Earth

• Flowers and fruits are a beautiful choice for a catering centerpiece. Use fresh flowers, if they are available and affordable. Long-stemmed red roses can be a classic way to add romance to the centerpiece. You may want to use fresh produce that was left over from the food preparation. Collard greens and turnip greens can even be worked into an interesting centerpiece. Overlap them by an inch or so to create a natural coverage look.
  
  If you want something reusable, go with an artificial option. Silk and plastic flowers may cost more, but they can be rearranged and reused for other catering events. Make the colors in your centerpieces complement the decor of the event hall or the colors of the food being served.
  
  

Air

• Balloons can add an air of whimsy to your next catering event. Use balloon centerpiece for any celebration or children's party. Fill round balloons of varying sizes with air, and arrange them with ribbons and confetti on the table. Tie helium-filled balloons to a weight on the table. Remember to place balloons far enough away from your heating element or hot dishes to keep them from getting popped.
  
  

Water

• Ice carvings and water features can be an artistic addition to the catering table. These options are more expensive, but can bring extra excitement to the party.
  
  Water features such as waterfalls and even fish tanks can be reused at different catering events. Call your local full-service hotel or convention center to see if they have an ice carver on staff. Ice-carving centerpieces are usually best for the dessert station or fresh fruit area of the catering table. This ensures a longer life for the sculpture, which will eventually melt.
  
  

Fire

• Candles are a classic centerpiece choice for a low-lit event. Large pillar candles and tall candlestick holders add height to the display.
  
  Wax candle sculptures that match the color or theme of the event are usually easy to find. Leave these unlit, and you can use them again at your next event. Be careful in your setup to provide melted wax reservoirs for any candles that are lit. No one wants candle wax on the tablecloth, in their food or on their shoes.
  
  

Love

• One final element you can draw from for centerpieces is love. Pictures of loved ones in attendance at a family event or wedding can bring a personal touch to your catering centerpiece. Set the photos above the food at a height that can be seen. Attendees will appreciate being represented at the table in picture form.
  
  Candid pictures of the bride and groom eating can add to a centerpiece that has the whole wedding party laughing. With digital photo frames, you could even set a multitude of photos to run in a slide show.