Oonagh Turner
Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner party or inviting the whole neighborhood, a dining table isn't really set without a table centerpiece. Not only will it add height, provide a focal point, and pull the entire scheme together, but it also proves that you take your hosting seriously.
Table centerpiece ideas are the feature around which the rest of your decor revolves. That's why you need an idea that makes a statement — and no, it doesn't have to be flowers. From foraged foliage runners to themed figurines, the possibilities are endless when it comes to table centerpiece ideas. The right arrangement will be a great conversation starter that sets the tone for a dinner party, but it can also be used to elevate the everyday dining experience.
Deciding on the kind of table centerpiece you want might take into account the latest table setting trends, the occasion, your personal style, or the size and shape of your space. Here are 13 ideas to inspire you.
1. Choose a whimsical runner for long tables
Foliage runners are best suited to long tables where they prevent interrupting the flow of conversation.
Traditionally, when setting a table, centerpieces tend to be tall and tower above the rest of the setting, but that doesn't have to be the case. If you have a long table with lots of guests, a table runner made up of whimsical foliage can be a beautiful alternative.
The great advantage of these low-profile arrangements is that they prevent interrupting conversations since there's no need to peer around large, extravagant displays of flowers. "The best centerpieces make you look twice, but not because they're shouting," says London-based table stylist Samantha Picard. "I love a foliage runner for this reason: it’s sculptural, a little wild, and easy to adapt seasonally (bonus points if it trails off the table like it's escaping)."
Lisa Archambault, global design director at The Portmeirion Group (which oversees tableware brands such as Spode), recommends peppering in seasonal produce to nod to festivities. "Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and other interesting objects to reflect the change in season," she says. "Think mistletoe and winter berries for Christmas, colorful and mismatched gourds for autumn, and fresh citrus displays or elderflower sprigs for summer."
While you can forage for foliage outside, an artificial stem means you don't have to worry about insects, and you can use it over and over.
2. Make it minimalistic with a low profile bowl
Sometimes less really is more when it comes to table centerpiece ideas.
We know it's tempting, but try to resist incorporating all your favorite trends into one tablescape. With your placemats, napkins, tablecloth, and dinnerware already taking up so much space on your table, sometimes the best course of action is to pare back your table centerpiece ideas. This will allow for more room at the table and prevent your arrangement from looking too visually cluttered.
If you want to lean towards a more simple, minimalist-inspired look, opt for a shallow bowl as your table centerpiece. "Low-profile bowls filled with fruits, moss, or floating candles bring depth without obstructing eye contact, which is sacred at any good dinner party," says Samantha.
Sharon Costi, co-founder of artisanal tableware brand Casa Latina, adds that a textured ceramic bowl or carved wooden vessel works especially well for this idea. "Placed thoughtfully, this kind of piece brings interest and character without crowding the table," she says. "Using natural, handmade materials will always help the table feel grounded and intentional."
A beautiful, low-profile timber bowl can be an unexpected table centerpiece idea that comes with many different styling options.
3. Unleash you wild side with a forage branch arrangement
Sculptural and rustic, branches or twigs make for an effortlessly elegant table centerpiece idea.
Sometimes, an effective table centerpiece idea is as simple as bringing the outdoors in. For a quick, easy, and inexpensive solution, opt for a single sculptural branch or a few sprigs of foliage to make an effortlessly elegant statement.
Spring table decor ideas lend themselves especially well to this idea; think buds of pussy willow or early magnolia blooms. Just remember to keep practicality in mind when foraging. You don't want pollen staining your tablecloth or petals littering dinner plates.
"Use a statement jug or vase as your foundation for a dramatic branch arrangement," Lisa advises. "Create a wire mesh as your base to give arrangement structure, then combine interesting shapes and textures, ensuring staggered levels."
Depending on the time of year, she suggests finishing the look by hanging seasonal ornaments from the branches, like baubles for Christmas or painted eggs for Easter.
4. Opt for a lamp to illuminate your table
In an outdoor setting, a trio of lamps will help ease the transition from daylight to evening
Unruly foliage isn't for everyone. If you'd rather have a table centerpiece that's guaranteed to be mess-free, consider a simple table lamp (or a row of them) to add some magic to your dining set-up.
The best rechargeable lamps won't pose a risk of wire hazards, and they can be moved around the table as needed. They're also a great way to set an atmospheric mood for an evening meal, casting a warm, inviting glow, and they can be supplemented with florals or foliage if you think your table setting is lacking a little oomph.
Samantha is a recent convert to this simple yet effective table centerpiece idea. "A pair of petite, cordless ones adds instant intimacy and feels more unexpected than candlesticks," she says. "They also photograph beautifully."
5. Use Sculptural Animals as Storytellers
Uniquely playful, figurines are great as table centerpiece ideas, especially for themed events.
Hosting a themed event? Maybe it's a kids' birthday party or a seasonal summer soirée. Whatever the occasion, figurines can make a fun, playful centerpiece on your dining table.
Ro'Table founder Roshan Adam-Holslag loves incorporating sculptural animals into the center of her table. "We often turn to our menagerie as the starting point," she says. "They’re playful, rooted in folklore and fantasy with a modern, sculptural feel."
There's complete and utter freedom when it comes to quirky table decor ideas like this one, but Roshan suggests building a centerpiece around a pair of parrots and elephants, tucking in mint sprigs and citrus clusters to make it feel abundant and personal. "Pair it with vintage candle holders or gathered greenery to keep the table feeling layered, not overly styled," she adds. "It’s an easy way to bring a sense of soul and surprise to the table."
Have a bit of fun with your table centerpiece ideas, like styling a piece such as this giraffe sculpture in the middle of your setting.
Ro'Table creates tableware that combines a focus on natural materials and artisanal crafts with bold prints and textures. Their curated designs take you on a journey to enchanting worlds: from sun-drenched groves and the timeless allure of bygone eras to vibrant, verdant jungles brimming with wonder.
6. Go foraging for a centerpiece inspired by nature
Adorn your table with nature's bounty for a country-inspired tablescape.
Nature is an easy win when it comes to a quick and beautiful centerpiece, especially for outdoor table setting ideas. Foraging in your garden is a budget-friendly way to create a fantastic look, yet requires little effort.
"We are more aware than ever of the dangers of single-use or plastic items, so it’s a good idea to get crafty with making decor by hand or sourcing real foliage or foraged branches, rather than plastic ‘pine’ runners," says table stylist Alice Herbert of Lay London.
When using nature's bounty on your table, think about the time of the year you are decorating for. Christmas table decor looks beautiful with holly and ivy, whereas in spring, you might want to pick floral blooms. Build up your centerpiece by working around a focal point like a candle, and you can wind the foliage up the candlestick to give it some height.
For something more tame, consider potted herbs for a nod to nature that bridges the culinary gap. "Little terracotta herb pots dotted down the table are always an easy go-to table centerpiece and a beautiful fragrance to your table," says Milly Simmonds of Olive & Co.
7. Or try mini bud vases for a delicate look
A small vase can have a big impact when it comes to table centerpiece ideas.
Alternatively, go floral with your table setting. This doesn't necessarily mean with a large, centered vase of your favorite flowers, though. Scattering smaller bud vases of dainty blooms across the table is a more delicate way to bring a floral focus to the scheme. A single stem is sometimes all it takes to make a big impact.
But where to start when decorating with flowers? "Big, bouncy blooms like hydrangeas or peonies are one of the easiest ways to create a full table center and take very little styling," says Katie Fairlie from tableware brand Truffle Tablescapes. "Add a few stems in your chosen color scheme to bud vases and dot down the center of your table for a pretty table centerpiece."
For a more whimsical, cottage-core inspired display, choose sprigs of leaves with a few wildflowers dotted among them. "I like filling bud vases with fresh green foliage and rose hips for a touch of color," says Nikki Tibbles, the creative force behind the florist Wild at Heart.
Small bud vases instantly add a sense of whimsy to your table centerpiece ideas, and won't block the view of other guests across the table.
8. Create a glow with some candles
Candles are warm, welcoming, and oh-so atmospheric
Is a tablescape complete without candles? You often see a few taper candles in holders dotted along a table alongside a centerpiece, but there's no reason why you can't make candles the star of the whole show.
A quick and easy fix that you can arrange in mere moments, candles add that all-important element to the dining room — another layer of lighting. Their glow makes them particularly good fall table decor centerpieces. "Including a few candles will add atmosphere to your centerscape, and will work especially well during darker evenings," says Katie.
When arranging candles, use height to lead the eye. Choose small tea lights around the table or in hurricane holders, then grow the height as you get towards the center, picking beautiful glass candlesticks or candles styled in bottles.
What table setting is complete without candles? Make a statement with them with a printed option, like this style from HAY.
9. Opt for a colorful bowl of fruit
Far from boring, a fruit bowl makes for a versatile table centerpiece ideas.
A bowl of fresh fruit is a simple table centerpiece idea that works to decorate a dining table when not in use, but can also work well for special occasions, too. For formal dinner parties, elevate your display beyond apples and bananas. "Use a low, wide bowl filled with seasonal fruit or vegetables," says Sharon. "Think figs, citrus, or even tomatoes still on the vine — natural, textural elements that offer color and form without feeling overdone."
Fruit can also add a seasonal pop of dining room color — think lemons and limes for added brightness, cherries or berries in late summer, apples or pears in autumn, and pomegranates for a festive feel. "You can even enjoy these decorations in cocktails throughout the evening," suggests Katie.
Don't overlook the color of the bowl that you have, and how you can contrast and complement it with the color of the fruit. A dark green bowl will look fabulous when filled with figs, for example. It's a fun table centerpiece idea that can change and evolve with the seasons.
Your table centerpiece idea is the perfect place to have a bit of fun, like with this artichoke bowl — a fresh take on the cabbageware trend.
Sharon, who is originally from Venezuela and has been living in Europe for over two decades, co-founded CasaLatina out of her passion for hosting, love for all things handmade, and her desire to reconnect with her Latin American roots.
10. Use a pendant for a mid-air centerpiece
There's no need to worry about crowding the table when your centerpiece is suspended above you.
If you have a long, rectangular table to decorate, there isn't a natural center point. If your table is too narrow to make a large and fussy centerpiece in the middle, consider a hanging table centerpiece idea instead.
This can be done in one of two different ways. You can either decorate the cord of your pendant lighting at the top of the shade (as seen above) or you could use twine and wire to construct an entirely new feature that hangs from the ceiling. Branch chandeliers or Baby's Breath are especially effective, and the latter is really lightweight, too.
If you do decide to adopt this idea, make sure to keep things safe and hazard-free by ensuring your centerpiece isn't too heavy. Twines and greenery from the garden are a good place to start. Plait them around a pendant cord and tie pampas grass into the scheme for a light and feathery look.
11. Try a cluster of colorful glass bottles
The best table centerpieces don't over complicate things.
Decorative glass bottles make for a beautiful table centerpiece idea. They refract light, cast a colorful shadow, and add a pop of vibrant color to the table. They make good vessels for foliage with a delicate branch of eucalyptus adding height to the scheme, but they're also equally stunning on their own.
Group them in threes and make sure your chosen bottles are varying heights. Think about the hues that will work best in your space to complement your colorful dining room. Different shades of brown and gold will look beautiful together, or pick from opposing sides of the color wheel when deciding what glass to go for.
Colorful glass is such a fresh and playful way to introduce some interest with your table centerpiece ideas, and this vase is the perfect example.
12. Go low with a wreath
A wreath isn't just for Christmas when it comes to table centerpiece ideas.
The rounded shape of a Christmas wreath makes for a great centerpiece during the festive season. They tie the scheme together and give a focal point to your table, but what about throughout the rest of the year? Why not break tradition?
"Wreaths in different styles and colors are becoming a staple decoration throughout the year. Fresh, dried, or feathered are our favorite," says Katie. "Place a wreath flat in the center of your table and fill the hole with seasonal accessories, flowers, or with a glass hurricane holding a pillar candle for a chic and easy-to-achieve table centerpiece that will work all year round."
Low-profile and easy to arrange (floral foam works best), you can let your creativity run loose with a wreath. They also make great spring table centerpieces, especially during Easter, when they make a subtle nod to religious festivities.
13. It's all about the vase
The right vase can tie your whole tablescape together.
If you do decide to opt for a classic floral arrangement, choose your vase wisely. A dramatic, structural option often makes the best centerpiece. They can even be used on their own without flowers. "With a newfound appreciation for the finer, more decorative details at home, particularly when decorating for the festive season, there has been a huge surge in popularity for vases as centerpieces," says Helen Pett, design ambassador at Arteriors London.
You can, of course, make the scheme more dramatic by putting something in your vase. "A flower arrangement idea I'm really into is using pampas grass," says Jane Rockett, co-founder of Rockett St George. "I love using it to create tall displays on tables. Just be sure to give them a good shake to release any loose fur."
And of course, fresh foliage and beautiful blooms will always be wonderfully effective at tying a table setting together. This timeless centerpiece idea will never go out of style, and the opportunities for color and style are virtually endless.
FAQs
What is the rule for table centerpieces?
When styling table centrepiece ideas, there are a few unwritten rules to keep in mind to ensure your setting is practical, as well as stylish. "The arrangement should sit low enough so guests can talk across the table comfortably, and there must still be room for plates, glassware, and serving dishes," says Sharon. "If you’re working with a longer table, consider repeating smaller arrangements rather than using one large focal point — this creates balance and flow while leaving breathing room between place settings."
In latter such cases, Lisa says odd numbers are best. "The rule of three is a good one to stick to, ensuring balance and harmony throughout the setting," she adds. "Consider the shape of the table too, a round table often benefits from a circular centrepiece in the middle, while a rectangular table can accommodate a linear arrangement or a series of smaller pieces clustered together."
Samantha adds that nothing should be too perfect, recommending that you play around with texture and asymmetry. "You should also avoid tall, spindly arrangements that block faces, overly fragrant florals (unless you want your guests to taste peonies with their pasta), or anything that wobbles when the table gets bumped," she adds.
What should not be used as a centerpiece?
As you might have guessed, it's always a good idea to avoid centerpiece ideas that obstruct conversation. "Towering floral arrangements or big statement vases, while visually stunning, often create an awkward barrier that stops the natural flow of conversation," says Lisa.
"We would suggest also avoiding anything with a strong fragrance if there is food involved," she adds. "Any strong scents from candles or diffusers will be overpowering and interfere with the enjoyment of the meal."
How many different centerpieces should you have?
The number of centerpieces you have will depend on the size and shape of your table. "Longer tables, for example, may benefit from a trio of staggered elements or a repeated visual motif that runs the length of the space," says Sharon.
"On the contrary, if space is limited, a single, well-chosen centerpiece will provide the hero focal point without overwhelming the space," adds Lisa.
In certain cases, one long display works best, but there's nothing stopping you from dotting smaller features around your table, too. "I love the idea of one hero moment down the center, flanked by smaller vignettes like tiny bud vases, clusters of votives, or sculptural objects," says Samantha. "Think curated, not cluttered."
Are placemats out of style?
Long gone are the days of vinyl or plastic placemats with chocolate box scenes on them. Instead, homeowners are using fabric and texture to demarcate a seat at the table.
Think wicker, rattan, and linen — these are subtle, still easy to treat and wash, and make for a tasteful neutral scheme. If you do want to go for plastic or vinyl to prevent spills or scratches, keep the palette neutral.
If the examples above prove anything, it's that the right centerpiece has the power to pull an entire table setting together.
In the tablescaping world, it really is the icing on the cake, giving your table that elegant, sophisticated level of curation that elevates a dining experience to new heights. Intentional hosting at its finest.
