BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  1. Catering & Design
  2. Tabletop

table centerpiece ideas

September 18, 2013
The Mint Agency used sand, shells, and bowls holding live fish as centerpieces at the September premiere dinner for Spring Breakers during the Toronto International Film Festival.
The Mint Agency used sand, shells, and bowls holding live fish as centerpieces at the September premiere dinner for Spring Breakers during the Toronto International Film Festival.
Photo: Jennifer Meriano
For New York Design Center's table at Diffa’s Dining by Design in New York in 2011, Coffinier Ku Design folded red napkins into flower shapes and topped each one with a flower- and water-filled glass bowl.
For New York Design Center's table at Diffa’s Dining by Design in New York in 2011, Coffinier Ku Design folded red napkins into flower shapes and topped each one with a flower- and water-filled glass bowl.
Photo: Emily Gilbert for BizBash
Emmy Awards Governors Ball
Emmy Awards Governors Ball

Each of the 400 tables had its own distinctive look with a dramatic flower arrangement from La Premier that included silver manzanita branches, calla lilies, roses, and orchids. The ballroom continually changed colors throughout the evening thanks to Images by Lighting. Irma Hardjakusumah was the technical director. In addition to Patina's dinner—a menu that included a starter of Little Gem lettuce salad, a main of filet mignon, and a dessert of Caramelia Namelaka—Marich Confectionery premium chocolates and Beaulieu Vineyard paired for a wine and chocolate section in the event space. Grey Goose poured the night's signature "Emmy" cocktail.

Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball
Emmy Awards Governors Ball

This year the academy's Governors Ball got an imaginative enchanted forest theme, produced and designed by Sequoia Productions, led by Cheryl Cecchetto. Decor included stylized trees and an expansive canopy of futuristic faux foliage hanging overhead. Bill Ferrell Company and Sosa Sisters handled the scenic fabrication, and pieces from Classic Party Rentals, Lux Lounge Event Furniture Rentals, and Resource One linens contributed to the overall look.

Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball
Emmy Awards Governors Ball

Goodman Audio met the challenge of working with a circular, rotating stage for the live entertainment, and all the sound equipment was in the ceiling of the convention hall, out of sight. Icarus handled the rigging.

Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball
Emmy Awards Governors Ball

Jessica Mauboy, the Red Hot Band, L.A. County High School for the Arts, and Lucent Dossier provided the evening's entertainers.

Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
HBO Emmys Party
HBO Emmys Party

HBO's huge bash, overseen by vice president of special events Cindy Tenner with designer collaborator Billy Butchkavitz, took place in the Pacific Design Center's fountain plaza. Organizers took inspiration for the massive, colorful alfresco party space from peacock feathers, with a color palette of blue and green with silver accents.

Photo: Gabor Ekecs
HBO Emmys Party
HBO Emmys Party

Inside HBO's clear tent, a 28-foot-high, 24-foot-round chandelier from Set Masters was the party's centerpiece, and a lounge within the structure provided additional seating.

Photo: Gabor Ekecs
HBO Emmys Party
HBO Emmys Party

Abstract peacock feather designs decked everything from the carpeting to floral vessels and linens. Translucent blue skin dressed the event's custom dining pavilion. Rentals came from Town & Country.

Photo: Gabor Ekecs
HBO Emmys Party
HBO Emmys Party

A 200-foot-wide, 25-foot-tall upholstered wall, created by Special Event Contractors, created an unmissable backdrop for an installation of blue and green lanterns. Images by Lighting handled the lighting, and Bart Kresa handled the projection design.

Photo: Gabor Ekecs
HBO Emmys Party
HBO Emmys Party

Wolfgang Puck created a custom menu for the event that included passed hors d'oeuvres, dinner, and dessert—with selections like chilled Maine lobster and salted caramel pecan brownie tarts. Hot Club Vignati and DJ Spider provided the entertainment. A Lorac makeup lounge—conveniently located right next to the photo station—provided touchups during the evening.

Photo: Gabor Ekecs
HBO Emmys Party
HBO Emmys Party

The colorful peacock theme carried through to the graphic press wall.

Photo: Gabor Ekecs
Television Academy Emmy Receptions
Television Academy Emmy Receptions

The Television Academy, led by executive producer Barbara Chase, hosts an array of peer group receptions leading up to and in support of the big night—like receptions for music nominees, writer nominees, diversity and SAG-Aftra nominees, and others. The theme for all of these events at the Television Academy’s Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre is consistent from reception to reception; this year, it was “Fly Emmy International,” inspired by the 1960s-era flight.

Photo: Invision for Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Television Academy Emmy Receptions
Television Academy Emmy Receptions

At the 1960s-theme Emmy receptions, an arrivals and departures board set up over the bars listed the signature cocktails provided by Grey Goose.

Photo: Invision for Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Television Academy Emmy Receptions
Television Academy Emmy Receptions

At the Emmy receptions, vintage suitcases and clocks sat along the entranceway alongside a “Fly Emmy International” sign. Four menus from Savore Catering & Events represented various airlines and cuisines: Italian Airlines, Island Airways (serving Asian-fusion dishes), Air USA (serving American food), and Mediterranean Air. Waitstaff wore '60s-style attire. Items from the Universal and Warner Brothers property departments added to the vintage look and feel.

Photo: Invision for Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Audi Green Room
Audi Green Room

For the second year Audi was the official sponsor of the Emmys' backstage greenroom and this time collaborated with fashion brand Altuzarra to create a stylish and luxe space for nominees, presenters, and award recipients at the show. The Event Eleven-produced setting featured pieces of vintage furniture, custom-made sofas (one with built-in phone chargers), subdued lighting, and a grey and purple color palette.

Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.
Audi Green Room
Audi Green Room

Meant to showcase the features found in Audi’s TDI vehicles, the materials, lighting, and furniture within the Audi greenroom focused on elements of efficiency and luxury, exemplified by items like a bar cart.

Photo: Michael Buckner/WireImage
HBO Luxury Lounge
HBO Luxury Lounge

Inside HBO's luxury lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Motorola gifted its new Motorola Moto X smartphone. To promote the colorful gadgets, the brand set up a candy-bar buffet in colors that matched the handsets.

Photo: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
HBO Luxury Lounge
HBO Luxury Lounge

Jewelry brand (and returning company to HBO's luxury lounge) Pandora came up with a new twist on gifting its products this season: Guests pulled open bow-tied drawers to discover a printed card that corresponded to a jewelry gift. Other sponsors around the space included Solstice Sunglasses, Logitech, and the Four Seasons spa.

Photo: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
HBO Luxury Lounge
HBO Luxury Lounge

Sephora and Marc Jacobs Beauty provided makeup touch-ups and manicures in a Four Seasons suite transformed into a sleek black-and-white salon-like space.

Photo: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
Bafta Los Angeles Tea
Bafta Los Angeles Tea

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles hosted its annual Bafta Los Angeles TV Tea at the SLS Hotel on Saturday, honoring this year's nominees from America and Europe. Sponsors included BBC America and Audi along with American Airlines and Champagne Taittinger.

Photo: Kevork Djansezian/BAFTA LA/Getty Images for BAFTA LA
Bafta Los Angeles Tea
Bafta Los Angeles Tea

Floral centerpieces paid homage to England, and nominees enjoyed traditionally British tea and scones, as well as cocktails. Guests could also bid on silent auction items to raise funds for Bafta Los Angeles's community outreach and education programs.

Photo: Frazer Harrison/BAFTA LA/Getty Images for BAFTA LA
'Los Angeles Confidential' Magazine Pre-Emmy Party
'Los Angeles Confidential' Magazine Pre-Emmy Party

Emmy nominee and Homeland star Morena Baccarin hosted Los Angeles Confidential magazine’s Emmy kickoff party at Mr. C Beverly Hills, produced in partnership with Alor Swiss Watches and Moroccanoil. Ketel One vodka poured its spirits at an ice bar.

Photo: Mike Windle/WireImage
'Los Angeles Confidential' Magazine Pre-Emmy Party
'Los Angeles Confidential' Magazine Pre-Emmy Party

At Mr. C for the Los Angeles Confidential preparty, produced by NVE: the Experience Agency, Earth Harp Collective performed live music using harp strings rigged through the venue.

Photo: Imeh Akpanudosen/WireImage
Audi and Altuzarra Pre-Emmy Party
Audi and Altuzarra Pre-Emmy Party

Audi and Altuzarra kicked the festivities off early with a preparty at Cecconi's a full week ahead of the awards. Event Eleven produced and designed the event, where an Audi gobo shone over the entrance and a backdrop took inspiration from a photo taken at the end of a Fashion Week runway. "Because we had a fashion partner, we thought it would be fun to incorporate a subliminal touch. The lights at the top are custom parabolic lamps meant to evoke flash bulbs going off," said Event Eleven's Tony Schubert.
 

Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Audi
Audi and Altuzarra Pre-Emmy Party
Audi and Altuzarra Pre-Emmy Party

At the Audi preparty, Event Eleven's Schubert said the backdrop wall had a graphic print meant to make a "bold, loud statement in the space."

Photo: Getty Images
Bellafortuna Emmy Gifting Suite
Bellafortuna Emmy Gifting Suite

Decor at the Bellafortuna awards gifting suite at the Montage Beverly Hills included a giant horse alongside a photo-ready throne-like bench.

Photo: Michael Bezjian/WireImage
Emmy Awards Giving Suite
Emmy Awards Giving Suite

At Backstage Creations' Emmy Awards Giving Suite for celebrities backstage at the Nokia Theatre, Josh Johnson designed a luxe, primarily white-hued central seating area to give what is ordinarily a standard subterranean room within the venue a decidedly more chic look.

Photo: Adrian Sidney/Invision for Backstage Creations/AP Images
'Entertainment Weekly' Pre-Emmy Party
'Entertainment Weekly' Pre-Emmy Party

Entertainment Weekly's annual pre-Emmy party took over Fig & Olive in West Hollywood. Guests hung out in the gallery-inspired L’Oréal Paris butterfly lounge and snapped pictures in the Bebe photo booth.

Photo: Alexandra Wyman/Invision for Entertainment Weekly/AP Images
Showtime's Emmy Eve Pre-Emmy Party
Showtime's Emmy Eve Pre-Emmy Party

On Saturday, Showtime hosted its "Emmy Eve" party at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, toasting the network’s record 31 nominations. A gobo projecting the brand's logo helped decorate the space.

Photo: Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Showtime/AP Images
Showtime's Emmy Eve Pre-Emmy Party
Showtime's Emmy Eve Pre-Emmy Party

Svedka provided specialty cocktails at bars topped with framed social media prompts, and Georgetown Cupcake Los Angeles supplied on-theme cupcakes.

Photo: Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Showtime/AP Images
'Variety' and Women in Film Pre-Emmy Party
'Variety' and Women in Film Pre-Emmy Party

Variety and Women in Film toasted the female Emmy nominees with a party at Scarpetta at Montage Beverly Hills. Talent signed a board and cork holder from Gallo Family Vineyards, a piece Women in Film will auction at its big fund-raiser later this year. In a similar activation for sponsor Yoplait Greek, the brand donated $100 per signature to breast cancer research.

Photo: Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images for Variety
Here's an on-theme idea for a rustic farm-to-table dinner: At last year's Lowline 'Anti-Gala,' moss-filled Mason jars served as table numbers.
Here's an on-theme idea for a rustic farm-to-table dinner: At last year's Lowline "Anti-Gala," moss-filled Mason jars served as table numbers.
Photo: Andrew Martin
For a wedding produced by AaB Creates at the Altman Building in 2012, the table numbers popped out of the pages of open books. The numbers were carved out of the books' pages using an X-Acto knife.
For a wedding produced by AaB Creates at the Altman Building in 2012, the table numbers popped out of the pages of open books. The numbers were carved out of the books' pages using an X-Acto knife.
Photo: Dave Robbins Photography
Instead of going in numerical order at the October 2011 dinner for Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art's anniversary, each table number represented an important year in the museum's 75-year history.
Instead of going in numerical order at the October 2011 dinner for Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art's anniversary, each table number represented an important year in the museum's 75-year history.
Photo: Liz Linder
Balloons
Balloons
In January, the Walrus Foundation hosted a fund-raiser with travel-themed decor in Toronto, where Balloon Trix created centerpieces meant to resemble hot-air balloons.
Photo: Carla Warrilow/BizBash
The “Facing Center” iPad centerpieces from Keep Interacting allow organizers to incorporate photos and other information into an event’s table decor. Launched earlier this year, the iPads display a slideshow of photos, product images, sponsor information, or other content provided by the event’s host ahead of time. Then, at the event, the company provides a photographer to take photos that are instantly added to the display. Using the touch screens, guests can also share the images on social media, send them via email, and order printed copies to pick up from a kiosk on site.
The “Facing Center” iPad centerpieces from Keep Interacting allow organizers to incorporate photos and other information into an event’s table decor. Launched earlier this year, the iPads display a slideshow of photos, product images, sponsor information, or other content provided by the event’s host ahead of time. Then, at the event, the company provides a photographer to take photos that are instantly added to the display. Using the touch screens, guests can also share the images on social media, send them via email, and order printed copies to pick up from a kiosk on site.
Photo: Courtesy of Keep Interacting
The 13th annual Friends of the High Line benefit, held at New York’s Pier 57 in May, centered on photographs of the High Line taken through the years. In lieu of the event’s usual foliage-heavy centerpieces, printed photographs were scattered atop raised Lucite platforms, which were eventually also used to hold the night's family-style dinner platters.
The 13th annual Friends of the High Line benefit, held at New York’s Pier 57 in May, centered on photographs of the High Line taken through the years. In lieu of the event’s usual foliage-heavy centerpieces, printed photographs were scattered atop raised Lucite platforms, which were eventually also used to hold the night's family-style dinner platters.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Instead of centerpieces, David Stark Design created lazy Susans rimmed in white LED lights that made sharing the antipasto easier at New York’s Robin Hood Foundation benefit in May.
Instead of centerpieces, David Stark Design created lazy Susans rimmed in white LED lights that made sharing the antipasto easier at New York’s Robin Hood Foundation benefit in May.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Latest in Tabletop
David Stark also created unique centerpieces for the 2018 Robin Hood benefit, also held at the Javits Center. The event, which had a “Lights of New York” theme, featured three-sided mini marquee centerpieces that offered messages of gratitude and celebrated the organization's anniversary.
Tabletop
15 Unexpected Centerpieces We Can't Stop Thinking About
Wow Attendees with a Tablescape From ART2TABLE
Tabletop
Why This Event Prof Left New York to Start Her Own Business in the Caribbean
Holiday Table Inspiration From Dine by Design
Tabletop
How Apartment Therapy and Pinterest Came Together to Create Showstopping Tablescapes—Just in Time for the Holidays
In September, Blueprint Studios designed and produced the San Francisco Opera’s Centennial Celebration Gala. At the arrival reception and dinner, an indigo and goldenrod color palette found in the table linens and flatware was especially striking. The team at the San Francisco-based event production company also used a mix of periodic textiles such as velvet, leather, crystal, mirror, and ostrich plumes throughout. See more: Over-the-Top Design Inspiration From Two of San Francisco's Most Swoon-Worthy Galas
Tabletop
10 Stunning Tabletop Looks We've Loved Recently
Related Stories
A mix of round and rectangular clear Lucite tables formed the dinner setup in the atrium. The sleek look was matched by clear chargers and ghost chairs; clusters of pillar candles replaced flowers as centerpieces.
Tabletop
Centerpiece
Hermes Beverly Hills Flagship Store Opening Party
Tabletop
10 Best Ideas of the Week: Target's Interactive Wall, Aveda's Grassy Tables, Charmin's N.F.L. Activation
Diffa Chicago's 'Believe' 2013
Tabletop
Table setting
The iPad centerpieces from Keep Interacting can be customized for events.
Tabletop
Centerpieces
More in Tabletop
Tabletop
15 Unexpected Centerpieces We Can't Stop Thinking About
From interactive musical instruments to marquee signage to mini cityscapes, here are some of the most unique event centerpieces we’ve spotted over the years.
David Stark also created unique centerpieces for the 2018 Robin Hood benefit, also held at the Javits Center. The event, which had a “Lights of New York” theme, featured three-sided mini marquee centerpieces that offered messages of gratitude and celebrated the organization's anniversary.
Tabletop
Why This Event Prof Left New York to Start Her Own Business in the Caribbean
Meagan Hundt spent over a decade producing events in Manhattan—but the pandemic brought her to St. Barts. Now she's creating intricate tablescapes with her newly launched company, ART2TABLE.
Wow Attendees with a Tablescape From ART2TABLE
Tabletop
How Apartment Therapy and Pinterest Came Together to Create Showstopping Tablescapes—Just in Time for the Holidays
In perfect timing with the season of gathering, 10 designers brought their own personal style to the table—literally—at Dine By Design, inspiring guests to get creative with their holiday place settings in the coming weeks.
Holiday Table Inspiration From Dine by Design
Tabletop
10 Stunning Tabletop Looks We've Loved Recently
From florals encased in ice to a French-inspired dining vignette, we've rounded up a handful of looks that made us wish we had a seat at every table.
In September, Blueprint Studios designed and produced the San Francisco Opera’s Centennial Celebration Gala. At the arrival reception and dinner, an indigo and goldenrod color palette found in the table linens and flatware was especially striking. The team at the San Francisco-based event production company also used a mix of periodic textiles such as velvet, leather, crystal, mirror, and ostrich plumes throughout. See more: Over-the-Top Design Inspiration From Two of San Francisco's Most Swoon-Worthy Galas
Tabletop
8 Tabletop Design Ideas for a Mother's Day Luncheon
However you're celebrating the upcoming holiday—whether over Zoom or in person—make it an occasion to remember with a thoughtful tablescape.
Another inspiration tabletop spotted at DIFFA's annual event, this ethereal display marries feminine hues with metallic touches for a showstopping setting—certainly better suited for those with a go-big-or-go-home mindset. See more: 18 Dining and Tabletop Ideas From Diffa's 2019 Dining by Design
Tabletop
#ThrowbackThursday: 12 Inspirational Installations From DIFFA's Dining By Design
Looking for some inspiration? Look no further. While DIFFA's signature fundraiser has been postponed until 2021, we're taking a look back at top moments from years past as an ode to the creativity-filled benefit.
Novita Communications partnered with design studio Maiarelli Studio to create an installation that aimed to connect reading with the feeling of empathy. Instead of plates, open overturned books covering the topic of AIDS occupied the place settings, and stacks of books served as table legs.
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside This High-Tech, Multisensory Experience from Don Julio
Strategy
How U.S. Event Planners Can Navigate Global Attendance Challenges
Meetings
C2 Montreal 2025: How the Business Conference Puts Creativity in 'Motion'
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
This Event Turned Home Decor Into a Celebration of Latinas' Life Moments
Event Design & Decor
How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future
Trends
What's New in Meetings and Trade Shows: MPI WEC Heads to St. Louis, New Trends Report Shows Corporate Events on the Rise, and More
Sponsored
Event Planners Are Thinking Micro To Bring Back Live Events
Coastal Cool - One of many hyper-curated tablescapes from Hestia Harlow, the newly launched event platform that's creating a revolution in our industry.
Event Design & Decor
Forecast: 10 New Products & Ideas for Summer Events
Ideas, products, trends, and other new stuff to have on your radar from across North America.
The Lodge at Sonoma recently launched its Sonoma Bike Tour program, created in partnership with Mission Bicycle Company, a boutique bicycle shop in San Francisco. The program features an insider’s guide to spots in Sonoma within biking distance, and the Ultimate Wine Country Bike Tour Package (starting at $344) includes the use of two custom wine-colored bikes made exclusively for the lodge. Plus, guests can go on a scavenger hunt with stops and tasks at participating locations such as tasting the special “Vella” cheese at the Vella Creamery.
Event Design & Decor
5 Cool Ways to Use Graffiti at Events
Street-style tagging adds color and vibrance to events. Here are some eye-catching, out-of-the-box ways to use graffiti in tabletop design, rentals, catering, and more.
2. Brighten up a seating area.
Printing & Graphics
10 Creative Menu Designs Your Guests Will Eat Up
Here are some ways to make the menu look as appealing as the meal printed on it.
For a private wedding, held at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington in March 2018, Favored by Yodit Events & Design and By Dami Studios created golden menus with cherry blossom frames to mimic the event’s theme.
Tabletop
18 Dining and Tabletop Ideas From Diffa's 2019 Dining by Design
From a whimsical peacock-feather tablecloth to trompe l’oeil details, the fund-raising event offered up cool, creative, and clever concepts for decor, lighting, themes, and more.
Novita Communications partnered with design studio Maiarelli Studio to create an installation that aimed to connect reading with the feeling of empathy. Instead of plates, open, overturned books, each covering the topic of AIDS, occupied the place settings and stacks of books served as table legs.
Tabletop
10 Best Ideas of the Week: a D.I.Y. Gin Spritz Wall, Warhol-Inspired Poppy Centerpieces, a Vintage Typewriter Installation
Here's a look at 10 steal-worthy ideas we spotted this week.
It’s A Thing Experience
Page 1 of 45
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.