With fall upon us, the season of hosting and celebrations is upon us. That means your dining table will soon become the busiest place in your home.
While decorating your table for a formal dinner may seem like second nature to you by now, you probably don’t want to create a centerpiece that’s different for every meal you host or every time you need a fresh bouquet of flowers.
The good news is that there are many alternative ways to create a beautiful dining table without having to buy formal table decorations every time.
Interior designer Shea McGee just took to Instagram to share her top tips for putting together your dining table decor, including pieces you probably already have at home.
Shea McGee’s top tips for designing a dining table
“I’m often asked how to decorate a dining table when it’s not a formal floral arrangement,” says Shea, standing in front of a wooden dining table topped with a large floral arrangement — with a decidedly fall vibe. But there are a few other ways she likes to arrange table settings that don’t involve a lavish bouquet.
“Some of the principles I look for when putting together groupings on a dining table are usually a group of two, with one being a taller object and one being a lower object. Maybe it’s a taller vase and a bowl – a vase that looks good with or without flowers, and a bowl that looks good with or without fruit in it,” she explains.
It works particularly well to choose a table decoration that is pretty and functional – not only is it visually appealing, but you can also use the decoration to showcase the things you actually want on the table. This is especially useful when you have guests and there is limited table space.
And if you incorporate a vase into your decor, you can add flowers when needed without having to rearrange everything. A win-win situation!
(Image credit: McGee & Co)
“Then I also look at a group of three, so maybe a pair of taper candles—those look good both lit and unlit—and then I pair them with something lower,” Shea says, which is ideal if you have a slightly larger dining table or just want a grander decoration.
The rule of three is a staple of interior design and is perfect for decorating a dining table. Not only does it convey a sense of serenity, but a grouped trio is a foolproof way to add a striking decoration. Three seems to be the magic number—too many different pieces can look cluttered and confusing, rather than a curated centerpiece.
“The candles become the taller thing and then I’ll put a tray or bowl next to it,” she adds. The key here is to play with scale – combining tall and low, wide and narrow decor will add more interest and dimension to your dining table setting.
“This is a virtually foolproof approach to achieving a simple dining table look that doesn’t require you to buy fresh flowers,” concludes Shea.
Shop the look
A timeless, statement piece of decor, this stone-effect vase is the perfect addition to any dining table. It looks great with or without flowers in it and its neutrality means it looks beautiful all year round.
A bowl with an interesting design or silhouette adds a lot of interest to a table setting. This wooden-footed bowl is the ideal size for displaying fruit or decorations on your dining table – it also works wonderfully as a place setting.
Is a dining table decoration complete without taper candles? The candle holders you choose will go a long way in setting the mood of your decoration – this simple gold design is available in two sizes and will give your table a simple yet elegant finish.
Add some luxury to your dining table decor with this marble bowl. The contrast of the white marble bowl with the black marble base looks so unique – it will surely become the talking point of your decor.
With fall just around the corner, a terracotta vase is a perfect addition to your dining table decor. This piece has a lovely tall silhouette, so it’s perfect for incorporating into designs that follow Shea’s tips. We also love the rustic finish.
Why not add more atmospheric details for your evening event? These twisted candle holders are made from iron and will add a classic flair to your decor. They also come in small or medium, so you can really play with the size here.
These simple yet effective tips for decorating a dining table without flowers prove that sometimes less really is more. A few pretty candlesticks combined with your favorite ceramics can go a long way in creating an eye-catching centerpiece.
