Mix florals and fun containers for conversation starters
By Clare Miers
Outdoor party centerpieces are the crown of every table. Great flowers or creative floral arrangements and candlelight set the mood for the whole picnic or gathering. With just a few simple steps and a mix of flowers and found objects, your centerpieces will be immediate conversation starters.
Pick a theme
Your location or setting should determine your centerpiece theme. Is the setting rustic, modern, or traditional? Do you want a look that feels casual or formal? With those factors in mind, determine colors and textures that fit into your theme. Also, do your centerpieces need to incorporate candles? (If so, make sure that the container is suitable for candles.)
Maybe you want to mix formal and casual elements or work antiques into the table setting. For instance, you could arrange small, galvanized buckets of roses and greenery along an heirloom linen runner.
Choose a size for your centerpiece
Large serving tables can host grand, oversized arrangements, but sit-down settings need more compact vases or containers so your friends can “talk over” the florals. For symmetry, place smaller containers along the table’s length.
Look for ‘found’ containers
Some of the best containers aren’t originally intended as a vase. A walk-through of your home and garden will remind you of things that you’d love to fill with flowers. Think beyond the box: vintage hatboxes, enamelware pitchers, tea tins, and antique canisters. Even a sanded cedar stump makes a great platform to display appetizers.
Non-floral or budget centerpieces
Non-floral centerpieces can be just as stunning (and much less expensive). Here are more ideas to save money:
A simple glass vase can float candles, hold lightly painted pinecones, or display beautiful seashells.
Textiles such as spools of yarn and wool look amazing in a simple wooden bowl or basket.
Many craft stores sell seasonal centerpiece fillers such as glittery twigs, sparkly birthday banners, and other colorful items that can be easily arranged in a container, too.
Outdoor Party Centerpiece Ideas
Mix florals and fun containers for conversation starters
By Clare Miers
Outdoor party centerpieces are the crown of every table. Great flowers or creative floral arrangements and candlelight set the mood for the whole picnic or gathering. With just a few simple steps and a mix of flowers and found objects, your centerpieces will be immediate conversation starters.
Pick a theme
Your location or setting should determine your centerpiece theme. Is the setting rustic, modern, or traditional? Do you want a look that feels casual or formal? With those factors in mind, determine colors and textures that fit into your theme. Also, do your centerpieces need to incorporate candles? (If so, make sure that the container is suitable for candles.)
Maybe you want to mix formal and casual elements or work antiques into the table setting. For instance, you could arrange small, galvanized buckets of roses and greenery along an heirloom linen runner.
Choose a size for your centerpiece
Large serving tables can host grand, oversized arrangements, but sit-down settings need more compact vases or containers so your friends can “talk over” the florals. For symmetry, place smaller containers along the table’s length.
Look for ‘found’ containers
Some of the best containers aren’t originally intended as a vase. A walk-through of your home and garden will remind you of things that you’d love to fill with flowers. Think beyond the box: vintage hatboxes, enamelware pitchers, tea tins, and antique canisters. Even a sanded cedar stump makes a great platform to display appetizers.
Non-floral or budget centerpieces
Non-floral centerpieces can be just as stunning (and much less expensive). Here are more ideas to save money: