How to Decorate With Bowling Pins for a Banquet

A classic bowling pin makes an eye catching centerpiece.

Whether you are planning an end-of-year banquet for your bowling league or a formal dinner to honor an avid bowler, bowling pins make a simple theme decoration. Bowling pins can be used in a variety of ways on tables and throughout the banquet hall for a novel and unusual decor. Use regular bowling pins, or opt for plastic bowling pins to decorate on a tight budget. Vintage wooden bowling pins add a funky, elegant look and can be found at antique stores or online auction sites.

Things You'll Need

• Bowling pins
• Flowers
• Ribbons
• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Markers

Instructions

1. Place bowling pins at the center of each banquet table. Circle the bowling pins with a wreath of flowers or ribbon for a basic bowling pin centerpiece.

2. Tie bowling pins to a long, wide ribbon, allowing a foot of space between each bowling pin. Hang this ribbon along the base of the speaker's dais or attach to the side of the buffet table.

3. Paint three wooden bowling pins the same color and use as the centerpiece for each table, using a different color for each table. Give banquet attendees a paint chip with their name on it that matches their assigned table.

4. Include a permanent felt tip marker at each table along with a bowling pin as part of the centerpiece. Have each person at the table autograph the bowling pin. Give the bowling pins to the guest of honor at the end of the banquet.

5. Line up bowling pins along the edge of the head table in lieu of a centerpiece. Add flowers or decorative leaves between the bowling pins.

References

• Brian Kelm; Wedding Buzz of the Day: Centerpieces; Brian Kelm; August 31, 2011
• Strike Time Lanes: Bowling Birthday Packages
• University of Vermont Libraries' Center for Digital Initiatives: Bowling Leagues
• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Library; Jewish Community Center - Archives & Special Collections; Jewish Community Center, 1947-1972