- Decide on your colors. The them of the event (Christmas, Easter, Valentine's) often will help you decide. Purchase inexpensive plastic tablecloths to fit your church hall's tables. Choose complementary colors to use for accents. These accents can be place mats, table runners or both if your tables are wide enough. Ribbon, usually 4- to 6-inches wide, works well as a table runner and can often be purchased by the roll at fabric or craft stores.
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CandlesLighting is important. For a special event, purchase glass candle holders, either votive sized or rose bowls, which can be placed on the table runners. This helps hold the runners in place and protects the tables. You can decorate the outside of the candle holders with ribbon trim, sequins, beads or even clear glass paint. -
Centerpieces can be anything that are decorative and fit with your theme. If you use flowers, however, be certain that the arrangements are small enough to allow conversation across the tables. A head-table centerpiece should be a bit more elaborate.
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Table ConfettiSmall details can make a table setting perfect. Wrap small candies in netting or foil in your accent color and tie with a bow in your primary color. Scatter decorative confetti along your table runner or table, if not using a runner. Small decorations, such as Christmas ornaments, Easter eggs or various nuts in their shells, add interest. - Purchasing new decorations every year can be expensive. After the banquet is over, purchase a storage bin for that event and store all items specific to that theme in that tote and label it. Check tablecloths to see if they can be reused; if so, wash and pack them. Some items can be used for more than one theme.
- If you will have small children present, consider their safety. Do not use sharp-edged confetti or open flames.
