Let’s look at table centerpiece ideas and a few easy to do tips to create a stunning table without setting it! Our dining room table is one of the largest flat surfaces in our homes! It’s prime real estate. So let’s create something fabulous on it!
Dining table decor can make or break the way our whole dining rooms look! I get so many emails and questions about what to put on the dining room table! So today, I have lots of everyday dining room table centerpiece ideas for you!
KEEP YOUR TABLE CLEAR OF CLUTTER
First of all, make sure your dining room table is totally clear of all clutter. This is so important!!!! Because it is a big, horizontal surface it is a magnet for “stuff”! If your table is a clutter collector, clean it off and DO NOT put one thing on it that does not belong.
Doing this one thing is not only freeing but will make your whole room look better instantly! Now your dining room will already look better and it is ready to start the road to fabulous!
GO BIG, BIG, BIG
Our tables are not the place to display collections or group little objet d’ art! When your table is not in use add an everyday dining room table centerpiece that is BIG! This is the area in your home to make a HUGE statement!
The best way to do that is to find one big, gorgeous urn or container and add seasonal elements to it!
I found this big chippy urn at HomeGoods. At the time I had no idea what I would do with it but I knew it would be perfect somewhere in my home. The urn found a home on my dining room table. And is my go-to container for the table!
I keep my dining room centerpiece filled with beautiful seasonal natural elements like…
- dried hydrangeas (above)
- faux sunflowers
- Christmas greens
- spring branches that are blooming
- branches of fall leaves
- moss and moss balls
- faux arrangements
- orchids (so easy to take care of)
A note about faux florals…
Get the best you can afford. This investment will have a big payoff since you can use them year after year. I got my sunflowers almost a decade ago and they still look amazing and real!
A designer tip…
If you have one big container like I do, put your filler in glass cylinders inside your big container. It is so much easier to add two or three glass cylinders filled with flowers, water, moss etc to a big urn or container!
USING A TRIO AS A TABLE CENTERPIECE
Think about using a trio of large containers across your dining room table! Our eyes love things grouped in three. There is instant decor magic when using three large items on a dining room table as a centerpiece!
You will want to read about the rule of threes in decor below…
KEEPING A TABLE “SET”
And a little note about keeping a table set as decor. I say if you love the look go for it! For me, I think it makes the front of my home look a little cluttered as I have an open floor plan. If you have a semi-open plan or if your dining room or is not open to the rest of your home then go for it! Do what you love and is pretty and comfortable for you!
ADD A BIT OF GLOW TO A DINING ROOM TABLE CENTERPIECE
Candles are a perfect addition to a dining room table! I love the look of a grouping of candles on either side of my centerpiece. Grouping beautiful candles holders on your dining room table adds visual weight and presence to a table. And promotes the magic of decorating in threes
Pull out your candle holders and group them on either side of your centerpiece.
Tips for grouping candles…
- balance the candle holders on one side of the centerpiece with the candles on the other
- candle holders don’t need to match
- candles do need to be the same color to give your candle grouping a cohesive look
- vary candle holder and candle heights
- think about investing in battery operated candles on timers. They look so real these days and you can set them to light up so evenings in your dining room have a magical soft glow!
CREATE A VIGNETTE AS A TABLE CENTERPIECE
A few big items corralled in a tray or basket will really be a standout in your dining room! This is the place to be very mindful about what you put in your vignette. No little items except for filler in the bottom of the basket or tray!
And remember to group in odd numbers. Three is the magic number for vignettes.
By the way, all these tips work for kitchen tables too!
Now, it’s your turn! Shop your house of the images below to find table centerpiece ideas for your dining room! Create something worthy of your dining room table!
Don’t miss this post…
IF YOU HAVE A DINING ROOM READ THIS!
Hi! Your dining table centerpieces are amazing. I have never seen such elegance in a long time. Could you tell me the name of the flower (Or plant) in your 3rd picture right before the sunflowers? They are gorgeous and I have an urn similar to the one you show. Thank you for all you assistance.
Hi Rosa, those are dried limelight hydrangeas from big plants outside StoneGable’s front porch. Hope this helps.
Ever since I’ve been following your blog I have coveted that large urn of yours. Yes, I know it is sinful, but I can’t help myself. I look for a similar one every where I go, Homegoods, Marshslls, J Max, Macy’s, thrift stores, you name it, yet no urn☹️. I’m convinced my life would be so much better if I only had that urn!
Hi Yvonne,
I love your dining room table! Where did you purchase it?
Thank you for your inspirational posts.
I love this table, Sherri! However, the exact one sold out! Here’s one that is similar:https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/charlton-home-wydmire-dining-table-chrl2073.html?cjevent=e9d46fe59f3d11e9818b03000a24060f&refID=CJ687298-CJ2975314&PID=CJ4441350
Hi, Yvonne: I found the podcast sometime around Oct. 2018 and decided to start listening from the beginning. I saw later on that you were no longer on there, but I check your blog often. Yes, you will be missed.
I’ve got a question: I found a similar light fixture to the one you have over your dining table. In your opinion, would it look good in a bedroom? I want to put a chandelier in my roughly 12×14 bedroom and really like the style of that one.
Thanks!
Ana
Hi Ana, yes I’m no longer podcasting. It was just too much! Although I loved the podcast and my co-hosts it took more time than I was willing to give. StoneGable blog is my first love so to speak.
I think the chandelier in the dining room would make a beautiful bedroom chandelier!
I have been unable to PIN recipes and photos from the posts. A blank box comes up with directions to move “arrows” . There are no arrows just unusual lines in the bottom left of the field. Am I doing something wrong ?
I have been unable to PIN recipes and photos from the posts. A blank box comes up with directions to move “arrows” . There are no arrows just unusual lines in the bottom left of the field. Am I doing something wrong
I’m sooo thankful that you are continuing your blog, Yvonne. Reading this each day has made such a difference to me. There are so many things I love in both your home and your heart.
Thanks, Margo!
Question: where did you find those wicker looking round place mats I guess that is what you would call them? I love them instead of a charger plate. Thank you
Oh Yvonne, I am going to miss you on DTT ☹️ . I certainly understand your desire to spend more time with the grandbabies. It will just make the episodes with you even more special!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful interior design and your articles of inspiration. Love it.
Yvonne, I will miss listening to you on DTT but will look forward to hearing your advice when you are able to break away from those wonderful grandchildren. Anyone with grandchildren completely understands.
Did you ever figure out a way to keep your dining room area rug from rippling? I have a new indoor/outdoor area dining room rug that I can’t keep flat especially around the table legs. As always, thanks for sharing your expertise.
Hi Yvonne,
Can you tell me where you purchased the silver/sterling silver/looks like silver, urns/vases that hold the boxwood balls? Love your blog! Sheilah
Hi Sheilah, I found them at the Pottery Barn about 4 Christmas seasons ago. I have not seen them for a couple years. Sorry!
Do you know the poem that says “…I’m rocking my baby, and babies don’t keep!” ? So true! Happy for you for a wise and godly decision, sad for me and fellow listeners who so connect with your soul as well as particular design style. You will be missed!
Hi Yvonne, just wondering when you will post about your kitchen refresh?
Hi Cheryl, can you believe I’m still trying to decide whether or not I want subway tile (love it but it will look so 2018 someday) or go more classic with marble slabs as backsplashes. I need to make a decision in the next two weeks so I can have this done for Christmas.
OOO I love the idea of marble slabs. Less grout lines.
Love your tips for a pretty centerpiece for dining room table. The dining room table is something fun to work on with big impact. Thank you Jean
Will totally miss hearing you on the show… but, you know I totally understand! Great decision, Yvonne!
Thanks Julie! Your friendship across the country is such a big blessing to me!
You will be missed, sweet friend. I often tune in to hear the giggles, as well as the advice. Read your blog daily and love your “girls”. Will continue to enjoy. Having 8 grand babies, 7 months to 16 years, I totally understand. Family is always a priority and we never miss an opportunity to spend time with ours.
Thanks, Jane!
Please tell me how large the baskets are that you use on the tables. Pictures don’t always show that information. I have been looking for some and each one is so small. I couldn’t put a candlestick or book on them. Thank you for your help.
The basket on the kitchen table is about 20 inches round. Hope this helps
I completely understand your decision. I have 18 month old twin granddaughters, and cant spend enough time with them! Your home is beautiful.
You go Girl! Time is too short and those babies grow up too quickly. You don’t want to miss a thing as Family is so important! ?
With Love,
Jackie B
Thanks, Jackie!
As so many have said it is so important for you to be with your grandbabies as much as you can. The pod cast won’t be the same without you but your followers will look forward to your guest visits. Your blog is the first thing I read in the morning so am so glad to hear that will continue. I have learned so much from you. Thank you and God Bless you and yours.
Bless your heart Menold! xo
Really great ideas, but you could you style a round dining table sometime?
Thank you!
God has truly blessed you !
Yes, I have a round kitchen table. The image with the basket on it is round.
Please take all the time in the world to be with your grandchildren. Honestly, they grow up so fast. Our closest three to our home, I see almost five out of seven days. It’s a real treat to attend their school and sporting events. Our oldest is studying to become a nurse at Kent State and our youngest is in second grade and will make her First Holy Communion this spring. Your readers will ALWAYS be here for you.
Sandy, I know you understand. And I am SO BLESSED by my wonderful readers. I really, sincerely do have the best and most loyal readers in blogland. Many of my blog colleagues admire your loyalty and I hear over and over again how “lucky” I am to have such loyal readers that feel like friends. Yes, I know!!!!!! I NEVER take you for granted and pray for you and do my best with YOU in mind! So thanks so much for being on this part of my journey! YOU are the best! I love what I do because of YOU!
Enjoy those grandbabies. They grow up so fast!
Really enjoyed this—especially since the Hubs has had our dining table tied up with a research project (he’s a professor). He promises that he’s nearly done, so I’m off to Home Goods!
Well, this sounds like a pretty good use of the dining room table!
I will miss you on the podcasts as you are the main reason I tune in! Love your blog and thanks so much for all of your advise! Enjoy those grand babies!
I’ll be hosting on a part-time basis. And I will have more time and energy to put into StoneGable.
Yvonne, I will certainly miss your sweet voice and creative input on DTT, but I definitely understand your decision! I have listened to every podcast, with the exception of today’s and Wednesday’s and have learned tips and tricks each time!!! I have had many moments of laughing out loud, too. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into the podcast and your blog. I will continue to listen to DTT and will look forward to your “visits”. Reading your Stone Gable blog is part of my daily routine, so the beat will go on…Enjoy every special moment with your “babies”!!! Your priorities are in the proper order.
Bunny
Bless your heart Bunny! I’m so glad you are on this fun journey of life with me!
I echo everything Bunny said! Happy you’ll be on some of the podcasts, Yvonne. You are responsible for my biggest belly laughs, most recently when you said if a nuclear bomb goes off you want it to be right over your house (folks will have to listen to back episodes to find out why!).
LOL! I don’t want to suffer and see other’s suffering! I know exactly where I’m going so it’s okay! Right? I think my hosts were a little horrified. But that’s why we podcast! Sooooo fun!
Yvonne you will be missed on the podcast! There is no greater time spent than the time spent investing in your grandchildren. So glad you are stepping back to enjoy these precious moments that go by so quickly. Soak in all of it that you can!
Do these rules apply to a round table, as well. My dining room table is round. I love the ease of conversation around it but find it hardier to decorate then my previous rectangle one. Any hints for me?
I have a round kitchen table. I’ll do a post about centerpieces for a round table in a couple weeks.
That will be great, Yvonne!
So sad to hear you won’t be podcasting regularly. I like your style and find that you share the most valuable information. I will check into your blog more though. I especially love your features on food. That being said, this year is my first time hosting Thanksgiving (for 8) and I wonder if you have any side dishes you would recommend?
Hi Lisa, thanks for the very nice comment! As far as side dishes the best advice I can give you is 1- ask what your guest’s favorite side dishes are at Thanksgiving and make them. They will be thrilled! 2- if your guests offer to make anything let them bring the side dishes and 3- search Pinterest for easy ideas for side dishes that you would love. We always have a big salad, usually with oranges and pears and candied pecans with a poppyseed dressing. We always have the traditional green bean casserole. My son and a few others love it even though my once-chef sister is disgusted by it! LOL! And we have this weird jello with cream cheese and walnuts and mini marshmallows that my sister loves (go figure). I would pick side dishes that are easy and make-ahead as there are so many moving parts when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner. May your table be blessed, friend!
Thanks for the advice. I was born and raised in Canada (but I now live in California), so Canadian Thanksgiving is not as big of a holiday and doesn’t necessarily have the same standard dishes….aside from the turkey. Plus we have Thanksgiving in October…which is nice because once Halloween is over, it’s right into Christmas! Is the green bean casserole that you make the original one created by Dorcas Reilly for Campbell’s? I just read that she recently passed away so, of course, the green bean casserole was in the news. I’ve never tried it, but I have made one that I think might be similar. It’s a recipe from America’s Test Kitchen/Cook’s Illustrated. Maybe your sister would approve of this version.
P.S. I just listened to your podcast where you tell everyone you are leaving. ? I will miss you. It feels like when you start watching a TV series you really like and it gets cancelled.
Yvonne,
This is such sad news (selfishly) to me since you are the reason I listen to the podcast! You inspire me as much as Ina Garten does for her cooking and you have changed my way of thinking about decorating! I totally understand your reasons, as I am also have precious grands! May God bless your life in every way! Thank you for the inspiration! I will continue to be inspired by your Instagram posts!
Blessings,
Sandy
Hi Sandy, thank you so much for your sweet comment. But I’m not going away… I’m just paring back.
This was such a hard, almost heartbreaking decision! But when I can drive to visit my babies for a couple of days I know I have made the right decision.
You still get my decorating advice right here at StoneGable. Actually, this will give me more time to pay attention to my blog and decorating company.
Thanks for listening and reading StoneGable. Hugs to you!
Love this! i think you are totally correct in the “Go BIG”. I tbelieve that why me table looks ‘off’.
Great Cyndi!