5 Easy 5 Minute Centerpiece Ideas for Summer

Summer entertaining is always a favorite time for creating beautiful tables with centerpieces full of fresh cut flowers and layers of pretty details. Creating magic and making memories with your guests is such a feel good thing that I think we have all been missing the past couple of years. Truth be told though- entertaining can also be tiring. In between making the food, cleaning the house & setting the table and stage for a beautiful evening- if you are like me- you probably also decide that EVERYTHING needs to be redecorated. I know. A tad crazy right? So today for Friday Favorites- we are talking easy. 5 Easy 5 Minute centerpiece ideas for summer entertaining.

Centerpiece Ideas

A few sanity savers are a good thing, right? Like having a list and notching things off early. Ordering a bakery cake and customizing it rather than making from scratch. And setting the table ahead of time- even days before the guests arrive- using flowers that will last and last.

Fresh Garland

Using garland as a centerpiece is a favorite look of mine all year long. And in spring and summer- it is all about those blooms. But I also love simple greenery garland as well- and one of my favorites for summer is eucalyptus.

You can use a fresh or faux eucalyptus garland for this look. In the table above- I used both. A faux garland with some fresh tucked in to add that delicious scent.

TIP: With simple greens garland- think outside the box for ideas. You can use magnolia leaves, ligustrum or boxwood clippings, lavender or eucalyptus. Then tuck a few vases of flowers in to finish the look.

Faux Garland

This is one of my favorite looks & I love that you can set the table days ahead of time without worry about anything wilting.

The first look is full of spring sunshine & warmth. This is French Market garland from one of my collections with Balsam Hill. When I created the fresh flower arrangement for this- it was all about a French countryside feeling.

These are subtle colors- like faded greens, pale yellow and soft purples that create a charming look anywhere you use them. This lighter color palette is perfect for brunch or lunch and lots of sunshine. For even more floral on the table- choose a full floral filled garland.

On Repeat

For something that is unique and beautiful – set the table with several small arrangements on repeat. This is another favorite look of mine- and the best part about these arrangements is that you can set them out weeks ahead of time and those blooms will be blooming away just like this since they are faux.

TIP: Use small arrangements on repeat marching down the center of the table to create an elegant look. Keep the blooms low to allow guests to have conversation over them- or place them offset from the chairs to keep the view open.

Garden Fresh

For a festive summer table- look to the garden- or kitchen. Using fresh and dried fruit in your centerpiece is an easy way to incorporate that seasonal bounty and create a centerpiece full of interest.

For this table from my book Inspired Gatherings– I used squatty peaches, plums and figs for a fresh touch. If you are setting a table out under the sun – set your table just hours ahead of time not days ahead of time. Between the sun and the creatures- your fresh fruit centerpiece won’t last long.

TIP: When using fresh fruit on the table- choose from seasonal fruits in the color palette you are using. Go bold or subtle with colors to fit your table. Peaches, Plums, Apricots, Apples, Citrus, Grapes and more are all wonderful to use.

Dried Florals

A simple, easy way to create a romantic centerpiece that will last in just a few minutes. Use dried flowers and flower petals.

This peony table is also from Inspired Gatherings- and though it started out as fresh flowers and freshly dropped petals- those petals turned into beautiful dried petals that I left there for the next table. You can dry your own flowers and petals or buy preserved to get the look.

Candle Ambiance

Using something like candles in a large amount on the table creates a centerpiece filled with ambiance and inspiration. While you can set the candles out ahead of time to stage the table leaving them Unlit of course – be mindful if placing in direct sun as the wicks may get lost. Safety first if using real candles- only light the candles when you are going to be right there at the table to keep an eye on them.

TIP: Use varying sizes of candles grouped together to create a centerpiece. Safety first- never leave real flame candles unattended. A safer choice is to use LED candles in place of real for the ambiance without the worry. You can find LED candles in many small sizes as well.

A table full of personality

That is really the key. Creating a table with a sprinkle of your own personality. Whether your style is all about fresh flowers or faux flowers. A little more drama with candles. Simple with a garland or abundant with fruit. It is all about taking your own personality and style and creating a centerpiece that will dazzle your guests.

Get the Look

The faux florals at Balsam Hill are on sale as part of their Christmas in July sale currently- a great time to grab what you love to enjoy all year long. And don’t forget to use coupon code CAJCOURTNEY50Off for an extra $50 off any purchase of $300 or more- including on top of sale prices.

Shop the sales HERE

Inspired Gatherings Book | French Market Collection | Napa Romance Collection