15-Minute DIY Centerpieces

By Krissy Tiglias
Updated: June 24, 2018
Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

Celebrations can happen at any time and in any place, with groups large or small. In fact, some of the most memorable parties require no forethought and no real work at all. Speaking of no work, we've created an assortment of fun centerpieces that can be thrown to together fast using household iterms. After checking out these ideas, you'll be grateful you held onto those empty canisters, extra rubber bands, and more.

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Floral Pop

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

You’ll be thankful that the bubble wrap (from Aunt Bertha's Christmas gift) never made it to the recycling bin. Sheets of bubble dots can turn a few glass vases into delightful decorative pieces for the tabletop. Get the how-tos.

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Metallic Makeover

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

A bunch of pink peonies and a few leftover coffee canisters can transform a tablescape. Here's proof that a shot of gold (or silver or bronze) can turn everyday items into magical decor. Get the how-tos.

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Floating Filler

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey

Even though balloons look oh-so-festive floating around a party scene, what would happen if they lost their helium? Just. This. Once. Filling empty glass vases with mini balloons will be a natural pick-me-up for a plain party table. Get the how-tos.

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Rings Around the Posies

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan

When you’re down to the wire, you’ll be amazed by the treasures stashed in the junk drawer. Think it's a stretch? Think again. Rubber bands can take empty containers to new whimsical heights with some strategic positioning. Get the how-tos.

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Floral Pop: Supplies

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey
What You Need: 
Bubble wrap
Paintbrush
Acrylic paint
Paper
Tape
Vases
Flowers

 

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How To: Floral Pop

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey
  1. Place a piece of newspaper or scrap paper on a dry, flat surface.
  2. Using paintbrush, coat the entire piece of bubble wrap with paint, leaving only the edges untouched.
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How To: Floral Pop Cont.

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey
  1. Place a sheet of paper on a clean piece of newspaper. Picking up the bubble wrap by the edges, lay it on top of the plain paper. Press gently and then slowly peel away.
  2. Set paper aside to dry.
  3. Wrap freshly pressed paper around vases. Secure with double-sided tape or glu dots.
  4. Fill with water and flowers for the finishing touch.

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Metallic Makeover: Supplies

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan
What You Need:
Empty coffee canisters
Metallic spray paint (gold, silver, or bronze)
Newspaper
Flowers

 

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How To: Metallic Makeover

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan
 
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Floating Filler: Supplies

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey
What You Need:
Mini balloons
Balloon pump
Vase (or several clear, empty vessels)

 

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How To: Floating Filler

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Blake Ramsey
  1. Place the vase (or vases) next to you so you can see how many balloons it will take to fill each vessel.
  2. Using the pump, blow up the balloons. When they're filled, place them in the vase.
  3. When you feel like each vessel is properly filled, your arrangement is complete.

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Rings Around the Posies: Supplies

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan
What You Need:
Vases in assorted sizes
Rubber bands
Flowers

 

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How To: Rings Around the Posies

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Elizabeth MacLennan
  1. This arrangement is all about strategic placement. Have fun mixing, matching, and overlapping bands until you’ve landed on a look you adore.  (There’s no rhyme or reason, so don’t get frustrated.) 
  2. Fill with water and pop in flowers.
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