Simple centerpieces that use pantry jars and citrus

Centerpieces don’t have to be precious. If you’ve got a few pantry jars and a bag of citrus, you have everything you need for something fresh and cheerful. I like centerpieces that can slide out of the way at dinner and pop right back when the dishes are drying—pretty, practical, repeatable.

Build a “citrus-and-herb” still life on a tray

Corral a big jar of eucalyptus, a smaller jar with parsley or mint, and a pile of limes on a breadboard or tray. The mix feels abundant without being fussy.

The tray makes clean-up fast before a meal—lift, set aside, done. After dinner, drop it back in place and the room looks styled again.

Dress recycled jars so they look intentional

Wrap jars with baker’s twine, narrow ribbon, or a band of kraft paper secured with double-sided tape. A small label—“lemon,” “orange,” “rosemary”—adds that BHG touch.

Keep the palette tight. One ribbon color repeated across all jars feels curated; five colors look like a craft bin dumped on the table.

Create a citrus runner with repeatable jars

Line three to five matching jars down a runner and drop whole lemons or clementines around the bases. The rhythm of repeated shapes reads polished even if the jars are repurposed pasta containers.

Vary the jar heights slightly for a gentle rise and fall. Add a sprig of rosemary or a bay leaf in each jar to bridge the fruit color to the greenery and tie the look together.

Layer peels and leaves for a budget wreath

Use a low bowl in the center and encircle it with a ring of citrus peels twisted into curls, tucked into a bed of bay leaves or clipped branches. It reads like a garland without buying a thing.

Add three bud vases inside the ring with single stems—carnations, mums, or clipped camellias if you have them. The low profile keeps conversation easy across the table.

Float slices for glow and scent

Slice oranges and lemons and float them in shallow jars or low bowls with water. A single tealight on a saucer beside each bowl gives a warm glow without risking wax in your centerpiece.

The water magnifies color and keeps the table smelling clean. Replace slices midweek if they cloud; it takes two minutes and resets the whole display.

Add height without blocking faces

Stack a couple of cookbooks or a small cake stand under one jar to create a gentle tier. A little lift gives dimension while keeping sightlines clear.

Echo that height at the ends with two smaller jars so the arrangement flows down the table. You get vertical interest without a tall, wobbly vase in the way.

Swap pieces seasonally without rebuilding

In winter, use citrus and bay. In spring, swap to strawberries and mint. Summer can be peaches and basil; fall is pears with sage.

The bones—jars, tray, layout—stay the same. That’s how you make “always put-together” happen on busy weeks.