Table Decoration Ideas
The table is where guests sit, eat and take a good look at your styling, so a little effort here goes a long way.
You do not need a florist's budget. A runner, one centrepiece and some scatter is enough to make a table feel finished.
Style the table in zones
Work from the middle out. Lay a runner or a line of confetti down the centre, add your centrepieces along it, then set the places around the edge. Keep the very centre clear enough for platters and jugs to land.
- Runner: a paper or fabric strip instantly ties mismatched plates together.
- Centrepieces: one tall piece on a small table, or three spaced evenly down a long one.
- Scatter: a light sprinkle of table confetti or gems fills the gaps. A little goes a long way, roughly one small pack per 6-seat table.
Centrepiece heights and spacing
- Keep sightlines clear. Centrepieces should sit below 25cm or above 45cm so guests can see each other across the table.
- Space them out. On a long table, place one centrepiece every 90cm to 1m.
- Mix heights. A tall cascade or honeycomb with a couple of low pieces looks far more considered than a single flat row.
- Anchor helium. If you float balloons above the table, weight them so they sit around 50 to 60cm up, clear of faces.
Frequently asked questions
How many centrepieces do I need for a long table?
Space one every 90cm to 1m. A 2.4m trestle table looks balanced with three evenly spaced pieces.
How much table confetti should I buy?
Roughly one small pack per 6-seat table for a light scatter. Double it if you want a denser, fuller look down the runner.
What if I have no time to style each place setting?
Focus on the centre. A runner, one good centrepiece and a scatter of confetti reads as styled even with plain plates.
More in the Decorations guide