Easy steps to decorate your dining room table for a simple, yet elevated look for any occasion!
Whether you’re setting the stage for an intimate family dinner or hosting a fancy dinner party, a well-decorated dining room table creates a feeling of hospitality and elevates the dining experience.
I want to help you create table settings that reflect your personal style, the spirit of the occasion, and complement the aesthetic of your home so come along in this post!
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Does Table Decor Even Matter?
Your dining room table is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s where memories are shared, celebrations are had, and meals become so much more than simply eating.
A beautifully set table is a reflection of your personal taste and can set the tone for a gathering of your favorite people.
Choosing a Color Scheme
The first decision to make when decorating your dining room table is the color scheme. The colors you choose will tie your entire ensemble together and set the mood for your gathering.
Room Sources: Dining Table (seadrift finish) | Gray Rope Dining Chairs | Upholstered Chair (similar) | Rug (natural color) | Pendant Light (Chrome) | Abstract Art | Coral Wall Decor | White Vase (Small Size) | Cherry Blossoms | Table Runner (similar)
Are you hosting a formal affair with classic white and gold? Or, perhaps a casual weekend brunch with pastels or earth tones?
Think about the colors of your dining room and the overall feeling you want to convey.
Pro tip: Stick to 2-3 main colors and add depth with contrasting shades.
Tablecloth or Runner?
Room Sources: Dining Table (seadrift finish) | Gray Rope Dining Chairs | Upholstered Chair (similar) | Rug (natural color) | Pendant Light (Chrome) | Abstract Art | Coral Wall Decor | White Planter | Hydrangeas (similar) | Table Runner (similar)
If your table is a statement piece or you just love it and don’t want to cover it up, don’t feel like you have to!
Adding a tablecloth or runner simply allows you to create depth and visual interest. Additionally, it’s a great way to incorporate your chosen accent colors.
Room Sources: Scallop Placemats (budget-friendly placemats linked here) | White Dinner Plates | Ruffled Salad Plates | Napkins | Woven Napkin Rings | Tablecloth (similar budget-friendly tablecloth) | Wine Glasses (similar) | Small Serving Board | White Planter | Hydrangeas (similar)
If you’re opting to use a tablecloth, measure your table to ensure a proper fit. The tablecloth should hang about 8 to 12 inches over each side, or longer for a more formal look.
In terms of material, a linen or cotton blend is great for everyday use. Conversely, silk or lace can enhance a more formal table setting.
Dinnerware and Seating
Your choice of these items will definitely depend on the formality of the occasion.
You can never go wrong with clear glass. However, I love using colored glass for a fun pop of color for more casual gatherings.
Room Sources: Dining Table (seadrift finish) | Gray Rope Dining Chairs | Upholstered Chair (similar) | Pillow | Rug (natural color) | White Vase (Small Size) | Cherry Blossoms | Table Runner (similar)
For seating, it will also depend on your style. If you’re wanting people to stick around, then make sure the chairs you have chosen will not be uncomfortable for them to be in for an extended period of time.
Centerpieces and Table Decor
When decorating your dining table, think of your centerpiece as the exclamation point at the end of a sentence. It’s going to draw the eye and also help anchor all your colors or theme together.
If you’re not decorating for a specific holiday like Easter, then your table decor will be a lot more generic. This is totally okay!
Room Sources: Dining Table (seadrift finish) | Scallop Placemats | Melamine Dinner Plate | Melamine Salad Plate | Melamine Appetizer Plate | Linen Fringe Napkins | Lobster Napkin Rings | Seagrass Pitcher | Seagrass Tumbler Glasses | Rattan Servers | Table Runner
Or if you’re in the mood for a little fun and whimsical, try some fun napkin ring holders like these adorable little lobsters!
Room Sources: Tulips | Woven Vase | Table Runner (similar) | Abstract Art
Fresh floral arrangements are classic and versatile. However, you can also use faux flowers which are much lower maintenance and can still be just as gorgeous!
Candles, seasonal elements (like the woven bunnies I used for our Easter table decor), or even non-traditional items like books or sculptures are other great options to add to your dining room table decor.
Room Sources: Dining Table (seadrift finish) | Gray Rope Dining Chairs | Pendant Light (Chrome) | Abstract Art | Coral Wall Decor | Cane Vases | Hydrangeas (real but here’s a great faux option) | Table Runner (similar) | Placemats (similar) | White Dinner Plates | Napkins (similar) | Oyster Napkin Rings (similar)
Remember to keep the centerpiece low enough for diners to see across the table. Surround it with smaller decorative elements like candle holders or place cards to complete the look.
Setting the Table
Room Sources: Scallop Placemats (budget-friendly placemats linked here) | White Dinner Plates | Ruffled Salad Plates | Napkins | Woven Napkin Rings | Tablecloth (similar budget-friendly tablecloth) | Wine Glasses (similar) | Small Serving Board | White Planter | Hydrangeas (similar)
I personally love the look of layered dishes on a charger and these woven ones are some of my favorites.
They’re like a really good pair of jeans! You can dress them up or down, and they will work in almost any scenario!
Enjoy It!
At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter how you decorate your dining room table.
Room Sources: Scallop Placemats (budget-friendly placemats linked here) | White Dinner Plates | Ruffled Salad Plates | Napkins | Woven Napkin Rings | Tablecloth (similar budget-friendly tablecloth) | Wine Glasses (similar) | Small Serving Board | White Planter | Hydrangeas (similar) | Rattan Servers | Coral Wall Decor
What matters is that you love your dining room table and that you’re able to spend time with the people you love the most – while making memories!
XO,
