Flower Free Centerpieces

There are many other items you can use to create dynamic and unique centerpieces without flowers. Below are 15 ideas based on feathers, glassware and candles. Do not feel limited by this list! Do not be afraid to use your imagination and be creative. Or, forego centerpieces all together. Opulent or eclectic place settings often look beautiful on their own. Many of the materials listed below can be purchased new or found in your local thrift shop. More decor ideas from Denver DIY Bride can be found here.

Feathers

Faux or real feathers can be an exotic addition to centerpieces. Most feathers pair well with jewel tones, pearls and leather. You may be able to find feathers in the craft section of thrift stores, or as part of a wreath that can be taken apart. Buying feathers new ensures they do not look worn and that they will not be bent.

1. Fill tall vases or wine bottles with bunches of peacock, pheasant or ostrich feathers.
2. Fill a martini glass with pearls, add water and float a small feather on top.
3. Drape or scatter longer feathers over other elements like book stacks or lace.
4. Fill a mason jar with small feathers and add a flameless tealight candle on top.
5. Create a weather of feathers to go around the base of  a tall vase. Put a flameless candle in the vase.

Small feathers like these can be floated in glasses or vases. 

Stemware and Glass

Opulent stemware and glass pieces can be arranged symmetrically or eclectically depending on the theme and tone of your reception. Look for glassware in thrift shops, your family and friends’ garages, buy nothing groups or buy specific items new.

6. Fill martini or wine glasses with fairy lights, pearl strings, colored marbles or stones.
7. Arrange several styles of wine glasses together, fill half way with water and float a small candle in each.
8. Larger glass pieces such as trifle dishes, wide cylinders and mason jars, can be filled with pinecones, book pages or costume jewelry.
9. Fill small glass dishes, such as salt cellars or cut glass cream pitchers with Jordan almonds.
10. Arrange vintage teacups and saucers on top of a short book stack. Leave as is or drape strings of pearls in and around the teacups.

Wine bottles are available in green, brown and clear glass. Fill with fairy lights or a long feather.

Candles & Lanterns

Flameless candles and lanterns come in all shapes and sizes. They can easily be paired with any of the centerpiece components mentioned in this post or stand alone.

11. For a long table, add a table runner and a candle or lantern every 10 inches for a minimalist centerpiece.
12. Group a candles in different sizes on top of a mirrored plate. Drape with pearls.
13. Fill a lantern with a flameless candle.
14. Antique candelabras with regular or flameless candles are dramatic and glamorous.
15. Fill teacups with melted wax and a wick to make a unique accent for centerpieces (follow wax melting instructions for best results).

Flameless taper candles look gorgeous in candelabras and in candlesticks. They add drama to any tablespace.

Three to six inch tall candles add light to table top lanterns, which make charming centerpieces.