Design elements and decorations can help set the mood for special events like Christmas. Centrepieces are one such design element that can set a strong tone for dinner parties. They can be easy to create, even for hosts working with limited budgets.
Decorating the dining table with a visually stunning focal point may be all the creative touch hosts need to impress their guests as they sit down to dinner. Whether you prefer simple centrepieces or something more elaborate, follow these tips for centrepiece success.
Size
To determine which centrepiece to use, party hosts must first calculate a few things to come up with an appropriate size for the centrepiece. The first consideration is the size of the table. Scale the centrepiece to the dimensions of the table. The more people you can seat at the table, the larger the centrepiece can be.
Also think about the size of the room. Rooms with high ceilings or large architectural accents may accommodate larger or taller centrepiece more capably than smaller rooms. Centrepieces that are transparent can create height without blocking guests' views.
Materials
Hosts can use just about any materials they wish when creating centrepieces. Floral arrangements make for popular choices because flowers are available in a wide array of colours, sizes and heights. Plus, flowers can be chosen based on personal preferences, season or budget. Their sweet aroma also adds another sensory experience to a party.
But hosts are not limited to centrepieces that feature flowers. Fresh fruit, seashells, pebbles, marbles, candy, and even live fish are just a few of the materials that can be used to create memorable centrepieces. Think about which materials might provide a conversation starter at the dinner table and build around that.
Placement
As their name implies, centrepieces generally go in the centre of the table. But creative hosts can play with placement if they so desire. Rather than one large centrepiece, consider creating a table runner of sorts through the middle of the table that features various smaller elements. This can be useful when a larger element would take up too much room on the table.
Factor the height and visual line of guests when arranging centrepieces as well. Sit at the table with your elbows on the table surface and arms bent up. The height of your fists is the general sight line. Avoid centrepieces that fall within this sight line. Use a pedestal to raise up a centrepiece or keep the centrepiece lower so guests can converse across the table.
Think about placing smaller replicas of your main table centrepiece elsewhere in the entertaining space, such as near the entryway and in the powder room, to tie everything together.
Centrepieces are a key design element when hosting a special event, adding visual appeal to a space while helping any party appear more upscale.
– Metro Creative Services
