Non-Floral Centrepieces

Centrepieces don’t have to be big-budget to be fabulous. Here are some low-budget ideas using every-day materials:

• CDs – Don’t throw away scratched or out-dated CDs. You can use them like mirrors, as a base for votive candles. Cluster the CDs together for impact or line them up for a linear, modern effect.
• River rocks and twigs – Combine them with pillar candles for a unique and easy centrepiece.
• Fruits and veggies – Artfully arrange fruits and vegetables on a platter, that will go with your colour scheme. Cut some in half for an unusual effect. Opt for the hardier fruits rather than those that can go soft quickly. Good options are grapes, pears, eggplants, pineapples and apples.
• Leaves – use large tropical leaves or ferns, as a base for candles or framed photos.
• Books – If you’re into literature, why not try a stack of your favourite hard cover, vintage or leather-bound books wrapped with gorgeous fabric ribbon and topped with a small framed quotation from your favourite author.
• Laboratory equipment – For those researchers and chemistry lovers out there, how about floating candles in beakers and flasks or having test tubes of coloured water? It’s unusual but your guests may never stop talking about it!
• Sheet Music – Get the sheet music from your favourite songs and top with candles or small musical instruments and rose petals.