8 Simple and Elegant Outdoor Centrepiece Ideas

Planning a dinner party or holiday event can be stressful, time consuming and expensive. Fortunately, there are ways you can save time and money while still hosting a stylish and fabulous event. Creating your own centrepieces is easy, fun, affordable and adds a touch of charm to any outdoor table. Consider these 8 centrepiece ideas for your outdoor dining setting.

1. Floating Centrepiece Elements

Floating centrepieces can help add a dreamy atmosphere to any outdoor gathering. Use a wide, clear bowl and fill it about halfway with water. Set short-cut flower tops and floating tea light candleholders in the water and light the candles just before your guests arrive.

2. Dahlias

Bring elegant simplicity to your outdoor table by making the dahlia the focal point. The dahlia is renowned for its intricate petal designs as well as its sheer size. Bring visual impact to your gathering with a simple vase and a single dahlia with a light spray of baby's breath around the base.

3. Rural Countryside Charm

A large wide mouth canning jar filled with fresh-picked wildflowers is another simple yet charming outdoor centrepiece idea. Make an instant country bouquet centrepiece with daisies, asters, mums, snapdragons, or whatever is growing in your garden.

4. A Dish Garden

Dish garden refers to a mix of green and/or flowering plants that grow well together in the same bowl. They are usually medium to large in size, making them an ideal choice for your centrepiece decor. Dish gardens can offer a nice change from traditional cut flower bouquets. Succulent plants like jade, cacti and aloe vera can also help create a lovely dish garden centrepiece.

5. Origami Centrepieces

If you or someone you know is proficient in origami, consider creating table art made entirely of folded designer paper. A swan, koi fish, crane, or tiger are all possibilities. You might also consider adding smaller origami elements to floral bouquets or a dish garden centrepiece.

6. Orchids

Orchids are trending in popularity these days, making them a wonderful table decor idea. Its tropical look and elegant silhouette can make it the perfect accent for your outdoor gathering. Place one or two potted orchids strategically on the dinner table to add style and grace to your decor.

7. A Fruit or Vegetable Bowl

An artistic ceramic bowl filled with freshly harvested fruits and/or vegetables from your garden (or the local farmer's market) can create a simple and beautiful outdoor centrepiece.

8. Candle Art

Candles always make for eye-catching outdoor elements, especially if you will be dining near dusk. Consider embellishing a traditional pillar candle with shells, sand dollars, or small starfish for a nautical theme. Nature elements like crystals or leaves can be elegant, as can personal touches like photos or sheet music, depending upon the theme of the party.

Whether you're looking to adorn an extension table or a smaller 5 piece setting, a centrepiece can add style and elegance to any gathering. Consider these eight centrepiece ideas and find the perfect finishing touch for your outdoor table from Outdoor Furniture Ideas.