Ideas for Filling Italian Bowl Centerpieces

Italian bowls are more versatile than vases when it comes to creating centerpieces. Italian bowls can be filled with diverse floral arrangements, edibles, and candles. Even floating arrangements can be accommodated with the use of Italian bowls. Adding a rustic design element, an Italian bowl can complete a cozy table design perfect for a family gathering or romantic dinner.

Rustic Flowers

Inserting floral foam into the center of an Italian bowl turns it into a platform for floral arrangements. To create a rustic arrangement for dining al fresco, incorporate leafy vines into an arrangement of flowers. The vines will be reminiscent of the outdoor landscapes of Italy, while also adding color and volume to the arrangement. It is best to let the vines look wild and asymmetrical. The addition of fruit is also a nice touch for an earthy floral arrangement. Limes and lemons are particularly nice for their fragrance and their vibrant color. Scatter fresh lemons or limes at the perimeter of the floral arrangement to add a charming accent.

Edibles

Edibles make for surprisingly elegant centerpiece fillers. Fill an Italian bowl with an assortment of crudite, such a baby carrots, radishes, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower and cherry tomatoes. Lay down a layer of Alfalfa sprouts or bean sprouts if you need more volume to prop up your presentation. Equally as aesthetic would be bundles of herbs splayed out to cover the entire Italian bowl. The fragrance would be wonderful and your guests might feel free to garnish their own appetizers. A rustic assortment of grapes in mixed colors can also make for a pleasing and simple centerpiece filler. Edible centerpiece fillers do double duty as both décor and tasty treats.

Romantic Ideas

Italian bowls can serve as vessels for other romantic elements. White candles in various heights and sizes can fill an Italian bowl for a cozy centerpiece. Flickering candle light is always wonderful to set the mood for a special occasion. As an alternative to a traditional floral arrangement, large rose blossoms can float in an Italian bowl full of water for a simple yet beautiful effect. Floating tea candles can also be used in a similar fashion in a bowl of water to make for and intimate setting. Grouping several romantic Italian bowl centerpieces together and arranging them down the center of a long table can make for a striking display at a wedding reception or any romantic gathering.

References

• Martha Stewart: Vine Centerpiece
• Martha Stewart: Crudite Centerpiece
• Martha Stewart: Floating Centerpiece