One great example of a cheap, fun idea is to find your favorite bowl that you own, tear many strips of colorful paper, pass out the pieces of paper and have your guests write little notes on them directed at the person who is the reason for the celebratory occasion; once the person arrives, you can have that person read all the notes during appetizers or after the entrees are over. If you want your dining room to take on a nature vibe and allow people to feel comfortable and at home, stick with a classic vase and flowers for your table centrepiece; this approach is traditional but it never fails to liven up a dining room.
Air fresheners and candles are no longer needed when you add flowers to your table centrepiece because they provide a natural positive smell to your dining room environment. A strange and unusual table centrepiece that still gives the same natural vibe is a fern of some sort; ferns on the table are dramatic and different, if you would like to go down a path less traveled.
Fruit baskets are tired examples of table centrepieces and are very old fashioned; if you want to go this route, feel free, but another contemporary idea is to throw some apples or oranges in a large glass jar half filled with water, since the water keeps them moist, people can still eat them, and the visual appeal is enhanced. See http://www.table-art.co.uk for more inquiries.
Glass bowls full of other beautiful things, like cabbage, candy, or ornaments of some kind are another cheap solution to your table centrepiece needs. For a practical and pretty table centrepiece with an elegant, upscale flair, try simply placing a block of cheese and a foreign wine on a wood board and then putting the whole collection in the middle of the table.
Trying for something new with your table centrepiece is admirable to be sure, but just remember that what is most important is the happiness of you and your guests. Table centrepieces can help encourage a friendly atmosphere by adding a pleasant, warm touch to an otherwise cold room in the house; be inventive, creative, and do not spend much money on a table centrepiece because it is usually completely unnecessary to create the effect you want. For more info about table centrepieces, follow the link.