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Inspiration

Table Decoration Ideas for Every Season

Words by Emma Hughes

September 25, 2023

 | 

8m

Table Decoration Ideas for Every Season

The dining table is at the heart of every home. It’s where you gather with family and friends for special occasions and everyday meals or perhaps you take a seat there while working from home or when the kids need to do their homework.

However you enjoy your dining table day to day, each season provides the perfect opportunity to give this pivotal space a revamp and try out some innovative table decoration ideas.

Whether you’re looking for Christmas table decoration ideas or want to spruce things up for the turn of a season, read on for dining room inspiration.

Contents

Easy everyday table decoration ideas

A central space in any home, your dining table hosts loved ones year-round and is a vital spot for setting the seasonal scene. But on those in-between days, like when you’re hovering in that void between New Year's and Easter, you still want your table to look great.

There are a few ways you can incorporate show-stopping centrepieces and everyday table decorations when there isn’t a particular celebration to look forward to. Let’s take a look at a few simple, but effective, ideas.

The table

You may be working with your existing dining table – or perhaps you’re looking to revamp the whole room and buy a new one. Whatever your situation, it’s all about working with that blank slate and using it to choose your table decorations.

For classic wooden dining tables, you may want to continue that traditional style. Think warm colours, woven textures and neutral table runners. For those with glass tables, perhaps striking ceramic centrepieces, bold table settings and minimal florals could be perfect for your room.

Some tables may need a little more thought. For example, bright travertine limestone tables do most of the talking, so would look great adorned with some simple earthy tones and splashes of green plant life to manifest those Mediterranean vibes. Quirky curved and round tables pair well with soft-edged place mats and vases to complement their shape.

New Frontier X Leg Extending Dining Table
£945£799
Whinfell Round Dining Table 130cm
£875£699
Fuji Dining Table 180cm
£1265£949
Canterbury Dining Table 200cm
£1249

See our full range of dining room tables >

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Centrepieces – bowls and vases

Bowls and vases offer countless ways to decorate any table, regardless of the season – and size. They can be quickly filled with fresh flowers, dried arrangements, ornaments or even fruit.

The beauty of neutral ceramics and glassware is that they can be tailored to suit the style of your room. Bring a bit of the outside inside and brighten up the room by adding pops of floral colour, or place simple, striking ornaments if you’re aiming to walk the line of bold minimalism. arrangements, ornaments or even fruit.

Sometimes, the centrepiece itself can do all the talking. If you choose a patterned bowl or an intriguingly shaped vase, you may not need anything to fill them. Just pick a colour within the pattern to theme your table settings around.

Monochrome Bowl
£65
Callas Bowl Bronze Highlight Finish
£395
Ochre Bulb Vase
£30
Large Grey Vase
£69

Take a look at our collection of decorative bowls > or browse our vases >

Table Settings

Though people will be naturally drawn to your chosen centrepiece, the way you set your table is no less important. One of the more intricate dining table decoration ideas – fashionable table settings can add a little something extra to your overall aesthetic.

If you’re going for a bright ‘outdoorsy’ vibe, take note of the florals you’ve chosen in your centrepiece, and grab some delicate bloom-shade napkins, placemats and trays. However, you don’t want everything to match exactly.

Look for complementing colours that emanate a natural floral bunch, rather than piling the same shades on top of one another.

If your vase or bowl is striking and bold, perhaps choose one-or-two featured colours to design your settings around. If you’re going for more of a neutral look, earthy tones are your friend. In this case, rattan placemats and trays would work perfectly.

Fern Tray
£40

Browse our range of table trays >

Valentine’s Day table decoration ideas 

Long gone are the days of confetti and fake rose petals. Valentine’s table decorations deserve to be classy and curated. We’re talking subtle romantic shades and ornate finishing touches. Think meals warmed by candlelight and luxurious table setting textures.

We suggest sticking to blush colours – such as pinks and reds. Nothing too bold unless it complements your room. Don’t forget, flowers and candles make the perfect main attraction for this type of table (although maybe not right next to each other…). We want to keep things soft and natural.

Table tip: Delicate Valentine’s Day dining décor looks great on a classy marble table > or real wood >

Spring table decoration ideas 

Spring = fresh florals, pops of colour and bright, sunny spaces. The beauty of this season is that colour leaks out everywhere, in all its hues, so you can really have fun when picking your palette.

Spring-themed table decoration ideas should bring the outside in. Think potted plants, artificial flowers and light shades associated with seasonal blooms, plus the odd pop of something bold.

Pinks and oranges plucked straight from orchards and orange groves would work perfectly among softer florals, while blues and pinks help to bring a little of the fresh spring sky and sunshine inside.

Ochre Bulb Vase
£30
Large Fern Plant
£29
Newsham Dining Table 150cm
£415£329

Table tip: A natural spring theme works perfectly with wooden bench dining sets for that picnic inspired vibe.

Take a look at our spring dinner table design guide for more inspiration

Easter table decoration ideas 

Easter takes place in the heart of spring, so you may even be able to re-use some of your seasonal table decorations.

Embrace florals still, but introduce softer, pastel centrepieces and playful decorations. Feature some artificial branches adorned with pastel-coloured eggs in a simple vase in the middle of the table. Perhaps throw in a few chocolate eggs for a surprise treat.

As the family meal will be the highlight of this season, start by focusing on getting the table settings just right.

We’re thinking two key pastel shades and mis-matching crockery, mats and napkins – keeping things light and bright. Baby pink plates sitting on mint green mats or periwinkle blue glasses and lavender napkins can capture the Easter theme beautifully.

Or keep things natural with textured, stone vases featuring fluffy flowers and feathery plumes to add that soft splash of spring colour.

Finish off by accenting with a few fun decorations such as ceramic bunnies or a few cute yellow chicks dotted around the table. We want table decoration ideas that are so good they can compete for attention with that leg of lamb you rustle up for Easter Sunday lunch.

Femi 100cm D End Dining Table
£905£649

Table tip: Egg-shaped oval dining tables look perfectly fitting for an Easter theme.

Autumn table decoration ideas 

From fresh florals and pastels to warm and cosy wood hues and sunset colours – it’s time to wrap up and experiment with the (in our opinion) best season. Dress up your dining table using decorations inspired by classic castles and whimsical, leaf-strewn cottages. And not forgetting – Halloween.

Of course, we’re leaning towards all things red, orange and yellow for this season. Pop a few tasteful pumpkin decorations among rust coloured dried flower arrangements, natural textured placemats and flickering candles.

Add to the aesthetic by artfully placing a few ‘messy’ throws on the backs of chairs, and you’ve got yourself a table people will never want to get down from.

Ochre Patterned Throw
£25
Gold Multi Tealight Holder
£45
Indigo Marbled Tray
£45

Table tip: A classic dark wood table would help create that warm and cosy autumnal feel.

Christmas table decoration ideas 

For many, Christmas is an excuse to go all-out on the decorations. But it doesn’t have to all be tinsel, fairy lights and glitter – though we do love a little dash of glitter every now and again. Let’s look at some Christmas table decoration ideas that add a little something extra to the dinner table.

Festive table décor can be easily achieved with a few key pieces. A showstopper centrepiece can be the focus here – using an ornate bowl filled with baubles, or even pinecones and seasonal leafage, can be incredibly effective.

Pick and choose your baubles and berries to match certain tones in your dining room for attractive and cohesive table settings as part of your decorations. Think golds, reds and greens for a classic look.

You could also feature a festive bloom in a bold planter and place it in the centre of the dining table, or even off to the side to frame the scene. Don’t forget, Christmas is all about getting cosy, so choose flickering candles for a magical effect without having to plug in fairy lights – a great option if you’re looking to save a little energy.

Jasper Planter S Vintage Brass Finish
£1195
Gold Mirror Tray
£55
Gold Multi Tealight Holder
£45
Hancock Extending Dining Table 160cm
£825£699

Table tip: Long extending dining tables provide a great space to experiment with Christmas table decoration ideas. They’re also perfect for fitting the whole family around.

Take a look at our full guide on Christmas decorations for more festive inspiration.

How to make your table decorations extra special

Lighting

Lighting is probably the most important element of any dining room – besides the table itself! It can help set a mood, brighten the room or add ambience for those special evenings.

Candles create warm natural light, so featuring a few candle holders on autumnal or winter table settings can instantly create a cosy atmosphere. Meanwhile, a table lamp or two on a windowsill or sideboard can brighten up a space and create a homely aesthetic.

Browse our full lighting collection >

Quality dinnerware

Choosing the perfect centrepiece and surrounding décor is important – but what you serve your food on can also enhance dining room ideas and table set-ups. When searching for good dinnerware you, of course, want to think about your chosen colour palette. However, you’ll also want to consider cost, materials and when they’ll be used.

For example, it’s worth splashing out on a dinner set that can be used for both casual meals and fancier dinner parties, especially if you have a budget in mind. This means that you’re not sacrificing on quality in order to buy more plates, and they’re likely to last you longer!

Different types of china – such as porcelain and bone china, are classic choices. However, sturdy stoneware and earthenware pieces are also great options that are making a comeback.

Artificial and dried florals

Artificial flowers are a great way to ensure your room stays looking colourful for longer (forever if you look after them properly). When choosing artificial blooms, however, you’ll want to make sure they don’t look too fake, so as not to draw attention away from your thoughtful décor.

Dried flowers are also a more natural way to decorate a space with florals. Properly dried bunches can last between one and three years – as long as they’re cared for, handled properly, and kept out of the sun.

Shop our selection of artificial plants >

Opt for material napkins

Elegant and reusable – material napkins can be a more tasteful (and sustainable) choice when looking at table decoration ideas. Choose a few pops of colour that complement your dining room – or even an eye-catching pattern – and use them to enhance your table settings.

Be inspired with Barker and Stonehouse

For more home styling inspiration and tips from interior design experts, take a look at our Your House blog.

Here are some of our favourite articles to get you started on your design journey:

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