From Paper To Pearls And Beyond: Anniversary Centerpieces for Each Milestone Year by:Karen Sullen

Sometimes finding the right party theme can be a challenge

, but if you're having an anniversary celebration, half the party planning is done if you use the Traditional Anniversary Materials Guide for Gift Giving. You know, it's the list that suggests what each wedding anniversary gift should be made of. Most people know that year one is paper and that the 25th and 50th are silver and gold. But, what about all those decades in between? With crystal and emerald on the list, you can truly get inspired with these party themes and centerpieces.

10th (Tin/Aluminum)

Alluring aluminum makes a grand statement when it's presented as beautiful flowers in a contemporary metal bowl. Or for a traditional look, accent your garden celebration with lanterns made with aluminum or tin.

15th (Crystal)

Of course, crystal vases and crystal candlesticks would grace your tables with elegance. But a different way to capitalize on the theme is to add crystal beads to your dcor, either in a vase or strewn across the table.

20th (China)

If you're planning a dainty day of festivities, consider transforming fine china tea cups into centerpieces by filling them with petite petals and greenery. Whether it will be tea for two or for the entire family, incorporating "family heirlooms", like china bowls, plates and platters, into your designs makes it a sophisticated celebration of the tradition of marriage.

25th (Silver)

Set the stage with silver candelabras and a sterling silver place setting for a stunning table. Be sure that guests find their way to their seats with silver photo frame place card holders that they can also take home as a stylish party favor.

30th (Pearl)

You'd probably want to shy away from authentic pearls because of the cost, but that doesn't mean you can't drape a string of faux pearls around your centerpiece vase for the symbolism. If you're having a beach-themed party, place an open clam shell on each table with a pearl in the center for the perfect blend of beauty and beach.

35th (Coral)

Turn your 35th anniversary into a destination celebration by traveling to see the coral reefs of Florida, the Bahamas or some other exotic locale. After your dive, you can dive into a fabulous dinner with coral reef candle holders as your centerpiece.

40th (Ruby)

The color is red, and the sentiment is love. Express it with ruby red vases encrusted with "gemstones" or vintage lamps with ruby tear-drop crystals dangling from the edge of the shade. There are all sorts of ways to go red. From a Wizard of Oz theme complete with ruby slippers to ruby crowns and tiaras that treat you like the king and queen you are, let the warmth and beauty of ruby inspire you.

45th (Sapphire)

While the most common color for sapphire is blue, this gemstone actually comes in a variety of hues. Trace amounts of other elements such as iron, titanium, or chromium can give the mineral corundum blue, yellow, pink, purple, orange, or greenish color. Sapphire may also be colorless, and it also occurs in the non-spectral shades gray and black. Wouldn't it be fun to color and name each table for the different shades?

50th (Gold)

It all began with a band of gold, so let that be the inspiration for this golden celebration. The perfect symbol for any anniversary party, wedding-band items, like vases, coasters, golden balloon sculptures, cake toppers and centerpiece holders, make your table dcor even more special knowing that the bands are laden with 50 years of love.

55th (Emerald)

If you're Irish and celebrating 55 years of love, your emerald anniversary is the perfect time to celebrate your heritage and your heart. Infusing the table with the Claddagh charms, anniversary poems and candles with marriage prayers can hold special meaning for you and your guests. Even if you're not Irish, you can accent your celebration with emerald green votives surrounding a jeweled centerpiece in a sparkling vase.

60th (Diamond)

With this ring, you can celebrate the day she said "yes" 60 years ago with a diamond engagement ring theme. Diamond-shaped tea light holders and candlesticks are as elegant and meaningful as the diamond ring that started it all.

About the author

Karen Sullen is a writer for Centerpiece Studio, an online store selling centerpieces for weddings, parties and home decor.

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