A great table does not need to be created just for special occasions. Making a pretty table part of your decor is a great way to add some special touches to your home!…So, clear off that clutter from your table, roll up your sleeves and let’s get busy on that table!!

Ok friends, time to add some wow factor to your dining room! With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought now would be a good time to plant that little seed of table greatness for you to create a show stopper table this year.

A great way to keep your dining room table from becoming a “junk pile” is to pretty it up. Try finding another spot for that paperwork or laundry and make your dining table a spotlight to ooh and ahh over! Tables are where the fun should be, where the family and friends gather and the center of the home! So, why not make it pretty and inviting?

I don’t always start with a plan. Taking items from around the house and mixing up elements makes it fun & interesting. Here are the elements for a great table.

1- Start with a base- Consider this your “background”. It doesn’t need to always be a table cloth. You can use fabric or runners to create a base. Or, just use unique items as place mats. There are some really fun pieces out there to use as a perfect base for the rest of your table theme.

2- Add a charger plate. This is the next layer that will add some pop and another bit of texture to your table. Be sure it is a little larger than your dinner plate will be.

3- Select your dinner plate. This can be your most formal or casual china. Either way, use it all. Why have all that china sitting there to look at? it’s made for use so get it out and show it off!

4- At this point you can either add another contrasting plate as a salad or bread plate or add a fun decor element. This item could be used as a take home party favor, a name card or a fun spin off from your centerpiece. I like finding “mini” versions of items to place here as a fun bit or surprise and conversatiion starter.

5-Select your napkin. Here is where you can have some fun with color, print, texture etc. You have so many options; add a pop of color, introduce another pattern or contrasting color. If you can’t find one you like, you can cut fabric pieces that do the job just fine. Then, the options of where to place the napkin are endless. You can use or make a fun napkin ring, you can layer it in between plates as a layer, or you can do a fun napkin fold. I have a super easy one here in this post >>How to make a pretty table setting mixing prints & patterns

6-Create your centerpiece. Now this can happen earlier in the process. Sometimes the centerpiece can be the inspiration to your entire table, and sometimes it can be an afterthought once you create the actual place settings. I start by finding an “anchor” for the items. This can be a tray, unique container, a small collection of items etc. Just be sure it isn’t too tall or overpowering to the table so guests can’t see each other (Confession, I’m guilty of this one, but sometimes the wow is more fun and ya just can’t help it!)

7- It’s always nice to add a candle element somewhere on the table if its an evening event. I try to make sure it’s not a scented or strong smelling candle so it won’t over power your meal (unless it’s stinky fish I guess?)

8- For just decor purposes, I usually will not place the plate and have the basic decor details set up for show. Then when my guests are coming or we are preparing to eat, I’ll add the dishes needed, flatware and glassware as needed for what we are eating.

So that’s the basics of creating a great table. I hope you have found some inspiration and ideas to create a create table for the holidays. Later in the season, I’ll have some great ideas for your Winter holiday events & Christmas. So be looking our for some great casual, kid and more formal tablescapes in your future!

At the end of the post I have some great sources of items you can purchase to add some great flare and wow to your table this season. I can’t wait to hear or see how your tables turn out.

*Be sure to subscribe to my email list to receive the latest post updates & tell your friends about my blog * As always, I’d love to hear form you and PLEASE Pin away to your hearts content!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosure here DISCLOSURE