Centerpieces come in all shapes and sizes and can be created from anything you can think of – from candles and craft items to sliced fruit and fresh flowers. Since there are so many inventive ways to create outstanding, yet inexpensive floral arrangements, there’s really no excuse for leaving that table bare. Here are some tips for long-lasting, simple and versatile centerpieces.

Mums, pumpkins, and nuts in their shells are symbols of fall, and here you can put them all together for a harvest time centerpiece.

Stack the pedestal and compote on a round glass platter, make a flower ball with tiny rosebuds, accent flowers and ribbon. Layer tiny glass containers filled with tulips on the tiers - bright colors and glass give the centerpiece a contemporary look.

Set the table with white linens and dishes to show off the fresh colors of this centerpiece.

Paint school colors on a simple wooden CD holder from craft stores, and it can serve as both an attractive holder for serving utensils, napkins, and flowers as well as a cheery centerpiece. Football cutouts and shakers add whimsical decoration.

Moms of any age will adore this primrose-potted tea set. Use your collection of small teapots or china tea and coffee cups to pot a special centerpiece. The fancier the better! Purchase small plants of primroses or pansies, and pot them right in the container --dirt, roots, and all.

A vision of sugarplums dance on your table with this whimsical centerpiece.

This clever centerpiece- from your own backyard- will delight both children and adults.

Hide a collection of painted eggs in a terrarium fitted with wheat grass. Surround the terrarium with your collection of glass bunnies and eggs to show off this beautiful Easter collection.

Swatches of bright or pastel colors and light paints a happy summer table. Small paper lanterns are bright with safe, battery-operated votives, and tiny cactus plants nestle in glass-lined metal lanterns.

Handcrafted valentines -- made from cutouts of other cards and construction paper – are tied with bright ribbons on a painted twigs anchored in a decorative pail.

Kids will love this colorful polka-dot table decorated with popcorn and sweets. It is just their style…and yours, too, because it is simple and inexpensive to put together!

Before you transfer them outside, pot baby lettuce plants and herbs in colorful colanders and “start” them on your summer table.

Bold patterns of red and white wrapped packages bloom with roses and set your holiday table with whimsical style.

Bring outdoor fall colors inside by filling a wooden box with seasonal plants.

Adorn the dinner table with a tribute to their awesome accomplishments.