How to Style a Table Centrepiece

A beautiful table centrepiece and decorations on your table, add interest, character and a finishing touch to your home decor. Remember, what we have in our homes reflects our interests, heritage and lifestyle. Why not show off the things we love the most?!

By putting our things on display in arrangements, we make a statement about ourselves and remind people that this is the place we call home and these are the things we cherish.

Your table centrepiece and table arrangements should change regularly. Like our lifestyle, moods, interests and the seasons, our home should change also. Many centrepieces can be used over and over again in various ways, it’s just a matter of mixing them up in new ways.

There are a few rules though, as you want engaging entertainment as well – not just guests who spend the whole time gazing at the centrepiece!

Here are a few dos and don’ts for arranging a table centrepiece:

Do: Mix Tall and Low 

Tall centrepieces help to fill up a room, because of their height. Just be careful to use them appropriately – you don’t want to block the line of sight for guests. You can put tall centrepieces on tables with less traffic (i.e. gift tables and buffet tables) or make sure guests can see through the bottom of the vase.

Conversely, shorter centrepieces are great for accommodating conversation between guests. Make sure the centrepieces are low enough that seated guests can see over the top.

As a general guideline, you should keep your tall centrepieces 24” or higher, and the shorter ones 12” or under.

Do: Save money by using products in season 

Pinecones, fruit, vegetables, flowers, sea shells – these are all very easily sourced and are very cost effective if you’re on a budget. The two fruits that work perfectly together every time are apples and pears.

Vegetables are also on trend at the moment when it comes to centrepieces and table decorations!

Don’t: Forget about the shape of your table

The most common table shapes you’ll come across are round, square and rectangular. Each shape has its own considerations:

Round
This table suits a single centrepiece. You can definitely use tall centrepieces since the circular shape makes it easier to look around to the other guests, without having to worry about table decorations in the way.

Square
Square tables have more space in the centre than other shapes. Design a more substantial arrangement to utilise this space and keep the table from looking empty.

Rectangular
A single centrepiece on a rectangular table will look lonely. Aim for multiple centrepieces, like a larger middle one and smaller arrangements at each end. Be sure to keep them narrow to avoid crowding the table since you need to leave space for the place settings. Another option for a centrepiece on a rectangular table is to use a table runner, which is a long strip of fabric, florals or greenery that stretches the entire length of the centre of the table.

Don’t: limit your creativity

When it comes to centrepieces, the only limit is your own creativity!

Vases
The classic material for a vase is glass but you could opt for ceramic, pottery, mosaic, metal, wood or even stone. You can also use Mason jars, bottles, jugs, baskets or watering cans for a more unique feel.

Flowers
Seasonal or standard blooms? Real or artificial flowers? Fresh or dried? Each decision comes with a range of options for creating exceptional centrepieces.

Non-Floral Options
You don’t have to stick with flowers! Alternatives would be candles, bird cages, lanterns or sand/seashells. Flex that creative muscle!

Do: add an element of surprise

If you are grouping round objects, try adding a rectangular shape. Or place a heavy glass sculpture next to a pottery teapot – this unusual combination or arrangement of objects adds an element of surprise.

Add  an object that has a different texture. On our table we have a lot of concrete objects …. and then a rabbit covered in green turf!

Don’t: restrict your table centrepiece creations for your dining room only

Don’t forget your sideboard, coffee table and side tables – they can all be styled up with a centrepiece as well! Books, candles, flowers, pine cones and ornaments can all be part of a great coffee table centrepiece. Get creative!

Handy Hints

When placing accessories in an arrangement, keep the following hints in mind:

• Your composition should be attractive from every angle
• Odd numbers of accessories make a more interesting grouping than even numbers
• Vary the heights of two or more pieces for a more pleasing effect
• Arrange smaller objects on a tray or mirror for convenience
• Place the centrepiece well so it doesn’t interfere with any cutlery or placemats