Decorating Your Table for Guests

For your next party, keep these ideas in mind as you create your table décor. Make it easy but beautiful by falling back on classic artistic touches:

“Leading Line.”Ashley of Sweetpea Lifestyle uses this photographic term to help create a table layout by creating a path for the eye to follow. In the image above, you can see a line of candles leading to the centerpiece. This causes people to naturally follow the line of candles and end at the center. It’s a great method for creating interest and drawing attention to a certain piece.

Centerpiece. Speaking of centerpieces, make sure that your centerpiece is higher than the other things on the table—that doesn’t mean it has to be extremely tall, just taller than the other elements. In fact, too big can be a problem: ever sat down at a table and had to play peek-a-boo with the décor in order to talk to the people around you?

Pattern & Texture. People are naturally drawn to tactile sensations. Add that textured fabric, seat cushion, or napkin and your guests will enjoy it probably more than they say. You can equally engage your guests’ eyes with intricate patterns that draw in attention.

What is the most successful table you’ve ever set? Did it use any of these techniques?