**Update: my new video tutorial on an even easier take on a rainbow unicorn centerpiece is now live! You can check it out HERE, or go straight to the original centerpiece from this post HERE. Check the materials list for product links if you want to create this look at home!
Are you enjoying the unicorn trend taking over the internet this year? If not, I wonder if I can change your mind with my “Unicorn Dream” inspired table decor.
As you know, my 2017 tablescape challenge to create at least 1 beautiful home table decor design a month has been full of DIY projects. This month’s unicorn dream table decor involves 2 exciting DIYs: an easy unicorn centerpiece, and marbled rainbow placemats. Both video tutorials are shared on my YouTube channel.
For this colorful tablescape, I was trying to channel all the things I love about unicorn parties, and figured out a way to make them more appropriate for a more sophisticated crowd. Or at least a crowd that doesn’t need to hold anyone’s hand while crossing the street. What really stood out to me was the opportunity for creative color potential. From the unicorn Frappuccino to unicorn poop cookies, colors are key to making a unicorn party successful. But you know what? When I started scrolling through Pinterest, I noticed that there really weren’t that many unicorn centerpieces out there. Certainly not ones that were cost effective and easy to DIY, let alone friendly for adult celebrations. So with that in mind, I create this “Unicorn Dream” themed table decor and centerpiece for adults (and kids!):


It IS possible to have a colorful rainbow theme and still be classy! Don’t you love these DIY rainbow marbled placemats? They were so easy to make! After making some for my modern jewel toned tablescape inspired by one of my acrylic pouring paintings, I decided this technique would also lend itself to this colorful unicorn challenge.




Watch the video on how these were made:
When the placemats had completely dried, I couldn’t believe what a great match they were to this silverware set that I have had for a few years. Talk about meant to be!


The show stopper for this table is the unique rainbow colored, unicorn inspired centerpiece. Would you believe me if I told you that the majority of the items used in this centerpiece were from the thrift store, and the most expensive element of it was the floating candles? It’s true!



Watch how easy it is to make this centerpiece:
Even though I had originally envisioned this unicorn party table to be used for a day time event (how unique would this be as a theme for a fundraiser luncheon?), I was absolutely blown away by the depth of colors and reflections that were created at night. Here are a few pictures I snapped after the sun was down:




That centerpiece is breathtaking at night with all the flickering candlelight on the magical rainbow spectrum.
I’ll be sharing a video overview soon, talking you through the whole table design, as well as a short video of how I made these colorful rainbow placemats. If you’d like to see how I made a different version of these placemats, using the same technique used for this unicorn table decor, than this video will be super helpful:
Looking for even MORE unicorn party ideas? Check out my sister site, Unique Pastiche Events, where I’ve shared two fun versions of a unicorn themed party.
Let’s talk money:
It’s important to me to share with you exactly where I found all the elements for this unicorn tablescape and centerpiece design, so that you can see just how easy it is to recreate this for your own event. Here’s where I found all of the elements for this unicorn themed party tablecape and decor:
- White tablecloth – had on hand from my modern tablescape from January and purchased from Amazon
- Rainbow silverware – already owned
- Green napkins – a set of 6 napkins were $2 at my local Salvation Army
- Placemat bases –canvas panels on sale for about $7.50 for a set of 5 at Hobby Lobby
- Acrylic paint in assorted colors for placemats – had on hand
- Clear water gel beads – 2 packs from Ebay for $1 each
- Colorful cordial glasses – already owned
- Glass cylinder vases – purchased 5 at Dollar Tree for $1 each
- Clear glass pedestal candle holders – $1 each at my local Goodwill
- Tall pink candle pedestal – $2 at my local Goodwill (was 50% off for being the color of the week!)
- Floating candles – I had to buy 2 boxes of 4 candles at my local craft store for $4.80 each
- Iridescent cellophane wrap – I bought a partial roll from a thrift store for $0.25, but you can buy it at your local craft store in the gift wrapping section.
That brings our total for this unicorn themed party table to about $30!
As I always say, think about what you have already, and for what you don’t have: take periodic trips through local thrift shops. You’d be amazed at what you can find. It’s all about being there at the right time to find the perfect score. Can’t say that I’m thrilled that nearly a third of the costs devoted to the candles, but I bet I can get at least another use out of them. I debated using mini LED lights that could be submersed in water, but they were a bit more expensive per piece. Maybe next time!
Don’t forget to pin these for future reference:



DIY Unicorn Table Decor for Adults – with DIY video tutorials for creating a magical iridescent centerpiece and rainbow placemats using marble fluid acrylics.
Some awesome table decor!
Thanks Lisa! 🙂
The centerpieces are so cool! Love the glitter-y unicorn element to them….The place mats are everything!! I like that the ribbon of colors are not to small so the design doesn’t delve into too busy!
*bows* I was trying to find a good balance of sparkle (centerpieces) -meets- rainbow (placemats) that adults like us would enjoy! So glad you enjoyed this look, it was super fun to make.
I love all of it! Thank you for such a thorough explanation on how to pull it off. Where did you get the flatware?! I am in LOVE with it!!
Tiffany, you made my day! It’s good to hear that my explanation is helpful to others. I hate finding a cool DIY and then be disappointed with the tutorial is, well, less than helpful. So the flatware, I have been trying to find it online and see if I could get an official name- my boxes barely had anything on it. Here’s what I found is the easiest way to find it: search for “artimino flatware jewel”. You’ll see it come up as being from Dillard’s (though I think it’s been discontinued). I purchased mine on super-clearance post holiday and haven’t seen them since. I noticed there are quite a few listed from Ebay, if you are really anxious to get some. Good luck with your hunt. They are absolutely dazzling!
Where did you get your silverware from?
Hi Sherri, as I mentioned in another comment, I think this has been discontinued, but you can still find it out and about online through ebay, etc. Here’s what I found is the easiest way to find it: search for “artimino flatware jewel”. You’ll see it come up as being from Dillard’s. I purchased mine on super-clearance post holiday and haven’t seen them since. I noticed there are quite a few listed from Ebay, if you are really anxious to get some. Good luck with your hunt!
Love ur unicorn center pieces, I’m always on the lookout for craft ideas easy to make and that are inexpensive for seniors to buy the supplies to make them at our Activity Center. We make them to decorate, gift as prizes or for holiday gifting! Thanks u so much for sharing your ideas!
Thank you, Carmen! I’m so glad you have found these helpful! Thanks for stopping by to say hi 🙂
Amazing!!!
Thank you, Cynthia!
Love it! Planning a bday party for daughter’s 8th bday and the centerpieces are so beautiful!
Thank you April! I hope this is inspiring 🙂