Making the best of your summer dinner parties and celebrations with floral decorative centerpieces will add the right touch to your summer fun. Here are a few creative pieces complements of CountryLiving.com. See the full collection of summer table centerpieces here.

Carnation balls are a fresh take on a humble flower. They add a fun burst of color to your Fourth of July table, and they’re easy to make. Thoroughly saturate a 3-inch sphere of floral foam with cool water, then insert short carnation stems — cut to an inch below the calyx — in a concentric, coiling pattern until the sphere is almost covered. Each of these spheres holds about 50 carnations. Display carnation balls individually, or cluster balls of varying sizes — and color — on a favorite vase or tray to create a distinctive and dramatic centerpiece. Place sphere with its “bald spot” in a saucer of cool water; refresh daily and it will last a week.

Sparkling beaded bracelets encircle an old canning jar, echoing the hues of fresh-from-the-garden purple delphiniums and lavender hydrangea blossoms. Simple eye-catching arrangements like these make a striking statement at any gathering, especially when lined up on a table in lieu of a centerpiece. Guests can even take them home as favors.

Don’t be afraid to use crystal goblets outside. They add elegance to the table and look right at home next to antique flatware and long, tapered candlesticks.

A rainbow of flowers cut at various heights paired with bold paper cups and napkins make for an eye-catching outdoor table.

Add a cheerful touch to the summer table with this patchwork-style runner. Line up enough bandannas to fit the length of a table, leaving some overhang, and stitch together. To back the runner, cut an old cotton tablecloth (any light-colored one will do) to match its width and length. Sew together along the edges or attach with iron-on bonding.

What’s your favorite summer table setting?