Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Ceremony & Reception
  4. Wedding Décor & Details
  5. Wedding Centerpieces
  6. 21 Compote Centerpieces That'll Upgrade Your Reception Tables
Martha Stewart Weddings

21 Compote Centerpieces That'll Upgrade Your Reception Tables

sarah schreiber martha stewart
By Sarah Schreiber
Skip gallery slides
Pin
compote centerpieces pastel pink and purple bouquet with grey tablesetting
Credit: Jose Villa

This might just be the prettiest centerpiece shape.

Start Slideshow

1 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
compote centerpieces pastel pink and purple bouquet with grey tablesetting
Credit: Jose Villa

When it's time to choose your wedding centerpieces, you want to consider what type of reception table dynamic you're looking for. If you're attempting to create a high-drama, big-impact floral arrangement, you'll likely go with sky-high, vertical arrangement. These types of displays might make your guests' jaws drop, but they do have one downside—they definitely limit conversation once all attendees have taken their seats. If you want to encourage across-the-table, mid-dinner mingling, smaller-scale centerpieces are a better option. Luckily, going small doesn't have to mean sacrificing that wow factor.

Enter compote wedding centerpieces. These particular displays are petite and typically arranged in a small bowl or short vase. The most defining element of a compote centerpiece, however, is its overall shape—circular, with close-together blooms that don't obstruct the arrangement's vessel (you can typically see it!). Though this essentially sums up this specific centerpiece style, there is, of course, room for customization. Take this short arrangement by Nicolette Camille, for example. It's moody dahlias and garden roses (the color palette ties the arrangement back to the earthy gray tablecloth!) are decidedly short, but a few strategically-placed tall buds add a moment of verticality. 

Another way to bring a degree of personalization to these arrangements? Get creative with its vessel. Consider an antique bowl for classic celebrations, or a wooden iteration for a bohemian fête. This is also the perfect chance to incorporate a family heirloom (your "something old," perhaps?) into your wedding décor. Click through to discover the prettiest compote centerpieces to inspire your own.

1 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pink and Red

compote centerpieces pink and red bouquet on wooden table
Credit: Jen Huang
The 7 Most Popular Types of Wedding Centerpieces, Explained

Note the subtle draping effect used throughout this peachy-pink dahlia, red rose, and white scabiosa centerpiece from Fleuriste. The buds hanging over the side don't obscure the classic silver vessel, but also bring some major romance.

2 of 21

3 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

All White

compote centerpieces white flowers against white backdrop
Credit: Cavin Elizabeth Photography

Peonies and verdant greens (this petite display was created by Compass Floral, Cavin Elizabeth Photography, and Farm Tables and More) look even fresher in a matching white ceramic vase.

3 of 21

Advertisement

4 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Muted

compote centerpieces muted color bouquet in gold compote
Credit: Rebecca Yale Photography

Searching for the perfect autumnal centerpiece? You've found it in this Emblem Flowers compote arrangement, featuring black cherries, chocolate cosmos, and snowberries.

4 of 21

5 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mini

compote centerpieces small bouquet with orange flowers
Credit: Erich McVey
Simple Wedding Centerpiece Ideas We Love

We know we said that compote centerpieces err on the smaller side, but this cheerful JL Designs creation is decidedly mini.

5 of 21

6 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Color Contrast

compote centerpieces pink roses and pale pink table setting
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography

A burst of tiny yellow buds brings a pop of sunny color to an otherwise neutral centerpiece by April Flowers. We love how the arrangement's vessel—a stone planter that's taller than it is wide—proves that the compote shape can be achieved with a variety of different base types (not just a wide bowl!).

6 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pretty Peonies

peony centerpieces alicia mink
Credit: Alicia Mink Photography

A bright pink peony defines this sprawling display by Joy of Bloom, which also features ranunculus, spray roses, dandelions, astrantia, and dahlias. Pro tip: Take note of the space between the blooms and the table—this clear gap is one of the most noteworthy elements of the compote centerpiece.

7 of 21

8 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

White and Green

peony centerpieces the edges
Credit: The Edges

A polished silver urn is the focal point of this peony, tulip, and ranunculus centerpiece by Jacin Fitzgerald.

8 of 21

9 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fruity

kendall jackson wedding floral centerpiece
Credit: Jenn Emerling
Centerpieces with Fruits and Veggies

Looking to add an edible element to your centerpiece? Low-hanging fruit (in the case of this Marigold display, kumquats!) are always an option.

9 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Late Summer

compote centerpieces deep red bouquet on round white table
Credit: Jose Villa

Most compote iterations are small and delicate, but this bold example from Nicolette Camille proves that they can run larger. A tilted base array of autumnal foliage also gives it a subtle asymmetricity.

10 of 21

11 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Autumnal

fruit and veggie centerpieces gaetz photography
Credit: Gaetz Photography

Flared stems add structure and volume to an otherwise petite (and autumnal!) berry, mum, and peony centerpiece by June Bloom Events.

11 of 21

12 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Antique Bowl

summer centerpieces jen huang
Credit: Jen Huang

Dress up your on-display vessel with touches that speak to your wedding theme. Take this KD&J Botanica arrangement's planter bowls, which were distressed with subtle moss staining (a nod to the garden party!).

12 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hints of Purple

summer centerpieces matteo crescentini
Credit: Matteo Crescentini
Wedding Centerpiece Ideas We Love

Love the compote style, but are planning a modern fête? Consider something like this Jardin Divers creation, which reads as contemporary thanks to its rose gold base.

13 of 21

14 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Light and Bright

summer centerpieces love and light
Credit: Love & Light Photographs

With a color palette (pink and purple!) this pretty, why wouldn't you want to put your centerpiece on a (small) pedestal? We love how Twisted Willow Flowers elevated this arrangement of bright clematis, peonies, and roses.

14 of 21

15 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dark and Wintry

sara-matt-wedding-centerpiece-1506-s111990-0715.jpg
Credit: Alixann Loosle Photography
Winter Centerpieces to Bookmark Now

This classic shape can cater to the most fashion-forward blooms, à la this Urban Chateau Floral astilbe, maple leaf, dahlia, rice flower, rose, baby artichoke, hypericum, and snowberry arrangement.

15 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dried Flowers

Dried Flower Centerpiece
Credit: Clayton Austin

Now here's a centerpiece unlike all the rest. A mix of dried and fresh blooms, the rustic brown-toned spray is also situated in an etched wooden vase—a cool, contemporary touch.

16 of 21

17 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Harvest

hana olu wedding centerpiece fruit
Credit: Patrick Moyer
Fall Centerpieces that Nod to the Season

If floral centerpieces aren't for you—and you're tying the knot in the middle of the harvest season—consider arranging fruits into a compote shape, as seen here in this Oak & the Owl option.

17 of 21

18 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Matchy-Matchy

peony-richard-wedding-maldives-white-pink-centerpiece-candles-flowers-1950-s112383.jpg
Credit: KT Merry

Bring neutral compote centerpieces (like these by Dina Touwani of Flora Lines) to the forefront by enunciating their base—pair the vessels with matching candlesticks for a cohesive pop.

18 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Leafy

jo-andrew-wedding-ireland-0959-s112147.jpg
Credit: KT Merry

Here's another example of the dramatic compote. This dynamic creation by Sarah Winward included Beatrice garden roses, Carmel Antique Garden roses, chocolate cosmos, and fall foliage including beech leaves and hops vines.

19 of 21

20 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pastel

jess-clint-wedding-centerpiece-236-s111420-0814.jpg
Credit: Jacqueline Campbell
The Prettiest Spring Centerpieces

We're just as married to the classic interpretation of the shape, though. This preppy piece by Twigg Botanicals incorporated acacia, freesia, amaryllis, stock, spirea, roses, ranunculus, and ferns, and was the anchor of the table.

20 of 21

21 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Winter Motifs

winter wedding centerpieces rmaggie grace photography
Credit: Maggie Grace Photography

Make like Just So. Event Floral and work the very best winter elements into your wintry wedding floral décor. Even better? Arrange all of those motifs into a round, compote shape.

21 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Sarah Schreiber

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    • How to Tell Your Loved Ones—Especially Your Parents—That You're Engaged to Someone They Haven't Met
    • Dinner and a Show: This 3-Day Wedding in France Ended With an Epic String Concert
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 21
    2 of 21 Pink and Red
    3 of 21 All White
    4 of 21 Muted
    5 of 21 Mini
    6 of 21 Color Contrast
    7 of 21 Pretty Peonies
    8 of 21 White and Green
    9 of 21 Fruity
    10 of 21 Late Summer
    11 of 21 Autumnal
    12 of 21 Antique Bowl
    13 of 21 Hints of Purple
    14 of 21 Light and Bright
    15 of 21 Dark and Wintry
    16 of 21 Dried Flowers
    17 of 21 Harvest
    18 of 21 Matchy-Matchy
    19 of 21 Leafy
    20 of 21 Pastel
    21 of 21 Winter Motifs

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    21 Compote Centerpieces That'll Upgrade Your Reception Tables
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.