Question
My adult daughter is graduating from nursing school and we plan on having a small get together to celebrate her accomplishments.  I would like some ideas on a center piece for the food table and the gift table.  

Answer
In general, if these tables are going to go against a wall, a tall, one-sided arrangement at the back of the table works best.  It doesn't take up much room but also doesn't get lost among the food and gifts.  If the table is going to be open on all sides, I'd recommend something long and low for the food table, so people are able to see what's available from all sides.  You'd use a shallow container for this piece.  And then I'd use either an accent piece for the gift table placed to one side, or a tall vase arrangement centered in the middle.  You just need to make sure the arrangement isn't obscured by the gifts.

Of course, the choice of flowers is all up to you.  Just as a pointer, if you go with a vase arrangement, I'd try to use some thick greens instead of just leafy greens around the mouth of the vase.  This will help keep the flowers in place when you add them.  Plumosa (asparagus fern) is a good choice.  Also, some filler flowers like baby's breath or caspia (limonium) can make things easier.