A centerpiece is a display, usually for a table setting, that is either a single or a combination of decorations placed in a central position to act as a focal point for guests and attendees. They help set the theme and ambience of a room, pleasing the observer with a visually striking scene that fits with the overall scheme of the room. Though this sounds complicated, essentially, a centerpiece is used to make the environment look more attractive, and tie the room together. Putting together a centerpiece might sound demanding, but it can be made easy with some Do’s and Don'ts that you should keep in mind:
DO’S
- Do Choose A Theme and Stick With It. - Remember, a centerpiece is supposed to add to a room, not take anything away from it. If the room already has a certain aesthetic tied to it, it’s best to follow that and emphasize further with your centerpiece. Meanwhile, if you are selecting or creating a centerpiece for an event, make sure it blends well with the environment of the space. For example, if the theme is nature, you could opt for cost-effective floral arrangements or anything leafy and green. Or if you are aiming for a more artsy vibe, try bringing in some unique colors and textures in the form of fabrics or decor with bright, abstract patterns.
- Do Mix Short and Tall Pieces - When doing a centerpiece, for an event or your home, you should try to use the space the best you can. By mixing short and tall centerpieces, you can help make your space feel more vibrant and full. Guests also need to be able to have conversations comfortably while sitting around the table, so if your centerpiece is only made of tall and wide pieces, guests would have to uncomfortably peer over it when talking to a person sitting across the table. If you are going for a rustic or vintage theme, a good tall element that you can add are candles! Not only do they look good and provide a touch of elegance, they also come in many shapes and sizes with different candle holders to suit your setting!
- Do Consider The Shape of the Table - This is an important thing to note, the shape of the table will determine what fits best and how you organize your centerpieces. Round tables are great for socializing, so a single slender and tall centerpiece would work best. Keyword there is slander. As mentioned in the earlier point, you don’t want to block a conversation. Square tables on the other hand, offer the most middle space and suit well with a combination of focal points such as alternating between short and taller pieces like we mentioned above. Rectangular tables have arrangements similar to its square counterpart, but the focus can be on larger and wider pieces in the middle, working towards smaller and much narrower pieces as it approaches the ends of the table to avoid crowding the table.
- Do Let Your Creativity Flourish - Be creative and add your own style to the centerpiece. It’s okay to go a little bit off tangent if it adds character to the overall look. For example, if you are a ceramics enthusiast, you can consider having a unique ceramic piece as the focal point, and build the rest of the centerpiece following the overall theme. It’s a good way to show off your passion too! Another interesting approach is to go diving into your local bargain bins and selecting rustic, DIY parts to set up a quirky creation, such as perhaps using antique cans or old glassware as flower vases for a vintage feel.
- Do Keep It Simple and Balanced - Less is more. Once your creative juices have a steady flow, remind yourself that although you are an amazing artist, it is important to maintain a good balance when creating your centerpieces. We completely understand the struggle of resisting adding on new decorations that may fit well, but bear in mind that centerpieces are meant to accentuate the setting of the space, and not to completely steal the show. Ensuring that the centerpieces are not distracting or overcrowding the table is critical for a good coffee or dining experience.
DON’TS
- Don’t Block Line of Sight - Some features of centerpieces look great from afar but when it comes to sitting around the table, guests aren’t able to see each other, much less converse, over the massive centerpiece between them. Try not to overwhelm your guests with awkward centerpieces that disturb the flow of conversation. Your flower arrangement might look amazing, but when guests have to get up or lean over the Orchids just to see what is on the other end, it turns into a distraction.
- Don’t Crowd The Table - When putting together a centerpiece, most hosts would have a dining arrangement in mind. This takes up more space than people realize. There must be room for more silverware, glassware, plates, dishes and additional accouterments such as drink buckets and personal belongings. Make sure that your centerpiece is not getting in the way of this and guests have ample room to make themselves comfortable. It happens more often than not that the host ends up having to move the centerpiece away from the table to accommodate for additional functional items.
- Don’t Limit Yourself To Flowers - Floral arrangements and flower-based decorations are teetering on the cusp of being overused and clichéd. Most times, they aren’t even cost-effective, especially if you opt for fresh flowers every time. Try uncommon decorations for your centerpiece, such as rustic lanterns, or natural decor like seashells or corals. Recent trends show that people have been using beautiful bird cages as their main centerpiece, what a unique idea!
- Don’t Forget Color Coordination - One of the more important things that is always so easily overlooked is color coordination. Just because something fits well with a theme, doesn’t mean it would fit well as a centerpiece. Look for complementary colors and customize as needed. For instance, a navy or oceanic theme pairs well with hues of blue and white, while vintage or rustic themes fit with browns, beiges, creams and off whites. If you find yourself at a creative block, look towards the environment that you want to put the centerpiece in. How does everything fit together? What is the color palette of the room? What is the vibe that you are going for? As you discover the answer to these questions, you find yourself having a much better idea of what you want.
Hope this helps! Tell us more about your favorite centerpiece ideas below!
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