Quick Dinner Party Centerpieces

Just as the menu doesn't have to be fancy, a casual centerpiece is an ideal choice for a last-minute dinner party.

Forget elaborate floral arrangements. Just use what you already have around the house. It costs no money and very little time.

Candles are a classic choice for the table, so group a bunch of them in the center. It doesn't matter if they are votives, pillars or in jars. Once lit, they will make a stunning focal point.

For a casual and organic centerpiece, head out to the backyard to collect a few branches. Choose some with or without leaves and blooms depending on the season, and place them all in a tall vase, jar or pitcher.

An unexpected dinner party centerpiece comes from the fruit basket. Fill a pretty wood bowl or simple white platter with produce such as lemons in summer or pumpkins in fall.