Centerpieces or

Table
Decorations
The centerpieces or the table decorations are the finishing
touches that are essential to the overall harmony of a table.
Simple decorations are often quite dramatic. A centerpiece
makes a large table with many place settings seem warm and
inviting. Flower arrangements, fruit arrangements, vegetable
centerpieces or a combination of these three popular items.
Candles are essential for formal dinner. Accent candles with
decorative holders or by surrounding the base with greenery or
flowers.
Rules in the use of table decoration and centerpiece

1. Keep them low so people can see and converse across the table.

2. Centerpieces need not be always at the center.

3. Decoration on the buffet and tea service are larger and taller than dinner table
decorations.

4. Use candles after dusk; they should burn above or below eye level.

5. Suit centerpieces to the occasion.

6. Always check for contrast as well as color harmony to achieve balance and
coordination between table appointments and centerpieces.
 POINTERS OF THE USE OF THE DIFFERENT
CENTERPIECES OR TABLE DECORATIONS
Flower Arrangement
1. In an arrangement of flowers, one type of flower and one color predominating is more
satisfying. The heavier the color, the lower it should be in the arrangement. Smaller, lighter flower are
better on the side and toward the top. To avoid a spotly effect, keep like colors together and as much as
possible, flowers of the same intensity of colors must be kept together.
2. The flower container must be as much a part of the picture of the table appointments in its
quality, texture and color as everything else on the table.

3. One of the most popular flower arrangements for the dinner table is the “crescent” pattern.
Its character changes with the selection of different plant materials.

4. It is discourteous to have the flower arrangement so tall that they act as a barricade among
the guests and prevent cross-table conversation. Tall arrangements must be reserved for teas, cocktail
parties, and buffets when the flowers are to be viewed by guests in standing position.
The Beauty of Fruits
1. Simply arranged, fruits are at their best. It is their own color and shape that provide
interest.

2. For an arrangement of one kind of fruit, select a container which will reveal its own
particular shape and color to advantage.

3. Combine the solidity of fruit with the delicacy of flowers for contrast of emphasis. Two or
three blossoms or more – in tiny glass holders may be tucked among fruits effectively.

Candles and Candlelight

1. Candles or pure decoration only and in creative table setting, are considered as such.
Candles are not used in any daylight setting.

2. Use at least four candles on an average table six feet long, or else use none at all. An
abundance of candlelight make glass and silver sparkle, women lovely and provides a soft glow for the
entire settings.
 3. Two candles are a decorative possibility for a small square table set for two. Even a group of
three would fit in this arrangement.

4. Object of different height create greater interest. Relatively low flowers and tall candles is a
general principle, but candles do not have to be of the same height.

5. Candles must be above eye level.

6. Use candle holders to make the candles stand erect; soften the end in hot water to fit them
quickly into the holders.

7. Select the candle colors carefully. For general use however, ivory is most satisfactory because
it blends well with any color.
Other Accessories
1. A cluster of shell, pieces pf white coral, an oddly shaped piece of wood, oriental object
d’art, carved wooden figures and figurines are samples of accessories which may be mixed or matched
with other centerpiece.

2. Be sure the accessories set the general theme of the setting.

3. Accessories should be in scale with any arrangement of flowers and fruits.

4. Pairs of figures may be used symmetrically, that is one placed on either side of an
arrangement, or asymmetrically, if balanced by some other feature of the arrangements.

5. There must be one focal point or center of interest in the arrangement.