Elegant Black White Formal Centerpiece Ideas

At a formal event, a black and white theme can create a sophisticated, elegant atmosphere. When you are planning table centerpieces, look to simple elements with clean lines and vintage pieces that hint at old-world glamour. Consider ways that you can pair natural and manmade elements for a striking contrast in color and style.

Vintage Candle Holders

Add a touch of vintage style to a formal dinner using wooden candle holders in decorative shapes and styles. Find wooden holders at thrift stores or antique markets, looking for a variety of heights and details. Paint the candle holders in a deep matte black, using multiple coats to ensure coverage. Set off the dark details of the wood with simple white taper candles. When the candles are lit, the glow will set off the white of the candles and increase the dramatic contrast between black and white.

Orchids and Bud Vases

To complement an elegant, minimalist table setting, use low-profile centerpieces. Start with simple black bud vases in a glass or metal finish and set them in a line down the center of a long, rectangular centerpiece. In each vase, place a single orchid stalk. The round, exotic lines and stark white color of the flowers will contrast with the vases for a dramatic statement with a vaguely Asian-inspired feeling. You might use a white table runner under the vases for additional contrast and texture.

Branches and Lamps

When you want to make tall centerpieces with a big impact, use antique glass lamps paired with colored branches. Look for black and white lamps with a light in the bottom and a tall, fluted top section. Find bare branches and gather into bunches that will fit in the top of your lamps; spray the bunches with black or white paint. When dry, attach floral foam to the end of each bunch so that it can sit in the top of the lamp without getting too close to the light bulb in the bottom. Use black branches in white lamps and white branches in black lamps, alternating among the tables. When the lamp is lit, the vase will glow and the branches will stand out in contrast.

Rose Box

For a centerpiece that will not hinder conversation across the tables at a formal event, use stark white roses. Find a low box or serving tray with 2- to 3-inch sides and paint it the same shade of white as the roses. Wrap a thin black ribbon around the edge of the box for the tiniest bit of contrast and secure the ends with glue for an elegant, finished look. Line the bottom of the box with floral foam and cut the stems of the roses to 2 inches. Arrange the roses in the foam in rows to create a seamless carpet of flowers. The result is a luxurious, subtle, and elegant centerpiece that can complement a mostly-white design scheme.