Holiday Inspiration: Using Plants As Table Centerpieces — Plant Care Tips and More

Centerpieces may not be an essential item of your table’s spread, but they certainly add an artful touch. A centerpiece can bring a table to life, and even a simple household object, like a small potted plant, can make a big impact.

This year, as we gather differently and more intimately than years past, there’s more reason than ever to make each and every moment special, including the tables we set for ourselves or our guests.

Here are some tips, ideas, and inspiration on how to use beautiful living greenery as a centerpiece for your holiday table and beyond, from casual weeknight dinners to celebratory special occasions (and of course, everything in between).

Find the perfect size

Most standard dining tables look best with a small or medium-sized potted plant between 4-8” in diameter, or if you’re using multiple, between 2-4”. Longer, banquet style tables will generally look best with multiple 4”-8” diameter plants.

Lower-profile plants or trailing plants (i.e. the Cascading Pothos) tend to be more practical, though if you’re looking to make a statement, don’t be afraid of height!

A simple and adorable tablescape using a small Jade Pothos.

Keep It Simple, Or Mix It Up

A minimal look never fails. Pair your plant with a few tapered candles, or surround it with other pieces like branches, dried flowers, or air plants for a fuller look.

Explore groupings

For a feeling of abundance, create a vignette with a group of smaller plants, working with varying heights and in uneven numbers. Succulents or small cacti work well for this, or for a lusher, forest-like feel, try tiny ferns with fairy lights.

The N’Joy Pothos adds a bright splash to a traditional table setting.

Upcycle cuttings and branches

Instead of using the entire plant, try taking a cutting (or several!) from some of your favorite houseplants for an artistic alternative to flowers. Many cuttings can last for ages in water, and you can eventually plant them in soil to create a new plant as well.

Ready to start decorating your tablescape? Shop our full collection of centerpiece plants to find the very best potted greenery for this purpose. Once your plant’s days as a centerpiece are over, place it somewhere else in your home to enjoy it for years to come—or until the next time you’ll need it to adorn your table!

Photos by @jeannecychan & @theplantmami for Léon & George