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20 Offbeat, Eye-Catching Dining Room Centerpiece Ideas
Because food isn’t the only thing that can take center stage.
Dinner parties aren’t always about the food. Well, the food is a big part. We’d argue the best part. But, there’s more that goes into crafting the perfect night than figuring out what hors d’oeuvres to serve. Ideally, your guests will leave raving about your aesthetic, just as much as your culinary creations. And that’s why you should get a nice centerpiece. From multi-colored acrylic games to surreal candelabras and show-stopping sculptures, here’s our run-down of the best centerpieces to make your dining table stand out.
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The Lively One
If there’s one thing millennials love, it’s plants. And avocado toast. Oh, and the color pink. But mostly plants. Add some greenery to your dining room with a small pilea peperomioides (also known as a Chinese money plant) for a nice leafy/trendy touch.
Get The Sill Pilea Peperomioides ($35) →
The Crystal One
This iridescent, irregular vase from Fundamental Berlin is the perfect canister to show off your favorite fresh flowers, dried flowers, or abnormally large, hip monstera leaf. (On an unrelated note: you can also see this crystal vase featured on the show Star Trek: Picard.)
Get Fundamental Berlin Regenbogen Vase ($115) →
The Tempting One
We’re just going to come out and say it: having a cake stand in the middle of your table is the perfect excuse to always have cake. That’s why you should pick up this pink, milk glass wonder that will make any confection stand out.
Get Mosser Glass Pink Milk Glass Cake Stand ($85) →
The Showstopper
This opalescent glass sculpture from Laura Kramer’s Rhode Island-based LBK Studio features bubbling shapes that resemble natural barnacles. Totally unique and handmade, it’s an investment piece that’s bound to amaze anyone who lays eyes on it.
Get Small Barnacle Sculpture Amber ($550) →
The Moody One
Set the mood with a simple brass candle wreath. Beautiful yet functional, you can jazz this up with multicolored taper candles or keep things straightforward with a single color.
Get Gleaming Taper Candle Wreath ($28-$38) →
The Thirsty One
Here’s how to hydrate in the most artful way possible. Hay’s glass jug boasts an uneven shape which makes it a functional yet distinctive way to always have the proper amount of water on your table.
The Handsy One
Set the tone with this surreal candelabra that’s bound to get some attention at whatever dinner party you are hosting. Crafted from high-fired porcelain, this piece is as sensual as it is stylish.
The Forever One
Yeah, we know. Dried flowers can be pricey. But look at these. East Olivia’s assortment of dried pastel flowers in a white porcelain vase (which is included) will last for years. Worth it.
Get The Samantha, Spring XL ($175) →
The Salty One
Not only is this handmade pepper mill/salt grinder set useful, but it’s gorgeous as well. Available in various woods (from oak to zebrano), this is a lovingly crafted duo that will stand the test of time.
Get Antique salt and pepper mill set ($149+) →
The DIY One
Terrariums can be whatever you want them to be — which is pretty special if you ask us. Anthropologie’s 12"-wide glass piece is the perfect vessel to fill with whatever succulents, moss, rocks, crystals, or plants you desire.
Get Spotlight Terrarium ($68) →
The Fun One
Who said centerpieces can’t be interactive? Do it up with this multi-colored jumbling tower so your guests can enjoy playtime after dinner. Just be sure to remove your plates and bowls from the table first.
Get Lucite Stacking Tower Game ($150) →
The Wiggly One
To say we are obsessed with this wiggly candelabra is an understatement. Virginia Sin’s modern stoneware piece holds up to six candles and is both effortlessly chic and totally hip.
Get SIN Weylyn Candelabra ($150) →
The Minimal One
Sometimes, simple things are the most beautiful. This handcrafted staggered vase, for example. It’s a sleek, elegant, and understated way to showcase the stems of your choosing.
The Functional One
Hand-shaped by artisans in Bali, each of these bowls is totally unique and made out of onyx (and onyx only). In other words, this piece is an absolute stunner. But it’s also useful. Keep it empty or fill it up with colorful fruits and veggies — either way, you’ll have something spectacular.
Get Onyx Raw Edge Bowl ($129) →
The Saucy One
These borosilicate glass vessels will bring a certain science-lab quality to your dining room (in the best way possible). Fill them with vinegars, sauces, oils, or whatever else you want to make your dinner party extra glamorous.
Get Geometric Glass & Brass Vessels ($120) →
The Lit One
Who says you need a candelabra to have a lit centerpiece. Get it? Lit? Okay, we’re done. But really, this is basically the ultimate taper candle, and it’s destined to get some compliments. Choose from neon yellow or a red-and-white motif reminiscent of candy canes.
Get Lex Pott Twist Duo Standing Taper Candle ($40) →
The Artsy One
Minimalist ceramic pieces are currently trendier than investing in cryptocurrency — and we love the rounded clean lines and wholesome nature of this duo. Not to mention there’s nothing more aspirational than having a modern art sculpture in the middle of your table.
Get Luxury Minimalist Ceramic Gifts Art Ornaments ($99+) →
The Timely One
Is it nice to lose track of time during a meal? Sometimes. Other times, we want our kids to finish their veggies in less than an hour. Keep this unique hourglass vase as a fun, interactive way to time stamp a dinner or two.
Get Times Colored Hourglass Vase ($20) →
The Outdoorsy One
Dining tables aren’t only made for the indoors. Warm weather calls for late-night meals under the stars. But starlight isn’t usually... enough light. A large citronella-scented candle will light up your space with a warm glow and makes for a chic accent piece.
Get Citronella Ancona Ceramic Candle ($25, was $38) →
The Twisted One
Mix and match these knotted sculptures to make whatever type of look you’re craving. Buy them individually, or get a whole set of these handblown glass pieces to make for more of a spectacle.