Tips on Decorating the Dinner Table

Decorating a dinner table is an expression of art.

There are many ways to decorate a dining room table. Each part of the table, including the fabric, dishes, centerpiece and food, make up part of the table decorations. Each color and texture choice can transform the appearance. Arrange the table to look informal or formal with just a few simple changes, and delight your guests in the process.

Colors and Textures

Adding color and texture to a dining room table instantly brings formality and professionalism to the table. Use contrasting colors for the most professional look. If you have bright-colored dishes, use a neutral color for the napkins and tablecloth. With neutral dishes, you can use almost any other color for the other items on the table. Use different textures of cloth, dishes and table decorations for a table decoration style that is pleasing to several senses.

Table Covering

You must decide if you want to use a table covering or leave the table bare. If you leave the table bare, the formality of the arrangement is lessened. A bare table signifies informality. Even if you use a tablecloth, you can still have an informal feel by using patterns and colors that feel informal. Using a wide mix of colors makes the appearance less formal, while a monochromatic look is more formal. A white tablecloth can appear the most formal. Use a tablecloth alone, or add an additional runner for color contrast.

Dishes

Dishes can change the appearance of the whole table. Choose elegant china dishes for a formal table setting, and ceramic everyday dishes for a less formal table setting. Place the dishes in the correct order, with the plate in the middle, salad plate on top, glass to the top right of the plate, knife and spoon to the right and forks on the left. Colored dishes look less formal than white or neutral dishes.

Centerpiece

The centerpiece is the part of the table where the theme of the dinner can shine through. For an informal meal, use the dinner food placed in attractive containers for the centerpiece. There are many ways to make centerpieces -- with flowers, candles, dessert trays, rocks and greenery and almost anything else you can think of. Use one large arrangement for the center, or several smaller arrangements spread down the length of the table.

Or, for a casual midday meal, use a centerpiece of one kind of fruit, such as lemons or tomatoes, in a clear glass bowl, floating in water for a unique touch. Add a sprig of basil for a warm scent.

References

• Divine Dinner Party: Cheap Centerpiece Ideas
• Decorate Your Table: Dining Room Table Ideas
• Divine Dinner Party: Basic Table Settings