Table Decorating Ideas and Inspirations

Discover how to create your own smart and stylish table decorations and centrepieces.

They needn’t be expensive or complicated! Learn how to get creative, have fun and make your own table into a masterpiece…!

Do you want to make your table look smart, fun or welcoming?

Do you want to create something a little bit special, for weddings, Thanksgiving, birthdays, house viewings, parties and family get-togethers?

...just right for creating that special feel to your dining table – without too much hassle or expense…!

...it does not matter if you want something relaxed and informal, for an impromptu meal for 2 on a Friday night...

...or a super-formal, dressy centrepiece for a wedding, party or dinner celebration….

I have gathered together all my best decorating table ideas, to give you lots of inspiration for your own table decorating projects…

Decorating Table Ideas for Centrepieces

• For me, a table centrepiece is an essential for any table, whether you are getting it ready for a special party, or it is just standing, unused and waiting in your dining room.

  It helps to give an attractive focal point to your room or table.

• Your table centrepiece can be as simple or as fancy as you like – depending on your tastes and your occasion.
• Do bear in mind, though, practical considerations.

  Your centrepiece should still leave you room to serve or eat food comfortably at your table, not knock elbows with neighbouring guests...

  And if you want to encourage dinner guests to chat to each other across the table, you should ensure that your centrepiece is no higher than seated eye-level!

  Of course, if you just have to have that stunning, tall, centrepiece, you can always leave it in pride of place as everyone enters, then move it discreetly to one side as everyone sits down to eat.

• Get creative as you plan your table decorating ideas for centrepieces. There are plenty of modern ideas to think about and adapt for your own table centrepiece needs…

Why not try…

• A simple plant pot with a flowering plant - choose a colored pot and flower to match or complement your décor.
• A vase with an attractive flower arrangement. This can be as simple or fancy, modern or traditional as you like.

  Modern flower arrangements tend to be quite simple, or formal, in appearance – for example a box vase, filled with 16 rosebuds in 4 smart rows of 4, or one single flower surrounded by lush, green foliage.

  Use oasis foam in your arrangement if you want your flowers to stand up straight, wherever you place them, to get this effect.

• A lovely, unusual effect can be achieved by filling a clear, glass vase with an interesting filler - like marbles, glass beads, pebbles, sand, shells or even slices of fruit.

  Use your imagination and I am sure that you can come up with lots of interesting items to fill your vases and bowls with.










• Instead of a vase, try using a bowl to create your table centrepiece.

  Try using a clear glass bowl, filled with water, and use floating candles and flowers to create a really atmospheric and relaxing effect.

  Look out for unusual candles, that will inspire you with lots of creative table decorating ideas. I think they always give a very stunning effect.

• I do think candles should always be considered for your table decorating ideas and centrepieces – where safety allows!

  Candles give a lovely, soft glow to your table, for relaxed, evening entertainment. Scented candles will provide evocative scents to your party too.

• Try placing one or more candles in a simple bowl or vase and surround it with flowers, foliage, glass beads, pine cones, or whatever you choose.

  This kind of arrangement really doesn’t need to be complicated – sometimes, something simple looks just great!










• You could also create a really easy, table centrepiece with a simple arrangement of candles – choose colors and scents to match your décor or theme.
• Your table centrepiece does not even have to be as traditional as this, even!

  Try an arrangement of seasonal fruit, vegetables or foliage – pumpkins and gourds for Halloween or Thanksgiving, holly, ivy and fir for Christmas, driftwood for a beach theme, fruits for a summer party or BBQ.










• Why not make your table centrepiece edible, you could hollow out a pumpkin and serve soup from it, or fill a pineapple or melon with summer fruits or fruit punch.

  Or just make your fruit into an unusual vase for a beautiful flower arrangement.

• A half a melon (or other fruit or veg) would look terrific skewered with cocktail sticks or kebab sticks, and decorated with appetising chunks of fruit, veg or cheese!

• Set the scene for your beautiful table decorating ideas by choosing attractive table cloths that can become a feature of your arrangement.

  Snowy white looks lovely and clean and provides you with a lovely blank canvas to show off your chosen arrangement.

  It doesn’t have to be fancy – simple works just as well for a smart, friendly feel.










• Or choose your cloth to match or complement your home décor or table arrangements.

  Lovely bright table cloths can be quickly made up from vibrant cottons – just cut with sharp pinking shears to get a neat edge, if you don’t have the time (or inclination!) to sew hems.

  Try layering up with different colors, white or lace for different effects.

• Try a smart table runner for a modern effect – co-ordinate with your table centrepiece for the best effect.
• Make fancy folded napkins an essential part of your table decorating ideas.

  Always color co-ordinate your napkins carefully – it is an ideal opportunity to add a splash of color to your table settings.

  If you can’t get too exotic with your napkin folding (I was once taught to fold napkins like a lotus flower in Brownies, but I can’t exactly remember how now!) just fold diagonally into a neat triangle.

• Consider adding extra interest to your table decorating ideas with sprinkles on the table.

  This works really well for very special occasions like weddings and anniversaries.

  Get creative when you think about what you might sprinkle on your table – petals, glitter, confetti, leaves, beads, shells, feathers…

• Make sure that your place setting is a well-thought out part of your table decorating ideas – it does not need to be too fancy or confusing for guests...

  ...so choose something simple and neutral to blend in, or make a statement with color co-ordinated crockery and glasses.










• Can you incorporate place cards into your table decorating ideas and designs somewhere? Perhaps attached to a small votive candle, or as the napkin ring?

  Use your imagination to come up with a really great design idea…

• Really dress your table up well – if you want to go for a real focal point feel, try trailing fairy lights along the sides of the table – you could even mix this with extra drapes of fabric, like tulle or lace.

  Do make sure that this is both safe and practical first – it works less well where guests are to be seated to eat at this table.

• Don’t forget to give your chairs the special treatment too - cover them in fabric covers, or tie fabric or tulle bows, or ribbons, to give your room that added extra.

I think you will have plenty of fun coming up with your own unique creations to match your theme and décor perfectly…

So, I hope that your party or occasion goes wonderfully well, and you all have a fantastic time!

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Take a look at these cool video clips for even more inspiration, and tips for table decorating ideas...

Just click on a picture to start the video player...and enjoy!

...and about a 'Twelve Days of Christmas' decorating table theme, here...

Look at more ideas for decorating a dining room.

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