Centerpiece ideas

To raise funds for its Nascare (Neighbors and Supporters Care) program, the Boca Raton Community Hospital ditched the typical ballroom setting in favor of a private hangar at the Boca Airport in 2006. Boston-based Rafanelli Events designed the event, which had a Nascar theme, inspired by the name of the hospital's cancer program. Tires served as unconventional vessels to hold flowers.

The Starlight Children's Foundation hosted its Starlight Gala, sponsored by Toys “R” Us, at Toronto's Fairmont Royal York Hotel earlier this year. With the goal of raising money for sick or injured children, organizers created a whimsical bash filled with circus-inspired ideas. To that end, fluffy white flowers spilled out of striped containers that were shaped like classic popcorn boxes.

For a 2009 West Elm opening in New York, event designer David Stark helped underscore the retailer’s dedication to environmental awareness by creating auction items made from packing materials. More than half the objects crafted by Stark were functional, including vases made from laser-cut cardboard. (Glass test tubes inside allow users to fill the flower holders with water.)