Flower Arangements

• While flowers are a traditional centerpiece, they can still look creative and elegant. Create a layered look with a small vase in the center holding 3 to 5 flowers that match the primary color for the gala. Insert small flowers like babies breath into the vase to frame the main flowers and place this on the table. Cut a the stems of a second flower that is a secondary color for the event to about 4 inches and layer these in a circle around the base of the vase. Accent the circle of flowers with strings of ivy just inside the circle for a complete arrangement.
  
  

Fruit Arrangements

• Fruit bouquets make beautiful and vibrant centerpieces that don't have to go to waste, because people can eat them as part of dessert. You can order these from fruit arrangement companies or make your own. Stick chunks of fruit onto the end of skewers and mount the other end of the skewers into a foam base. Choose the biggest pieces for the center and work your way around it from there. You can group fruits by layers or mix different types all around. Wrap the exposed base with a brightly colored ribbon and secure the end with a dot of hot glue.
  
  

Candy Towers

• Candy like chocolates and caramels often come in shiny foils or bright wrappers, and a tower of candy is a creative centerpiece that brings a sense of whimsy to your gala decorations. The shape of your foam base will determine the shape of the tower. You may want to choose a single shape for all tables or mix and match them. Lollipops can be stuck directly into the foam from the sticks and small candies can be glued on with a low temperature hot glue gun. Make sure you cover the entire foam base so only candy wrappers show through or wrap it in fabric before affixing the candy pieces. At the end of the night, attendees can bring the towers home to enjoy.
  
  

Candle Displays

• Candles create a romantic atmosphere, and you can add this mood lighting to your gala while decorating your tables at the same time. Start with a circle or square mirror as a base and arrange 3-5 candles on top of it. You can use all one color or have a large center candle in one color with flanking candles in another. Glue these down to the mirrors with hot glue to keep them steady. Sprinkle the mirror with non-flammable flower petals, rhinestones, glitter or tinsel to add another layer of elegance and design.