Lunch Centerpiece Ideas

Choosing a dining table centerpiece can be a daunting task simply because of the sheer number of decorating possibilities. To make the decision more manageable, let the season dictate your next luncheon centerpiece choice. Seasonal materials are more readily available and are often more budget-friendly. Locally grown fruit, vegetables, flowers and greenery can go from the field or nursery to the table in just a few hours. Does this Spark an idea?

Spring

Fill three chunky round or square clear vases with water and fresh flowers. Give a summer luncheon table an unexpected look by leaving the bulbs or roots attached. Wash away all the soil so that they show off their organic form through the glass. Hyacinths are a perfect choice for this centerpiece. For Easter, use Majolica-style bunnies and chicks placed amongst beautifully decorated eggs on a bed of colorful Easter grass.

Summer

Consider edible centerpieces of summer fruits or vegetables for your next mid-day party. Whether composed of cut fruit with toppings, vegetables ready to dip or whole fruit for eating out of hand, these centerpieces not only look great, but are a tasty addition to a summer lunch. To add an extra festive touch, dip whole, ripe strawberries in dark, white and milk chocolate and serve on skewers anchored in a whole pineapple. For the 4th of July holiday, use a patriotic theme with Uncle Sam's top hat decorated in red, white and blue ribbon and filled with fresh baked sugar cookies topped with matching sprinkles.

Autumn

Make a big statement at a fall luncheon by arranging a mass of flowers in all the colors of the season. Chrysanthemums are readily available at this time of year and bring a deep vibrant color palette to the table. Around the flowers, scatter leaves, acorns and other natural elements offered by plants and trees in the autumn. Creativity and carving skills can reign at Halloween time. Meticulously carve small pumpkins and set among lots of spooky signs of the season. For Thanksgiving, use pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds and winter squash decoratively arranged on autumn leaves.

Winter

Create a winter wonderland tablescape with white, glittering silver and candlelight. Or dress your table in fragrant fresh evergreens with pine cones and deep red berries. Candles are naturals for the winter luncheon table because of the light and warmth they can bring inside on a cold and dreary day. For Christmas, use an old fashioned Santa standing in the middle of a large silver platter surrounded by petits fours decorated to look like tiny presents.