Luminarias As Centerpieces

Traditional Options

The more traditional approach to using luminarias as centerpieces involves getting holders that are plain in color, preferably a neutral shade of beige, ecru or bone, and using small cream or white votive candles. The neutral shades associated with basic luminarias means that they will coordinate well with just about any decorating scheme. Place just one luminary in the center of each table and place flowers, greenery or other tabletop decorations of a low height around the base of the luminary to complete the look.

One option for using luminarias as centerpieces is to have them suspended right above the center of the table. Though more work and planning is involved, hanging the luminarias to a height of about two to three feet above the table can cast a warm glow below. Opt for neutral colored luminarias and use larger votive candles that last longer as reaching the suspended luminarias is slightly more difficult. One other option is to use faux tea light candles that are LED and battery powered.

To create a take-home gift that also doubles as a centerpiece, use multiple luminarias on the table. Use a larger one right in the center of the table and then place smaller versions at the place setting of each guest and allow everyone to take one home as a gift when the event is over. By using multiple luminarias spread around a table, you will be able to achieve more light at the table, thus helping guests see things even better.

The choice of luminarias is limited by imagination and budget. Plain luminarias in light colors can be hand decorated or stenciled to incorporate design in to the luminarias themselves. Though some fancier luminarias can be bought pre-made, you can also jazz up basic ones using your own imagination. For example, if using luminarias at a spring wedding, take white luminaries and stencil flowers around the luminaria in colors that match the bridal bouquet and bridesmaids dresses. One other way to customize and change plain luminarias is to use colored and scented candles inside of the containers. The colored candles will impart a slight colored glow when burning as they reflect off of the inside of the luminaria. In addition, scented candles will waft throughout an area adding to the overall effect of the mood being created.