What about dried corn cobs set in a tin bucket (you can find them at craft stores) and a raffia bow? Or cute little scarecrows? I'm imagining them on gingham tablecloths.
Geodes (state rock), wild rose (state flower), and Eastern Goldfinch (state bird). Having been born and raised in Iowa, we are also known for: pigs, corn, the Iowa State Cyclones and the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. Check traveliowa.org for other ideas. Other things: George Washington Carver developed several uses for peanuts at Iowa State, the Atanasoff/Berry computer was developed at Iowa State, and the Ames Project was also part of Iowa State history.
We used to have an Iowa-themed BBQ every year at my grandparent's house (they live in Clinton, IA), and these are a few of the things that jump out of my memory ...
My stepmom used to make woven corn-husk dolls and group them together on the table with wildflowers. They're cheap and (relatively) easy to make, or you can probably buy them at a local farmer's market.
Or, you could find some pretty geodes and use them to hold tealight candles.
If you're fortunate enough to be in Iowa right now, there are all kinds of mom-and-pop businesses that allow you to dig in the riverbed and collect your own geodes. (It makes a great science lesson for the kids, too.) You can check with a local elementary school for names + numbers, or again, check the farmer's market.
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