Table decorations – now called “tablescapes” in the party circuit – help your party define its theme. More than just a centerpiece, the tablescape encompasses the lighting, tablecloth, napkin rings and all the table’s essentials to help set the tone, style, theme and ambiance for your event….

Every party deserves a festive table decked out in unusual ways. Whether you’re throwing a bridal shower for 40 or a Father’s Day brunch for six, learn the essentials and some innovative ideas that will have your guests eager to sit down at your table as soon as they arrive, and talking about the table long after the party ends.

The Essentials of Table Décor
Creating fabulous tablescapes starts with a few essentials. Assemble table decorations from the following quick list:

Fabric – Use some kind of fabric that furthers the party theme. Tablecloths, runners, placemats, napkins and chair covers fall under this category. Do not limit yourself to the tried and true: think wild, whimsical or sublime. Feather boas, scarves, handkerchiefs, doilies, or a carpet remnant may serve your purpose.

Lighting – Lighting creates a mood, whether it’s the soft romance of candlelight or the flashing strobes of disco dazzle. Make certain your tablescape includes the element of light. Candles – available in so many sizes, shapes and colors – remain a favorite, but step it up with lamps or lanterns. Create a soft glow of color by placing fabric over a lamp to create an in-the-pink mood or a dark, somber atmosphere.

Hard Accents – Common items used in unusual ways define hard accents. Frames, hats, shoes, baskets, boxes, balls or bottles can become unique table decorations, as long as they follow the theme and provide the right touch.
Search second-hand shops, yard sales, flea markets, the attic or online for the curious item that will spark everyone’s imagination.

Something BotanicalThe finishing touch to a tablescape comes from nature. Add flowers, plants, foliage, fruit or vegetables to the assemblage. But don’t stop there: flowering branches, painted bare branches in interesting shapes, mosses, sod and even soil can transform a tabletop into something special, from a fairy wonderland to an artistic setting.

Create LevelsYou could simply set each element on the table and call it good, but why not add more interest and a sense of movement by varying the heights of components? Arrange a stack of books at different angles with a candlestick and one red rose on top. Or lay a pair of old eyeglasses and fountain pen on a single book next to the stack and perhaps another candlestick or two surrounding the vignette. What a great tablescape for a book club get-together or a writer’s birthday.

Another way to create levels involves using a tablecloth over containers set underneath. Plan how you want the heights to look and use bowls, cans or racks to create various heights. Lay a tablecloth over everything and tuck the cloth around each item to create a draping effect. Place objects on the bowls, along with some on the table.

The easiest levels come from the various elements. Use a pretty lace parasol hung from the ceiling for a bridal shower. The parasol creates the tallest element.
Directly beneath the umbrella, create a flower arrangement in a basket with a handle. All about the basket place romantic memorabilia, such as photographs of the engaged couple in a silver frames of various sizes. Place votive candles, which represent the lowest elements, all about the scene.

Add TexturesBlend soft with hard and sleek with rough for a fascinating vignette. The textures of the items you use further the story. Spiky spider mums coupled with a silk table runner says elegantly oriental with textures and symbolism.

Make it ComfortableMaking a tablescape is loads of fun, and getting carried away a real possibility. Keep this little rule of thumb in mind as you search home décor table decorations to go with your next party: Do not take up more than 1/3 of the tabletop surface for the tablescape. A party that lacks consideration for the comfort of guests is headed for disaster. Make sure place settings sit securely on the table. Allow for elbowroom and maneuvering. Remember you can use napkins, napkin rings and even the dishes to further your theme.

Ideas for Specific Party Table Decorations

Father’s Day or Dad’s birthday – On days when Dad gets to rest and be pampered, invite the whole family to honor him at an outdoor buffet or potluck in your back yard. Does Dad have a hobby or a passion? Base the party around something he enjoys doing. If he’s an angler, purchase khaki-colored fabric to make a tablecloth and use pinking shears to finish the edges.
Cotton fabric with a fish theme can then be used for napkins. Pick up fishing hats, lures, an old tackle box and a sign that states, “No fishing allowed” or “Gone fishing” for the hard accents. Add a mix of flowers and botanicals such as cattails, horsetail, daisies, and small sunflowers.

Create a flower arrangement in the old tackle box with a few lures dangling over the edge. Lean the sign against the backside of the tackle box and, finally, scatter lures down the table and between places where food will sit. On the tables for guests, use khaki tablecloths, a fishing hat and a Mason jar filled with the same flowers. Instead of candles, place a camping lantern on the food table. Use fishing line with a lure tied to it as a napkin ring.

Puttin’ on the Ritz party – If you’re planning an event that hums elegance and sophistication in a 1940’s, Fred-Astaire-and-Ginger-Rogers way, start with small lamps with tiny shades, set on each table, to create the mood. A top hat, lying on its side with a bouquet of red carnations peeking out, adds style and color. Elbow-length white gloves draped over the top hat lend an air of sexy. A table covering in white damask, with red napkins circled in faux diamond bracelets (picked up at a second-hand shop), completes the table scene.

“Sex in the City” party or a girlfriend’s birthday –If you’re planning an event that several of your adult girlfriends will attend, consider table decorations that begin with the colors pink and black.
Achieve various levels by placing cans of soup, beans, etc. in graduated sizes on the table. Lay a black tablecloth over the cans. Tuck the fabric around the cans to give a draping effect.

Next, fill martini glasses with water and add a touch of red food coloring to create the look of a pink cosmopolitan. Set one glass on each can, creating a stair-step effect. Float a candle in each martini glass.

Pick up a pair of saucy heels in a complementary color and create a flower arrangement in one shoe, standing upright, then tip the other over next to it. Tie lengths of hot-pink feather boas around the napkins.

Table decorations for using in a tablescape can come from anywhere, including your kitchen. Table décor with flair is easy to achieve by thinking about the theme and related items. Consider key words that you’d like to define your party, such as “outrageous,” “sweet,” “family,” “outdoors” or “sophisticated.” What objects do you have or can you find that exemplify those words? It won’t take long until your list becomes too long. Develop the overall look and go for a few choice items on the list that, when combined, make a stunning tablescape.

Do You Have Good Manners?In an age where it seems like the only time we see good manners on display is in the 19th century period piece movies, how do you reign on Miss Manner's meter? Find out with this quiz if you need to go back to etiquette school or if you have already graduated at the top of your class.