Decorating a Dinner Table

Decorating a dinner table represents one of the most fun aspects of planning an event like a dinner party. It gives you the chance to show off your decorating skills by creating a table that reflects both your personality as well as the decorating theme for the party. A beautifully dressed table will spark conversation and help guests form memories of the party long after they've gone home. Dinner table decorating can be used for formal and informal events. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Follow the three rules for creating a visually interesting table: select the right color scheme, emphasize visual contrasts, and include some unique elements to the decorations that reflect who you are and what you're about. The decorating choices you make for this occasion should fall under one or more of these rules.

2

Find a tablecloth that is appropriate for the occasion.

3

Place a contrasting table runner on top of the tablecloth. The table runner offers one way that you can add visual contrast.

4

Add place mats that fit the decorating theme even if they're not traditional place mats. For example, use large bandanas as place mats. This supports your decorating motif and adds something different to the table, bringing this decorating choice in line with both the color and uniqueness rule.

5

Create special napkins as name cards. Write each guest's name in a fancy script on a napkin using a waterproof metallic marker and place it on her plate. This type of name card gives the guest both a napkin for dinner and a favor to take home after the party is over.

6

Mix up the plates. For example, take the dinner plates from your fine china collection and pair them with pewter or clear glass bread and salad plates.

7

Add spots of color around the table with colored stemware. Tie a decorative ribbon around the stem.

8

Make an interesting centerpiece. Although flowers always provide an appropriate choice, consider something like filling a beautiful antique bowl with assorted nuts and small pieces of fruits like kumquats, or placing candles of varying heights on a mirror in the middle of the table. These ideas provide visual interest and show off your personality.

9

Decorate the chairs. If it's a garden party you can hang little bags filled with party favors over the knobs of the chairs. It decorates the chairs and provides something memorable to take home afterward.