5 TIPS FOR A BEAUTIFUL CENTERPIECE.. Part II in a tablescaping series

Last week as part of a Tablescaping Series, we talked about adding POP, PRETTY AND PIZZAZZ to a tables by choosing and creatively using dishes.

And this week it is all about centerpieces! Centerpieces are focal points of a table. Here are 5 tips to make your centerpieces a star...

1. USE FRESH FLOWERS FROM THE GARDEN OR GROCERY STORE

I think the most beautiful floral centerpieces come from right outside our back doors! But, if you don't have a garden or blooms are not in season... just stop at your grocery store.

I never order flowers or pay a lot for them!

I am wild about hydrangeas! They make a beautiful, full, fluffy centerpiece. If you don't have hydrangeas planted in your yard... consider it! They bloom all summer and make the prettiest centerpieces!

ARTICHOKES AND WHITE HYDRANGEAS

Here's a sweet spring Centerpiece made with leftover store bought flowers! To see other arrangements click the title at the bottom of the picture.

SPRING ARRANGEMENTS USING GROCERY STORE BLOOMS

In this simple table I picked the bridal veil branches from the bush right over the porch rail!

BRIDAL VEIL TABLESCAPE

2. USE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Fruit can be as beautiful as a big bouquet of flowers. 

Here are some ideas for fruit centerpieces...

Grapes spill over two pedestal bowls to make a yummy centerpiece.

VINEYARD TABLESCAPE

A wire basket makes a warm fall centerpiece when it's filled with pumpkins and apples

BLACK AND WHITE AND A TOUCH OF FALL

A large dough bowl with pears and willow balls and berries makes a bountiful centerpiece. Very warm and cozy!

PERFECT PEAR-ING TABLESCAPE

3. USE SOMETHING THEMED

Use the centerpiece to carry the theme of a table!

This big white rooster struts it's stuff on this fun back and green table with rooster dishes!

LITTLE ROOSTER TABLE

What's a national holiday without Old Glory! Adding flags to a big basket of red geraniums makes this centerpiece very festive!

MEMORIAL DAY TABLE

Although these chinese lanterns are not the centerpiece, they support the centerpiece and are a fun surprise!

Day...

Evening...

A MIDSUMMER'S TABLE

4. USE SEASONAL POTTED  PLANTS

Using plants that can be potted and used for a season indoors or out is a very economical when used as a centerpiece. 

Yellow rose begonias are planted along side of creeping Jenny to make a pretty and sweet centerpiece for an afternoon tea on the porch! 

TEA ON THE PORCH

I potted mums and marigolds together in a blue and white urn... using complimentary colors can be very dramatic!

AUTUMN HIGH TEA

These little alyssum are so adorable and they smell wonderful! I planted them in a little wooden box and used them on this outdoor table and then they bloomed all summer on the porch. 

SPRING NESTING TABLESCAPE

5. REPEAT ELEMENTS DOWN THE TABLE

This is probably my favorite tip. I adore repeating something down the center of the table. It makes quite a statement!

Repeating an element works wonderfully with a large table set for a big gathering.

Adding little cyprus trees and packages down the center of the table makes for a very merry Christmas brunch!

CHRISTMAS BRUNCH TABLESCAPE

Terracotta and white urns and chippy white candlesticks with terracotta colored candles are displayed down this Easter morning table. The centerpiece colors work well with the color of the dishes.

EASTER DINNER

The colors and the elements of this table are abundantly repeated for a Thanksgiving feast tablescape!

This is my all time favorite table. It holds such dear family memories!

THANKSGIVING TABLE

Next time you set a table for family or guests... remember these 5 tips and you will be well on your way to setting a beautiful table with a centerpiece that is the star!

Remember to

I'm partying at CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAY