Outdoor Party Centerpiece Ideas

Outdoor party centerpieces must be able to withstand wind and the possibility of a few raindrops. They should reflect the theme of the party. For example, if yours is a beach party, use plastic pails to contain chips and plastic shovels for scoops. Outdoor party centerpieces can involve fountains, fire, food or flowers.

Buy a small tabletop fountain from a garden supply store. They come in a wide variety of themes, colors and textures. Set up the table so that the fountain can be plugged in or connected to a hose. Use flowers and candles to accentuate the colors and shape of the fountain.

If your outdoor party happens in the evening, fire can be a feature of your centerpiece, as long as you take safety precautions. A series of large pillar candles set inside clear hurricane lamps makes a great outdoor centerpiece. Wrapping ribbon or grape vines around the lamp makes interesting shadows on the tablecloth. Another very attractive outdoor centerpiece can be made by floating small candles in a crystal bowl filled with water and floating flower petals.

Traditional floral arrangements make wonderful centerpieces inside as well as outdoors. To make the bouquet stable enough to withstand sudden breezes, use a very heavy vase. Then insert the stems into moist floral foam.

Edible centerpieces can be cute, attractive or elegant. Carve a basket into a large watermelon. Then fill it with melon balls, berries and pineapple slices. Use a whole pineapple as the body of an edible monkey. Carve eye sockets into a honeydew melon. Use toothpicks to place grapes into the eye sockets. Attach orange halves using toothpicks for ears and for a muzzle. Make each arm out of a banana, again attached by toothpicks to the pineapple. In fact, you can sculpt anything using fruits and vegetables. These edible centerpieces are popular in cruise ship dining rooms, but there is nothing difficult about making them for your outdoor party.