How to Decorate Head Tables

No matter what the occasion, if you have a head table at your event, you will want to make it stand out. Whether it be a head table at a wedding for the entire bridal party, a sweetheart table for just the bride and groom, or even a table at an anniversary party for a couple celebrating fifty years together, you have a number of different options to help the head table stand apart. With a little effort you will draw everyone's attention to the beautifully decorated table and thus to the individuals seated at the table as well.

Instructions

How to Decorate Head Tables

1. Start by choosing a floor-length tablecloth. Even if you do not have tablecloths at the other tables, it is a good idea to put one on the head table. If you have cloths on all the tables, use a different-colored cloth on the head table to help it stand out. Black and white tablecloths lend themselves to more formality, but any color that matches your theme will do.

2. Use candles to accent your head table. Tall silver candlesticks with tall candles add a nice touch. Or choose votives or floating candles for a less formal look. If every table has candles on it, add more to the head table, or taller and fancier ones to make them stand out.

3. Decorate your head table with flowers. If it's a wedding table, fasten holders for the ladies' bouquets along the edge of the tablecloth. Fill tall glass vases with stones or marbles. Add water to about the same height in the vase, and arrange the flower stems among the stones or marbles. For a dainty touch, cover the head table in rose petals. Red petals give a table a striking look.

4. Line the tablecloth with strings of lights along the edge of the table. This is a nice feature if your event takes place outdoors in the evening, or in a room with dim lighting.

5. Add a unique element to your head table by placing small picture frames of each individual sitting at the table to mark his place. Use small, fancy, gold or silver frames and memorable photos either from the present or from childhood. Use either color or black and white photos. Not only does this dress up the head table, but it will also provide a topic of conversation for the guests seated there.

6. Choose centerpieces to mark the season. If your head table is for a fall wedding, use fancy ceramic pumpkins as decorative centerpieces. If it's a wintertime event, think red and green, holly and mistletoe.

7. Finish off the look of your head table by covering the chairs with coordinating covers tied in the back with big ribbons or satin bows.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid tall centerpieces if you have a crowded table with people seated on both sides. Tall arrangements and candles can block people's view of one another and hinder conversation.