What Is The Appropriate Height For A Table Centerpiece For Dining

Centerpieces should low enough for guests to converse over.

Centerpieces add beauty to your table and help set the stage for your event. A casual arrangement of daisies in a hand-painted vase, for example, sets a far different tone than a formal arrangement of roses in a silver or crystal bowl. Regardless of the style of your centerpiece, it's important to keep the arrangement at the proper height.

General Rules

The general rule for centerpiece height is that it should never be so tall that your guests cannot see each other across the table and carry on a conversation. The highest point of the centerpiece should be well below eye level; the maximum height should be 12 inches. The only exception is for extremely high centerpieces. In that case, the base of the centerpiece should be at eye level, placed on a sturdy pedestal.

Alternatives

To avoid the centerpieces blocking the view across the table, use several low profile arrangements together. Line the table with arrangements, or use one long, narrow container to display flowers, candles or both. The dramatic arrangements draw attention to the place settings without taking up too much space or preventing your guests from interacting with each other.

Width

While the height of the centerpiece is an important consideration, so is the width and fullness of the arrangement. Avoid centerpieces that are so full that they crowd the table; you need adequate space for the place settings as well as the accoutrements of the meal, such as salt and pepper shakers, bread baskets and gravy boats. As a general rule, a centerpiece on a small table seating two to four should not be wider than 18 inches; for a larger table seating six, the centerpiece should be between 18 and 24 inches wide. If you're using several tables together, use one centerpiece, up to 24 inches wide, for every six place settings. No matter how wide the centerpiece, remember the rules for height and keep the arrangement proportional.

Candles

Candles are an elegant and festive addition to your centerpiece, but take care with the height of the candles to prevent problems. Avoid placing candles so that the flame is at eye level. The flickering flame is distracting when you're trying to talk across the table. Use candlesticks, a candelabra or choose small votive or pillar candles to line the table. Avoid placing candles where they could be bumped by serving dishes or possibly catch a sleeve on fire while dishes are passed around the table.

Tags: across table, centerpiece should, place settings, Avoid placing, Avoid placing candles