How to Decorate for a Reception With Table Linens
The tone of a wedding reception is set by its decorations. Use a variety of techniques to decorate the tables at your wedding reception, and you will create a memorable event for you and your guests. Decorate the reception room with table linens in selected styles and colors; with a few embellishments your tables will be ready for the big day.
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Things You'll Need
- Tables
- Table linens
- Books
- Boxes
- Holiday light strings
- Tulle
- Ribbon
- Centerpieces
Instructions
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Drape all of your tables with linens. Use classic white or ivory for an elegant and simple look, or add visual interest with colored linens. For a combination look, alternate between two colors of table linens or cover all of the tables with large white tablecloths and then add smaller colored tablecloths at an angle. Another idea is to use one color for your tablecloths and a second color for your napkins. If you don't own the table linens, see if your reception hall will provide them or rent them to you, or rent your own at a party supply retailer. For an elegant option, drape white or ivory lace over a solid-colored tablecloth.
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For the buffet or gift table, add height by putting stacks of books or individual sturdy boxes on the table before covering it with a tablecloth. Use the books or boxes like platforms to highlight specific parts of the table, such as food trays or a card basket.
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Set the sweetheart table apart from the others by draping it with holiday light strings wrapped inside tulle. Take narrow yards of tulle fabric and lay a string of white holiday lights inside the tulle; wrap it up like a candy wrapper and tie every two to three feet with ribbon bows. Use this as you would use garland or swag and drape it on the front of your sweetheart table. Wrap it around the sides as well, securing it with pins in the spots where you tied ribbons or bows.
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Add centerpieces to the top of your table. Put a square mirror in the center with three or four votive and pillar candles on it. Position a small flower bouquet or a decorative vase full of fruit in the center of the tables. Sprinkle small candies, confetti or flower petals on the tabletop and add placeholder cards or wedding favors at each seat.
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References
- Photo Credit table setting 4 image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
