The dining room is where we gather with family and friends, where meals are shared, and memories are made. Decorating your dining room table helps to create a beautiful and inviting space for this all to take place. There are many components to think about – it’s much more than just finding the perfect centerpiece. Read on to learn how to decorate a dining table – we’ll go over each type of table decor and how they’re best used.

1. Table Linens

Use table linens to set the stage for your dining table decor and place settings. Table linens are both functional and decorative, adding color and texture to your dining table. Consider including the following types of table linens in your tablescape designs.

• Tablecloth: Tablecloths cover your entire table, adding color and texture to your dining area as well as protecting it from spills. Choose from different fabrics, colors, or patterns, such as floral, plaid, geometric, or toile.
• Table Runner: A table runner is a rectangular piece of cloth that runs down the center of your dining table. It makes a great foundation for table centerpieces. Choose from various colors and fabrics, such as burlap, linen, lace, or cotton to fit your tablescape.
• Placemats: Placemats sit directly under your place settings ( your dinnerware and silverware). They add style and color to your table and protect it from messes during meals. If you have children or are expecting messes, choose fabric placemats that can be thrown in the wash or ones made of materials that can be wiped down, such as vinyl, wood, or leather.
• Dining Napkins: Provide cloth dining napkins as a part of your place settings so they’re available for your guests. Choose colors that match your tablescape color palette and use napkin rings to elevate your dining table style.

2. Place Settings

Place settings are necessary for eating, but they can also serve as part of your dining room decor. Put them out ahead of time when you have guests coming over, or leave them out between meals so they’re always ready for your next family dinner. These are the components of a place setting:

• Dinnerware: A basic dinnerware set includes a dinner plate, dessert plate, and a bowl. Choose a dinnerware set in your favorite colors and patterns that you can proudly display on your dining room table.
• Flatware: Choose flatware in silver, gold, black, or with wood or plastic handles. A typical place setting includes a dinner fork, dinner spoon, and butter knife. If you’re planning a formal dinner party, check out our Silverware Placement Guide. Purchase a standard flatware set, a set with serving pieces, or one with steak knives included to make sure you have everything you need.
• Glassware: Include a drinking glass with your standard place setting. If you plan to serve alcohol, choose matching wine or cocktail glasses. Choose gorgeous crystal drinkware sets and pitchers that will add appeal to your dining table.
• Serveware: Be sure to have serveware that looks just as good as your dinnerware. Serving bowls, tureens, cake stands, and charcuterie boards can all come in handy for a dinner party and as part of your centerpiece.

Tip!

Learn the ins and outs of setting the table with our Proper Place & Table Setting Diagram.

3. Centerpieces

No tablescape is complete without a proper centerpiece. Consider centering your dining table design around a centerpiece that incorporates one or more of these elements:

• Floral Arrangements: A beautiful floral arrangement is a classic dining table centerpiece. Switch out fresh seasonal blooms every week or so, or choose a few sets of faux floral arrangements that you love – they’ll last for years to come. Get creative and choose colors that complement your linens and place settings.
• House Plants: If you have a resident house plant that you love to show off, what’s a better place than the center of your dining room table? Plants can be swapped out for holiday decor or can be incorporated into your seasonal centerpieces. Choose a faux plant centerpiece if you don’t want to care for a live plant.
• Decorative Trays: Use a decorative tray as part of your dining room table centerpiece. This makes a great designated surface for other centerpiece components like candles, plants, or decorative objects.
• Candles: Place pillar candles on their own as centerpieces, arrange tapered candles down the center of your dining table, or place them in candle holders like candelabras or tea light holders. Keep colored candles just for show or light them for ambience.
• Decorative Objects: Choose centerpiece decor that fits your tablescape and general dining room style. Choose abstract decorative objects for modern spaces, animal-themed or wood for rustic-style decor, or flashy metallic pieces for a glam display. Decorative objects can easily be switched out to match each season or holiday.

4. Lighting

Your dining room lighting may not sit on your dining table, but it’s just as important as your dining room decor. The proper lighting contributes ambiance and style to your dining experience. Make sure your dining room lighting shows off your beautiful tablescape and adds to your carefully curated aesthetic.

• Chandelier: Chandeliers are centerpieces that hang above your dining table. Choose a classic iron or wagon wheel chandelier for a rustic farmhouse look, a sputnik chandelier for a modern dining space, or an ornate tiered chandelier for a traditional or glam-style dining table.
• Pendant Lights: Consider pendant lights for a simple lighting look that showcases your tablescape. Try a single pendant light to showcase your centerpiece, clustered pendant lights for an alternative to a chandelier, or line up three pendant lights to provide even ambient light along your dining table.
• Flush Mount Lighting: Not quite as attention-grabbing as chandelier or pendant lighting, flush mount lighting takes a step back to showcase your dining room table decor. Flush mount lighting offers many beautiful options like crystal, globe, or tiffany glass lighting fixtures.

Tip!

Choose the best lighting to complete your dining room tablescape. Get inspired with these Dining Room Lighting Ideas.

5. Seasonal & Holiday Decor

Changing up your dining room table decor for each season or holiday keeps your interior decor feeling fresh – plus, who doesn’t love decorating for the holidays? Consider decorating your dining room table for these special occasions:

• Spring: To celebrate spring, prioritize neutral- or pastel-colored table linens and floral centerpieces. If you celebrate Easter, decorate for this spring holiday with Easter-themed tableware and linens like table runners, tablecloths, and serveware.
• Summer: For the summer months, try neutral- or bright-colored table linens. Decorate with lots of bright floral blooms. Try coastal-themed table linens and decor to celebrate summer beach days.
• Fall: Choose autumn-themed table linens, and decorate your dining room table with fall centerpieces – check out our Fall Centerpiece Ideas for inspiration. Celebrate Thanksgiving by decorating your dining table with Thanksgiving garlands, decorations, tableware, and linens.
• Winter: Set your table for the most wonderful time of the year! Decorate your dining table for both winter and Christmas with plenty of garlands, ornaments, and winter-themed decor – try out our Winter Centerpiece Ideas.

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