Holidays & Entertaining Entertaining Party Decorations 20 Picture-Perfect Centerpiece Ideas You Can Do in 5 Minutes The supplies you need are probably in your fridge—or outside in your yard. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 11, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Getty Images Whether you're prepping for a casual weekend brunch or a celebratory soiree, adding some DIY centerpieces to your spread can take the occasion up a notch. Your guests will appreciate that you put a little extra time and effort into the party, and you'll have a picture-ready piece of décor that sets the tone for the whole event. (You'll also have earned a few bragging rights.) Best of all, your charming centerpieces could influence others in your circle—before you know it, everyone will be putting together simple centerpieces to zhoosh their tables. Opting for seasonal table decorations (like pumpkin centerpieces) is fine, but so is creating one that works for any season. The key to a simple centerpiece is letting it speak for itself and not getting too hung up on one (relatively small) component of the party. After all, the purpose of the occasion is to enjoy spending time with other people. There are centerpieces that suit everything from a backyard party to a graduation celebration. Make sure yours pairs well with your skillset, crafting supplies, and available time, and this bit of party décor will shine. At the very least you'll get an A for effort—though these fail-proof ideas are sure to shine. 01 of 21 Wishing Well Levi Brown Here is an interactive and heartfelt way to celebrate someone—Mom, a recent graduate, or an expectant parent. Pass around strips of paper about 6 inches long and ask guests to write a message (like a wish, a memory, or a piece of advice) 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. 02 of 21 Charming Container James Merrell Big blossoms, such as hydrangeas, roses, and peonies, look gorgeous displayed in an unused serving piece, like a soup tureen. 03 of 21 Related: Easy 15-Minute Party Centerpieces Dress up your home with these stylish vases that take just minutes to make. 04 of 21 Floating Fruit Anita Calero Float bright Granny Smiths in large, clear-glass vases (filled to different levels) for a whimsical still life. 05 of 21 Sweet Stash Anita Calero A bouquet of colorful pinwheel lollipops stands steadily and cheerfully in a bucket packed with dry sand. 06 of 21 Creative Combo James Baigrie The rich tones of sweet peas and cabbages (yes, cabbages) work together beautifully in a creative combination. 07 of 21 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. 08 of 21 Silver Bells Anita Calero What could be more delicious than a large-footed vase sparkling with foil-wrapped treats? 09 of 21 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. 10 of 21 Colorful Cocktails Anita Calero An array of brightly colored sodas or juices add a fun note to a dinner. 11 of 21 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. 12 of 21 Daisy Toppers James Baigrie Bring a splash of sunshine to your meal with a vibrant partnering of daisies and oranges. 13 of 21 Fruit Fillers James Baigrie This tone-on-tone assemblage starts with miniature citrus fruits (key limes, kumquats) and Peruvian lilies bursting with color. 14 of 21 Modern Fruit Display Anita Calero Flip containers (here, acrylic boxes and lids) upside down and arrange fruit on top to create a multitiered design. 15 of 21 Row of Daisies James Baigrie A field of gerbera daisies and wheatgrass "grow" charmingly in a rustic table runner. 16 of 21 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. For a bit of illumination, you can also add a few flameless candles in between arrangements. 17 of 21 Lush Carnation Display Maura McEvoy Two humble elements—a wooden salad bowl and carnations—add up to something special. Cut the stems to 3 or 4 inches, arrange them in a glass dish, and place them in the bowl. 18 of 21 Seasonal Substitution David Prince Trim off the top of a pumpkin and hollow out the seeds. Arrange fresh flowers in a water-filled jar and place inside, or use dried leaves and twigs. 19 of 21 Heavy Metal Maura McEvoy A galvanized tub becomes the base for a gathering of oversize leaves, like these from a magnolia. 20 of 21 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. 21 of 21 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 them in glass bottles or vases. Frequently Asked Questions What makes a good centerpiece? A good centerpiece is pleasing to the eye, doesn’t block a guest’s view, and is cohesive with the party’s theme. If using flowers, make sure they are fresh and properly trimmed. For any centerpiece, be sure it is appropriately scaled for the size of the table. What can I put in my centerpiece besides flowers? There are several items you can put in a centerpiece besides flowers. Some common filler ideas include branches, fruit, candy (like chocolate kisses), or pinecones. If you’re planning a child’s party, other whimsical fillers include lollipops, drink bottles, paper pom poms, or curled ribbons. How many centerpieces do I need? For round tables, one centerpiece should be plenty. However, use larger centerpieces for larger round tables. For rectangular tables, consider spacing out one centerpiece every 3 to 4 feet. So a four-foot table would have one centerpiece in the center, and an eight-foot table would have two centerpieces spaced equally apart. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit