Kitchen Table Centerpiece Design Ideas

So, you've got a party coming up this weekend and your kitchen table is looking bare? Let's find you a centerpiece that'll turn your table from every-day to divine.
White Floral Centerpiece

Winter Floral and Candlelit Centerpiece

A large floral bouquet made up of white flowers and green foliage is flanked by silver candlesticks with vanilla candles, and the entire arrangement is used as a centerpiece on a dark wood table. Individual place settings are comprised of two plates, silverware, and stemware.

A large floral bouquet made up of white flowers and green foliage is flanked by silver candlesticks with vanilla candles, and the entire arrangement is used as a centerpiece on a dark wood table. Individual place settings are comprised of two plates, silverware, and stemware.

Hosting a dinner party is stressful enough—the food, the drinks, the cleaning (ugh)—without having to worry about a centerpiece. Fortunately, we've seen lots of kitchen table centerpiece design ideas working for HGTV, and we've got tips, from simple to complex, DIY to BIY (Buy It Yourself, of course!).

Stylish Vases for Every Budget

See All Photos

Shop This Look

Let's start with simple and classic: candles. You can't go wrong here—nice tapers are super-affordable and the golden light complements everyone's skin tones, making your guests feel warm and beautiful.

Traditional candle arrangements use two tapers, evenly spaced, in crystal candleholders. You can add a vase of flowers between or just leave the candles to shine on their own.

Contemporary arrangements feature candles en masse. Buy 8-10 pillar candles in the same color and varying heights (3" to 10") and group them in the middle of a beautiful silver tray or charger. Or float candles in tall glass holders for more drama.

If you like rustic, cottage our country style, arrange tea lights down the table on a bed of greenery. Fresh rosemary makes a fragrant background, as do holly or branches of oak leaves.

An alternative to a candle grouping is to place a single, large pillar candle—creamy white makes a beautiful, clean appearance—in a hurricane lamp or a low-slung vase. You can fill the vase with cranberries and nestle the candle in them, perfect for a holiday party. Or rest the candle on a small plate and arrange a wreath of greenery or flowers at the candle's base.

Just remember, when you're using candles on greenery or branches, make sure safety comes first and that the flame can't come in contact with anything. Setting your table or your guests on fire: not cool (though it would make a good story).

Tip: Keep your centerpiece tall and thin or below eye level so that your guests are talking to each other instead of the flowers.

Next up: flowers. Sprinkle some rose petals around tea lights or on top of your greenery. Or cut flowers and branches from your yard and arrange them in several small vases, which you can then place down the center of the table.

Sometimes trad is rad—so when you want a traditional, romantic centerpiece, fill a soup tureen (we love silver or china with an old-fashioned floral pattern) with roses or peonies. For a more modern, but similar look, use a Jadeite vase—square or rectangular would really appeal—or lean flowers in a tall, thin, rectangular vase. That gives your centerpiece a sense of motion, while letting you use tall cuttings without blocking your guests' view.

Next Up

10 Chic Dining Room Table Centerpieces

Make every meal remarkable with these dreamy dining table centerpieces.

How to Display Your Collection Without Looking Like a Hoarder

Don't confuse a collection for clutter. When displayed the right way, the things you love can make an artful statement in your home.

The Best Small-Space Kitchen and Dining Tables

These space-saving tables are short in size but big on style.

Small Kitchen Seating Ideas

Solve the kitchen seating quandary with practical yet pretty ways to take a seat at mealtime.

Country Kitchen Table Centerpieces

Whether your whole house has country charm, or you just want a touch of it in a kitchen table centerpiece, we've got tips on helping you get the look.

Unique Kitchen Table Ideas and Options

Finding a one-of-a-kind kitchen table that suits your personal style isn't as tough as you think. We share tips that simplify the process and help you find your perfect match.

Kitchen Table Design and Decorating Ideas

Choose the right kitchen table for your style, then learn how to decorate it so it looks beautiful every day.

11 More Amazing Home Sales to Shop During Way Day

Double your savings this week and snag luxury bedding sets, living room furniture, area rugs, tech and more from some of our favorite retailers.

Small Kitchen Table Ideas

Choosing the right table for your small kitchen doesn't have to give you heartburn. We'll walk you through it, from measuring to furniture layout.

Painted Kitchen Table Design Ideas

Got an old kitchen table that's just not doing it for you anymore? Don't trash it – paint it. We've got tons of ideas for styles and colors, and a few how-to tips to lead you to the painted kitchen table of your dreams.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.