Inexpensive Table Centerpiece Ideas

An attractive centerpiece sets the theme for a dinner party or gathering, and transforms the table from a utilitarian surface to a work of art. There's no need to spend a lot of money on a centerpiece when you can create original and captivating effects using objects and materials that are readily available. Does this Spark an idea?

Seasonal

Seasonal centerpieces honor the cycles of nature by reflecting the changes that are occurring outdoors. They are practical and inexpensive because they items that are available. A spring-themed centerpiece uses buds, new shoots and early flowers to brighten up the table, while an autumn theme reflects the harvest season with colorful corn, squash, gourds and decorative grasses. Summer centerpieces can display flowers and trees that are blooming around your home, and winter centerpieces can use branches from the same trees in their dormant phase to create dramatic and minimalist effects.

Edible

An inexpensive centerpiece can double as an addition to your meal. The best food to use in edible centerpieces is bread, because it is durable, attractive and can be baked in any number of sizes and shapes. Combine small rolls in baskets to create a cornucopia of edible beauty for the center of your table.

Wine Theme

If you or your guests are wine enthusiasts, and especially if you are setting the table for a wine tasting event, you can create an inexpensive centerpiece using attractive wine bottles, bunches of grapes and branches and leaves from grape vines. Use wine bottles as vases for flowers, or put candles in them. Collect a wide variety of different colors, shapes and sizes of wine bottles and mix them together for an eclectic and visually interesting effect. Use wine bottles with beautiful labels, or soak the labels off for a more subtle and minimalist effect.

Flowers

Flowers are an old standby for centerpieces. However, if you go to a florist and have centerpieces made for you, you are likely to spend a lot of money. At the right time of year, you can make lovely and inexpensive floral centerpieces by going to a park or another green area and picking wildflowers. Pick the flowers only a few hours before your event so that they are still fresh and beautiful. Make sure there are no rules against picking wildflowers if you go to a park, and ask permission before you pick flowers on privately owned land. If you are holding an event at a time of year when there are no flowers blooming in your area, ask your florist if she has any excess flowers she may sell at a discount.