnal Delight

Doily-and-pinecone holiday display

Annie Schlechter

For holiday decor, arrange pinecones—spray-painted gold or silver, if you wish—in vases and compotes of staggered sizes, and add festive ribbon.

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Branching Out

Foliage painted white as centerpiece

Anita Calero

Branches, whether artificial or the real deal, look striking in an arrangement. In a well-ventilated outdoor space, spray them with white paint, let dry, then display in glass bottles or vases.

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