Do you know what makes a good centerpiece?
Versus a bad centerpiece?
A centerpiece that is attractive and you appreciate?
A centerpiece that your guests like, love, and rave about?
Yep, that centerpiece.
Wanna learn what makes a good centerpiece?
No worries ~ I’ve got ya.
First ~ there really aren’t any “rules” for creating a good table centerpiece. But there are a few things to consider when creating one, whether it’s for your coffee table, your kitchen island, or your dining table.
Second ~ there really aren’t any “bad” centerpieces ~ just ones that might need a little tweaking.
Key Elements to What Makes a Good Centerpiece
When creating your table’s centerpiece, keep in mind that it will be the focal point of your table.
It’s going to draw your eye to it, and all of your guests’ attention will be on it.
That’s why creating an attractive centerpiece is SO important.
All eyes will be on it.
(No pressure, lol)
1 ~ Height: the height of your centerpiece matters
No matter how tall you make your centerpiece, DON’T make it eye level. That will prevent your guests from seeing each other across the table.
(Actually, I guess there is 1 rule to making a good centerpiece, haha.)
If you are wanting the “WOW” factor: create a tall (24″ or higher) centerpiece. That way it’s high enough to not obstruct anyone’s view and is impressive from a distance.
If you are going for an understated look then create a short (12″ or shorter) centerpiece.
With the height of your table centerpiece, it doesn’t all need to all be one height.
If you have the space for it, mix up the height elements. Combine short and tall.
This will create visual interest that will be pleasing to the eye.
Plus varying heights will provide a path for your eye to follow.
2 ~ Shape & length of the table top are important to creating a good centerpiece
The shape and size of your table need to be considered when making an attractive centerpiece.
A small table needs just one centerpiece, whereas a long banquet table requires multiple centerpieces. Otherwise, the banquet table will look very sparse and unattractive.
Similarly, if you have a circular table, a centerpiece in the middle of the table is ideal, but a rectangular table might need a long centerpiece, or two or more centerpieces.
3 ~ Balance: a good centerpiece must have balance
Balance in your centerpiece is very important.
The balance of the items. The balance of height and width of it.
If you are creating a centerpiece with varying heights, it needs to have balance, so your eye knows where to go.
If you have all of your elements at one height, your eye doesn’t know where to focus or what to look at first.
The same holds true for combining large and small elements within your centerpiece.
If the centerpiece in the picture above only had eggs of the same size it wouldn’t be as attractive. The combination and placement of the large and small eggs gently provide a path for your eye to follow.
The balance also gives movement ~ a quality that makes a good centerpiece.
4 ~ Theme: an attractive centerpiece will support the theme of your occasion
A good-looking centerpiece coordinates and supports the theme of your event or gathering.
If you’re creating a table centerpiece for a holiday then incorporate the elements from that holiday.
For example; if you are throwing a Halloween party, consider including bats, ghosts, or spiders in your centerpiece.
Or if your having a dinner party, then think of the colors being used for your table setting and use those colors in your centerpiece.
A theme can be something as simple as “teal and grey” or “graduation”.
The key to a good centerpiece is to support your theme and use it to further accentuate that theme.
5 ~ Placement (location) of your centerpiece
A centerpiece does NOT need to be placed in the middle of the table.
Just because the word “center” is part of the word, doesn’t mean it needs to go smack in the center.
An attractive centerpiece can be at the end of your table and look fabulous.
Just remind yourself that what makes a good centerpiece is about bringing your eye to the focal point on the table.
Often times it is to the side of your food dishes, so you can still enjoy the centerpiece, without it getting in the way of your meal.
Final Note on What Makes a Good Centerpiece
No matter what type of centerpiece you create, the main thing to remember that makes it attractive is it needs to look good from every direction.
Not just the front.
Look at your centerpiece from the back, the sides, and sitting down.
If you see a gap, or too much in a section, fix it.
You want your centerpiece to be appreciated from every direction.
Other Similar Posts
- The Best Ways to Remove Wrinkles from Table Linens
- 6 Simple Steps to Transform a Table Setting from Casual to Elegant
- How to Create a Centerpiece in 3 Simple Steps
- Top 5 Reasons People Stress About Entertaining
- List of 13 Must-Have Table Setting Pieces
- 7 Reasons Why You Should Use Napkins Everyday
Those center pieces are freaking perfection!!! All I have right now is a pie holder, with no pie lol!
That’s TOO funny – pie holder with no pie! That must’ve been a yummy pie!!
Helpful tips! I am horrible when it comes to decorating the table haha definitely learned something here!!
So glad you found it helpful! Thanks for letting me know.