Winning Table Decorations

Flowers and candles add beauty and interest to a table.

Creating an eye-catching and inviting tabletop for a party adds sparkle to the occasion. A few common household items interspersed with affordable craft store pieces turn a plain table into an inspired, festive landscape.

Napkins and Placemats

With a little imagination, napkins and placements add pizazz and functionality to the table. Bold floral prints mixed with stripes work well. Mix up textures and materials. Placemats cut from chalkboard paper or whiteboard materials encourage guests to doodle and draw. Napkins tied with twine or oversized ribbon create a unique effect.

Candles and Vases

Strategically placed votive candles in simple holders add a warm ambiance to the table. Bud vases or shallow candy dishes holding freshly cut wildflowers, aromatic herbs or fragrant flower petals establish a welcoming atmosphere.

Themes

Decide on a theme, make the centerpiece the focal point of the table and expand on the premise. For instance, a globe of the earth elevated and secured mid-table creates interest and ties in with colorful fruit favors stuck with tiny toothpicks sporting flags from around the world, an appropriate theme for a going-away party or a simple celebration of the diversity of the guests.

References

• RealSimple.com: Winning Table Decorations