Centerpieces have a way of setting the tone for any celebratory gathering. For a 70th birthday party I was hired to event plan, I wanted the table decor to feel warm, natural, and as unique as the guest of honor.

The centerpiece concept I landed on combined organic shaped wood logs with lush succulents and pretty florals in complementary hues. By varying the log lengths and shapes, each centerpiece had its own personality while still feeling cohesive when grouped down the tables.

Gathering the materials was half the fun. I scoured my local nursery for the perfect succulent variety pack and chose seasonal blooms like ranunculus and anemones. The real showstopper elements were the wood log “vases” I sourced from a floral supply warehouse.

With a little floral foam and some careful arranging, I nestled the succulents and flower stems into the crevices and openings of each log centerpiece. The finished designs made me smile every time I looked at them – rustic yet elegant with layers of interesting texture.

On party day, the organic centerpieces lent such a warm, grounded feel to the tables. The guest of honor was glowing surrounded by the natural beauty. More importantly, the centerpieces symbolized how deeply rooted their 70 years of life have been in simple joys, personal growth, and cultivating loving connections.