Dining Table Decorations

Elements like dinnerware help set the decorative tone for the dining table.

Knowing set a proper dining table helps make any table look pretty and appropriate for a special occasion. Like most decorating tasks, setting a beautiful dining table relies as much on finding the right decorations as it does on arranging the decorations. These steps ensure that the dining table decorations you choose match the occasion without being overdone.

Dinnerware

Although dining table decorations can include things like a centerpiece, name cards and special tablecloths, the dinnerware you use also is important to a decorative table. One simple way to dress up the dinnerware is to mix and match sets. For example, take two different sets, and pair the salad plate from one set with the dinner plate of the other set. Do this type of pairing on the whole table. Another simple step is to choose dramatically colored drinking glasses such as wine glasses with red or blue stems. If the color matches the dinner plates, it helps to tie the glasses into the look.

Fruits of the Season

Use fruits of the season to dress up centerpieces and place cards. For example, use mini-pumpkins, gourds and ears of dried corn to decorate a Thanksgiving table; write names on mini-pumpkins for place cards. Surround the base of a candle centerpiece with fruits in a variety of colors. Add a decorative wreath of fall leaves to the arrangement, using real or silk leaves in fall colors. You can adapt this approach to any season.

Details

A well-set dining table relies on getting the details right. This includes making sure that you have name cards at each place, selecting the right table skirting to complement the decorative style of the table, choosing the right centerpiece and dinnerware. as well as taking some less obvious measures like making sure the centerpiece isn't so tall that the guests can't see the other guests across the table. Putting the table together in advance of the event helps eliminate many of these problems.

Overlooked Items

There are several items that can add to the beauty of a table. For example, a table runner adds a decorative element to the middle of the table and helps draw the eye to the focal point of the table, which is the centerpiece. Placing chair covers on the dining room chairs offers a quick way to introduce a different color to the room without the cost or hassle of reupholstering the chairs.

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