• Flowers - Obviously, you can order these from a florist. Make sure the arrangements are high enough or low enough so that your guests can see across the table (there's no bigger mistake than this!!). If your ceilings are high, you will need height; if they are low, you can go with a lower arrangement. You may want to add something to the flowers (like a Mylar balloon on a stick); ask your florist what is available.

If you are talented, do it yourself by buying arrangements at a local market (supermarket prices are very reasonable) and upgrading the container. You can wrap the container with silver Mylar paper; you can put the arrangement in an elegant basket or one that you've spray painted silver, etc.

• Candles - Whether it's candles of different heights, candlesticks of different heights or a candelabra (these can be rented and are very very elegant), this is a very elegant look and one that can range in price for inexpensive to very expensive. But the results are worth it.

• Gift Boxes - Pick the most elegant wrapping paper you can find in silver or gold (depending on your colors). Buy five different sized boxes (so that when you put them on top of each other they don't measure over 14"). Gift-wrap each box. Pile them on top of each other to make a tower; tie off with fabulous lame ribbon with a large bow on top. A very elegant look.

Another touch would be to add candy to each box and number them on the bottom. At the end of the evening, ask your guests to dissemble the centerpiece and match the numbers on the bottom of the boxes to the number under their plate. Each couple can then go home with a box of fine chocolates. Adds expense but makes you seem very creative and generous.

• Baskets - Fill them with bread, desserts or flowers. Baskets are a nice touch and are not expensive. Decorate with ribbon and different colored linens for an added touch.

• Cakes - If I told you how many parties I have done where the centerpiece is a cake, you'd fall off your chair. And it's a great idea. Not only does it save on time from a serving aspect, but it serves as a great, decorative centerpiece that pulls through the theme. Decorate with sparklers, Mylar balloons and other fun stuff.

• Top Hats - Not expensive and easily found at your local party store or at MakesParties, top hats work well—both top side up and top side down. Top side up can be the base for balloons (just put a small hole to pull the ribbon through and attach to weight hidden under hat) or for a sign on a dowel rod (table name, table number). Top side down, and you can fill it with balloons, of course, or food items, noisemakers and favors, etc.

• Party Favors - Never overlook your party favors. First of all, they may seem tacky, but people love them. Party favors and New Years go together like love and marriage. Even better. So, use them as your centerpiece. Put the hats and tiaras in the middle, spread out the blowers, noisemakers and the rest around the bottom. Voila, a utilitarian centerpiece!

• Made-to-Order - Depending on your budget and your theme, you may want to try one of these ideas: