By Sam Doerfler
Event Manager
Big Buzz Idea Group
When you can’t sleep at night because you’re scrutinizing all your upcoming event needs, is a centerpiece at the top of your list? It’s generally not a top priority, but it’s a small detail that can create a big impact. A thoughtful centerpiece can help add a finishing touch to the table, support your theme, bring together decorations, and add a stylish and professional-looking element to the occasion.
There are some general rules to follow when arranging a centerpiece, but finding balance is key, so try to have varying height levels of the items you incorporate into the design. Keep in mind that If items are too tall, it may block views of the event or tablemates. It’s important to consider the shape or size of a table when deciding which type of centerpiece will correspond to the space; if it’s too small or sparse, it won’t have much of an impact or may get lost on the table.
When creating a centerpiece, a great idea is to incorporate a seasonal touch. There are many possibilities for seasonal centerpieces throughout the year – apples, pumpkins, pinecones, succulents. lemons, ivy, rosemary, pineapples, or any flowers in season. For flair, use fun items that you may already have on hand such as martini glasses, mason jars, candles, or wine glasses. You can even mix and match items so the centerpieces are complementary to one another or simplify and make one design that is used on every table.
A great example was a recent centerpiece for an eco-minded nonprofit fundraiser at a local winery. The goal was to keep the costs low to fit within a limited budget, using a fall-themed item that accentuated the venue. The centerpieces were seasonal, eco-friendly, inexpensive, eye-catching, and repurposed after the event.
To create this elegant centerpiece, use recycled empty wine bottles, fresh cranberries and mason jars with a floating candle set on an inexpensive gold charger. The gold charger is easily exchanged with any type of tray or plate, or you can place the centerpiece directly on the table.
Prices will vary depending on where you shop, whether you order items in bulk, and which products you may already have on hand. The cost came in under $4.50 per centerpiece:
- Cranberries – $1 at Aldi
- Empty Wine Bottle – Free
- Mason Jar – $1 or less (free if you already have them or can source from friends or freebox!)
- Gold charger – $1.25 at Dollar Tree
- Wine bottle lights with cork – $0.70 each when you buy 24 on Amazon
- Floating flameless candles – $0.50 each when you buy 24 on Amazon
With 18 tables at the event, the total expense was around $80 to have a beautiful display on every table.
One of my favorite things about this centerpiece is all the items can be reused or recycled. Around the holidays, it’s especially easy to make use of everything in this centerpiece: use the charger as a serving tray, make a cranberry recipe or string garland, use any of the decorations for a holiday party or dinner, and use the mason jar as a drinking glass or for storage. For the wine bottles, opt to leave the original label on, some of these unique labels are real conversation-starters, so people might discuss the type of wine, or where it was from or even discuss their favorite wines). If you prefer a more streamlined or personalized touch, bottles can be easily personalized with a print-at-home label.
To save money and bring a fancy seasonal element into your event, try a cranberry centerpiece during holiday celebrations. You may need to drink some extra wine to stock up the empty bottles, so invite friends over to “help” and add some of those extra cranberries in your glass. Cheers!
