20 5-Minute Centerpiece Ideas for Every Occasion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Citrus Twist

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

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

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Paper Pom Poms

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

James Baigrie
Bring a splash of sunshine to your meal with a vibrant partnering of daisies and oranges.
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Fruit Fillers

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

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

James Baigrie
A field of gerbera daisies and wheatgrass “grow” charmingly in a rustic table runner.
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Mix and Match Vessels

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

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

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

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

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

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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