How to Decorate a Dining Table

Co-authored by Karen Parziale

Last Updated: November 4, 2022 References

A dining table can be an inviting space for friends and family to gather around to share meals and celebrate special occasions. It can also be a versatile space where you can do other activities besides dining. Whether you prefer a simple or extravagant look, there are simple tips and tricks that will help make your table look fabulous!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Decorating for Everyday Use

1
Leave your table mostly bare. Do not put plates or silverware on the table. Make sure there is enough space on the table for you to use for cooking, writing, reading, and other daily activities.^{[1]
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- By allowing your dining table to be mostly free of decorations and clutter, you can use the space for more than just eating!
- You can use wax or another product with a glossy finish to keep your table gleaming and looking great.
2
Lay a tablecloth or runner in the center of the table. For a rectangular or square table, use a runner. For a circular table, use a circular table cloth. Pick a cloth or runner that leaves most of your table bare. Go for a color that compliments the dining room chairs and other decorations in the room.
- For example, if your chairs have blue cushions and your curtains are white, choose a table runner that includes blue and white.
- Swap out the tablecloth or table runner based on the season or holiday.
- A table runner can add a pop of color to a glass table.
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3
Pick a simple centerpiece and place it in the middle of the table. The centerpiece will help the table look interesting while still keeping it clean and empty. Choose your centerpiece size based on the size of your table, and place it on top of the table runner or table cloth.^{[2]
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- For a contemporary feel, put a metal or clay sculpture in the middle of the table.
- The centerpiece shouldn’t be too tall, though! If it is, make sure you can easily move it out of the way when serving dinner or entertaining guests.
4
Create a centerpiece of glass jars for a versatile look. Fill them up halfway full of sand and place candles on top. This creates a soft, glowing look to the dining table.
- During the holidays, put string lights in the jars with glass ornaments to create a festive look.
- Put several jars in a row or on a tray in the middle of the table. Fill them with twigs or flowers for a rustic look.
5
Put a vase of flowers in the center of the table to freshen up the space. If you are able to use fresh flowers, make sure to change them out once every couple of weeks. Fake flowers will not require as much upkeep.^{[3]
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- You can choose to have the vase be the focal point or use a variety of colors and shapes of flowers to create a unique arrangement.
- Simple greenery, like Baby’s Breath or succulents, also look great.
- If you have a long table, consider using 3 or 5 smaller vases of flowers and spreading them out in a line down the middle of the table.
6
Place a bowl or basket in the center to hold decorative items. Pick a material and size of basket or bowl that compliments the size and texture of the table. The bigger the table, the bigger the bowl!
- Put fruit in a wooden bowl for a pop of color and for healthy snacks on the run.
- An inexpensive alternative is to fill the bowl with scented pinecones, stones, or potpourri.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Entertaining Company

1
Pick a table runner or tablecloth from a local home good store. The runner or cloth you choose can help bring a mood to the room, so consider keeping it simple or, if you want to purchase several, change them out depending on the season. Match cloth napkins to the tablecloth or runner for special events.^{[4]
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- For a formal dinner or other special occasion, a table runner with hints of gold or silver helps create an elegant look.
- If you appreciate a modern style, a simple white or other neutral color runner will accentuate a minimalist feel.
- You can also match the tablecloth to the season. For summer, choose bright hues of blue, green, and yellow. For fall, go for warm colors like reds and oranges.
2
Choose a centerpiece that fits your table’s space. Aim to having the tallest and largest part of the centerpiece in the center of the table and other smaller pieces out toward the sides. When using multiple candles or flower vases, use odd numbers because they are more pleasing to the eye.^{[5]
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- Make sure the centerpiece won’t obstruct the guests’ views. Place the centerpiece and sit down in one of the chairs to test if it blocks your view of the other side of the table.
- For a formal occasion, tall candles create a romantic mood. Place them in the spaces on the table runner where guests aren’t looking across the table.
- If you are using a circular table, cluster items of different sizes and heights in the center of the table to add variety.
- For a more eclectic look, place tea-light candles in between the other items.
3
Put decorations around the centerpiece if you like an eclectic style. When a large centerpiece isn’t enough to satisfy your decorating needs, place small items that match your theme between the larger pieces.
- For a bohemian look, put small twigs, pinecones, and rocks on the table runner or in the center of the table cloth.
- To celebrate the holidays, add small green and red glass ball ornaments. Top it off with soft white string lights.
4
Pick placemats that compliment the tablecloth. Put one placemat in front of each chair. Make sure the ones you choose will nicely on the table.^{[6]
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- If your tablecloth already has a pattern, choose placemats that are a solid color to make sure they don’t clash.
- You don’t need a table runner if you use placemats, as they will provide plenty of pattern and decor.
- Linen placemat holders are always a great addition to a table when you want to make it fancier, giving it a very European vibe.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Karen Parziale
  Home Stager & Interior Designer
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
5
Choose plates and silverware that are appropriate for the occasion and theme. For a casual dinner, a dinner plate, salad bowl, water glass, fork, spoon, and knife may be enough. For more formal occasions, you may add a salad fork, bread bowl, dessert fork, and wine glasses.^{[8]
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- Pick out a common color between your table runner and placemats. Choose plate ware that also contains this color.
6
Set the table using your chosen plates and silverware. For all occasions, place the dinner plate in the middle of the placemat, napkin on the left side, fork on the left side of the plate, the knife on the right side, the spoon on the right side of the knife, and the water glass on the upper right side.^{[9]
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- If you are hosting a more formal event, place the salad fork to the left of the regular fork and the dessert utensils above the plate with the handle aiming to the left.
- Add some flair by pulling the napkins through decorative napkin rings and placing them on top of the empty plates.