It’s hard to believe that something that grows right in your front yard can be so expensive, but we saw your eyes widen at the price tag on that floral centerpiece. Whether it’s a wedding, an anniversary, a fun summer bash or your gram’s 90th birthday, floral centerpieces can take a big bite out of your pocket. Thankfully, some highly crafty and creative people have come up with beautiful and affordable centerpieces that don’t involve flowers. Check out these 21 gorgeous non-floral arrangements, but don’t tell your florist!
1. Pom Poms: Thinking those paper party pom poms are out of style? Think again. String those babies together in one shape or lay them out in piles along a table for tons of color. (via Mokkasin)
2. Fruit: Colorful fruit can give you lots of color options for your centerpiece. Genius. (via Events Cherished)
3. Glitter Candles: Candles make a lovely glitter-and-glow centerpiece on their own, but who says you can’t add some actual glitter to them? As we always say, the more sparkle the better. (via A Practical Wedding)
4. Winter Cotton: This pick is a great in-between for nature and affordability. Not to mention the clean white look it provides. (via Ruffled)
5. Paper Flowers: Just because you can’t afford the real thing doesn’t mean you have to forgo flowers altogether. Make these paper beauties for your wow-worthy centerpiece. (via Scissors)
6. Pinwheels: Paper pinwheels make a simple go-to for an outdoor summer party. Let your guests take one home! (via Laurel Lane)
7. Succulents: Low planters filled with succulents are a great way to add some green to your centerpiece without breaking the bank. (via Willard and May)
8. Wooden Cubes: This DIY centerpiece is perfect for your Pinterest-worthy party. You can even choose your own color scheme. (via Tell Love and Chocolate)
9. Arrows: Homemade arrows are a centerpiece even the kids can help make! Don’t forget some arrow typography on those invites to match. (via Hostess with the Mostess)
10. Antlers: Looking for some rustic outdoor table decor? Antlers add a natural mountainous vibe that makes everyone feel woodsy. (via Oh Lovely Day)
11. String Shapes: Shapes like these are a bright, budget-friendly way to fill the middle of your table. Add some twinkle lights to be super fancy. (via The Knot)
12. Goldfish: Take your guests under the sea with this swimming centerpiece. They make great party game prizes, too. (via DIY Network)
13. Geometric Shapes: Replace bright flowers with bright geometric shapes that you can buy or DIY. We might have to throw a party just to use this awesome idea. (via Ruffled)
14. Painted Pumpkins: Are the colors for your fall shindig not really fall colors? That’s okay! Paint your pumpkins to match your theme. (via A Practical Wedding)
15. Monochromatic: Make a hodgepodge centerpiece look super coordinated with a little spray paint. That means anything, of any color, could be thrown into this centerpiece and still work. (via Philly Mag)
16. Tasseled Balloons: Balloons certainly help add to the festive feel of a party. Add some tassels and get ready to shimmy! (via Jordan McBride)
17. Apple Crate: You don’t have to be Snow White to love apples. Take advantage of the orchards and put a stack in the middle of your table. (via Polka Dot Bride)
18. Mossy Ideas: Succulents aren’t the only affordable green. Make this the centerpiece for a perfectly green tea party. (via Etsy)
19. Cotton Candy: How can you resist such a simple and yummy centerpiece? Your kids will thank you. (via Martha Stewart Weddings)
20. Heart Branches: This arrangement certainly spreads the love. We adore the pop of color that the pitcher brings to the table with it. (via Alisa Burke)
21. Feathers: Just some feathers and a wooden block? Sounds simple enough! Dip dye the ends of the feathers for a colorful, sparkly style. (via A Practical Wedding)
Do you have an epic non-floral centerpiece? We’d love to hear about it! Share below!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.