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A bowl is the most flexible dining centrepiece there is — here are 10 ways to use one.
My top pick: A centrepiece has to look good from every seat and be low enough to talk over. A bowl solves both problems better than a vase.
1. Long Dough Bowl
An elongated bowl running down the table. Shop long dough bowl centerpiece on Amazon →
2. Fruit as Centrepiece
A bowl of seasonal fruit as edible decor. Shop fruit bowl centerpiece on Amazon →
3. Bowl With Candles
Pillar candles set inside a wide bowl. Shop bowl candle centerpiece on Amazon →
4. Greenery-Filled Bowl
Eucalyptus or foliage spilling over the rim. Shop greenery bowl centerpiece on Amazon →
5. Floating Flowers
Blooms floating in a shallow water-filled bowl. Shop shallow bowl floating flowers on Amazon →
6. Seasonal Gourds
Pumpkins and gourds for autumn. Shop gourds bowl centerpiece fall on Amazon →
7. Three-Bowl Grouping
Three small bowls instead of one large. Shop small bowls set centerpiece on Amazon →
8. Bowl on a Runner
A bowl anchored on a linen table runner. Shop linen table runner on Amazon →
9. Low-Profile Rule
Keeping it under eye level so guests can talk. Shop low centerpiece dining table on Amazon →
10. Everyday vs Occasion
How to dress the same bowl up or down. Shop decorative bowl dining table on Amazon →
The bottom line
A long dough bowl with candles is the most reliable centrepiece. Whatever you choose, keep it below eye level — a tall centrepiece kills conversation.