Spring has officially sprung, and with the long-awaited warmer weather and additional hours of daylight, we can feel ourselves starting to defrost. As we emerge from hibernation, we prepare to dial up the social events. Naturally, that means styling the home for the occasion, and the dining table is a pivotal part of our plans.
If you're hosting friends or family this spring, you'll want a table that's dressed for the occasion. But a true seasonal tablescape goes beyond a bright tablecloth and your prettiest plates. For a striking display that really catches the eye, a captivating centerpiece should be at the very heart of your spring table decor ideas.
But the best table centerpiece ideas aren't just about filling dead space. The right arrangement will complete your entire vignette. Whether you settle for some seasonal foliage in an elegant vase or a cluster of candles encased in a traditional wreath, spring centerpiece ideas help to add depth, dimension, and height to your table. And, since spring is a season all about rebirth and renewal, only the brightest, most joyous designs will do. Here are some designer-approved ideas to inspire you.
1. Style Seasonal Blooms in a Vase
Spring centerpiece ideas should always start with some seasonal blooms. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths — so many flowers are in their prime this time of year, so consider bringing a touch of the outdoors in by decorating with flowers in a vase for a traditional centerpiece idea.
"Style twisty, architectural florals like alliums or flowering chives in chunky, textural vessels — think terracotta, ash glaze, or reclaimed stoneware," says London-based table stylist Samantha Picard.
Later in the season, when the daffodils and tulips are past their best, Samantha says alliums as her favorite. "They’re so fun and playful, and the stems often grow in these wild, twirly shapes," she explains. "Pair with a soft, dusty palette — lilac, cream, sage — to really let the sculptural forms sing. It feels modern, a bit eccentric, and perfectly unfussy."
Tulips offer the perfect pop of color for your table during the springtime.
2. Embrace a Foliage Runner
While most ideas run vertically, up isn't the only way to go. For a more rustic, laidback look that feels less formal, you could try a garland of foliage that runs across a rectangular table, either weaving in and out of placemats or spread horizontally from one end to the other.
Foraged flora like willow or ivy can work beautifully, but faux foliage and artificial flowers also looks pretty convincing these days (plus there's the added advantage that you can introduce shrubs and leaves that are out of season, too).
"Faux foliage provides a great base of timeless evergreen that you can transition throughout the seasons with different decorations," suggests Jennifer Derry, interior design expert at Balsam Hill. "In spring, I love to dress a mixed eucalyptus garland with seasonal flowers or fruit — this year I’ve opted for irises in vases at different heights which I then weave the foliage between."
3. Or Use Flowers for a Runner
A floral runner can also make a beautiful spring centerpiece idea, even if you only use one type of flower throughout. For the look above, florist Annelies Vansant chose a monochromatic color scheme with her florals and table decor, using a long, low ceramic vessel to create the effect of a table runner. The result is a bushy, cloud-like arrangement that's effortlessly pretty in its simplicity.
"This arrangement is made with ‘Aster Anja’s Choice’ from my garden," says Annelies. "When arranging a centerpiece with only one flower variety, it’s important to alter in height with your flowers. Have some flowers really low and deep right down to the edge of the vessel, and have some coming out and upwards quite high. Connect those by layering in flowers in between. This gives direction to your eye."
When choosing vases, going low will ensure guests can still see each other.
4. Style a "Table Meadow" Using Moss
The beauty of spring is watching fresh growth, blossom, and buds appear on trees and hedgerows, so harness this idea when setting the table with a wild "table meadow" as your spring centerpiece idea.
Commit to a verdant arrangement that offers a spectrum of green tones, complete with structural stems that reach upwards.
"Lay down a soft base of moss (real or preserved) and weave in seasonal fruit and vegetables — halved artichokes, baby radishes, kumquats, and quail eggs," suggests Samantha. "Nestle in wildflower stems, potted herbs, or hellebores for a living runner that feels full of life. It’s a little rustic, and a little magical." This reindeer moss from Amazon is a good place to start.
5. Nestle Pillar Candles in a Wreath
Wreaths are one of the more traditional spring centerpiece ideas, especially if you want to tie in with an Easter theme. You could design your own arrangement using floral foam or purchase a ready-made wreath from your local florist. And of course, artificial options can also be used year after year.
For some added structure, nestle a collection of pillar candles, like this one from John Lewis, in the middle for a delicate vignette (just make sure any foliage is out of reach of the wick).
If you want a more playful Easter table decor idea, consider introducing decorations that nod to the festivities. "For example, you could swap the candles out for a bowl of painted eggs nestled in a cedar wood wreath," suggests Jennifer.
6. Opt for Wildflowers in Jars
For a whimsical, cottage-core-inspired idea, forget the fuss and choose a simple centerpiece of wildflowers in a jar. Daisies, forget-me-nots, or some stems of grape hyacinth make a delicate choice, all of which are in bloom this season.
You can dot a few jars along a table for an effortlessly beautiful, rustic style — plus this smaller-scale centerpiece won't interrupt eyelines or conversation, either.
Jennifer notes how this works particularly well as an outdoor table setting idea, and you don't necessarily need to rely on flowers or foliage alone.
"Recycle jam and mason jars as candle holders simply by washing out and popping in a tea light," she says. "These add the perfect warm glow to any table as dusk sets in and also make brilliant vases for small bouquets. This look works best when you have different jars of all shapes and sizes anchored on a table runner — my preference is for burlap." You can buy Kilner-style jars from the likes of Dunelm, too.
Popping your flowers in jam jars gives your tablescape a more laidback and rustic vibe.
7. Fill a Bowl With Fresh Produce
Thanksgiving isn't the only acceptable holiday to celebrate an abundant harvest of fruit and vegetables. There's so much fresh produce to enjoy this time of year like asparagus, rhubarb, and kale, so why not let it inspire your spring centerpiece ideas?
A spread of organic produce as table decor offers can offer an intriguing take on an indoor vegetable garden. "Fill a beautiful bowl or footed vessel with large spring veg like rainbow carrots, fennel bulbs, or even rhubarb," Samantha suggests. "Arrange flowers so they appear to be growing straight out of the produce. It’s playful, textural, and very 'Dutch painting meets farmers’ market.'"
Or cleverly incorporate fruit and vegetable motifs into your tableware.
8. Usher in Easter With an "Egg Tree"
Easter decor buys are ubiquitous this time of year, especially egg ornaments. While it's best to steer clear of the tacky plastic varieties, some delicate glass or ceramic egg decorations can make a great addition to your table, especially when styled on twigs or branches for an Easter-themed centerpiece.
These "Easter trees", as we're calling them — an adaption of the beloved Christmas tree — can make quite the spectacle on your dining table. Take inspiration from the vase above, where sprigs of pussy willow hold ribboned egg ornaments — a true conversation starter.
9. Use a Collection of Candles
If you want a fuss-free spring centerpiece idea, a simple selection of candles offers an understated yet impactful decor idea.
The best candles for a table are pillar candles (also known as altar candles), or taper candles in elegant holders. Choose varying heights or colors and nestle a trio together, or intersperse candlesticks for a timeless touch.
"I love the idea of twisted or wiggly taper candles grouped down the table," says Samantha. "Choose sorbet tones — lavender, blush, pale apricot — and keep the rest of the table minimal so they pop. It adds height, color, and a little moment of fun without trying too hard."
Taper candles come in all different shapes, sizes, and shades these days, which helps add fun to your tablescape.
10. Plant Spring Flowers in Eggshells
If you're a keen gardener, you could even turn a spring planter into an effective centerpiece. We love the idea shown above, where egg shells have been used to plant violas and grape hyacinths then clustered together in a terracotta bowl. This genius idea combines the best of Easter and spring for a truly unique look.
For something less fiddly, consider potted hyacinths as an easy alternative. Choose an array of colors in terracotta planters and let their delicate floral scent fill the air. Potted seasonal herbs like thyme and rosemary have a similar effect too, and can be picked up at a local supermarket for next to nothing.
There is something about a terracotta planter than sings 'spring bulbs'.
FAQs
What Can I Use for Budget-Friendly Spring Centerpiece Ideas?
You don't need to be a florist with a huge inventory of high-end vases to create a stunning spring centerpiece. If you don't want to splash out on expensive decor that you're unlikely to use again, there are plenty of cheap and cheerful options to choose from.
Potted herbs, season vegetables, or foraged blooms or sprigs of foliage won't set you back much (if at all) and they can be arranged in bowls or vases you already have to hand.
Go the extra mile and dig into your Christmas decorations for a few pillar candles and you'll have a budget-friendly spring tablescape that looks expertly curated.
Statement spring centerpiece ideas are like the secret sauce that ties the rest of table decor together.
Whether you invest in brand new decor for the occasion or choose to style foraged foliaged in mason jars, let your creativity run wild with a striking display that imbues your space with the spirit of spring.
