This post about dining table centerpiece ideas was published September 2016 and updated June 2023.
Dining rooms are an important part of the home when you’re gathering with family or friends, but the reality is that most of the time, they sit empty waiting on your next dinner party. Which begs the question — what do you put on your dining room table when you’re not entertaining? It looks empty and sad if there’s no centerpiece, but who has time to arrange fresh flowers every week? To get the creative juices flowing, we’re sharing dining table centerpiece ideas you need to try.
1. A Collection of Urns or Vases
Our Blue and White Chinoiserie Collection makes a gorgeous dining table centerpiece idea, especially when stacked on top of books and acrylic risers. We’ve made it easy to create this pretty arrangement because the whole collection is sized perfectly with the ideal mix of shapes. Rather than scattering your collection throughout the house, pile them on your dining room table to create a focal point.
2. Potted Plants
While we love the idea of always having a fresh flower arrangement on your dining table, that’s not a very realistic goal. But a potted plant like rosemary is something we think you all can handle as it requires far less care and attention. If you aren’t the best plant caretaker, opt for a faux plant for the same look without the responsibility.
Faux stems as a dining table centerpiece in the Eleanor Vase
3. Stem Holder
There’s nothing more beautiful than using flowers as a dining table centerpiece. And flower vases are a huge opportunity to showcase your personal design style. Don’t worry if you don’t have flowers on hand; we have a variety of faux stems that would look just as beautiful, and a bonus — they’ll never die.
4. Foraged Leaves
Some colorful leaves from the yard are another great solution. Just head out with some shears and see what pretty colors and shapes you can find. Throw them into a simple, white pitcher, and you’ve got a centerpiece that should last up to two weeks!
5. Candle Hurricanes
“Hurricanes lit by candlelight make a welcoming entrance for guests,” says entertaining guru, Bunny Williams. And they also are a great focal point even when you’re not entertaining. To heighten the mood, consider adding multiple hurricanes to make an extra cozy statement.
6. Candle Sticks
You’re probably sensing a theme here — a grouping of like objects in a variety of heights is a foolproof option. We love the arrangement above because it combines sparkly, gold candle sticks with a natural wood dining table. The two contrasting finishes feel unexpected but charming.
7. Table Linens
A tablecloth is a great way to give your dining room table a little personality. To complete the look, pair your runner with a matching napkin for a chic, cohesive feel.
8. Bowl of Fruit
Lastly, give your dining table a pop of color with a fruit-filled bowl. In the image above, we used a mix of bright green and brown pears for an unexpected burst of color and texture.
For more centerpiece inspiration, check out our YouTube channel or read these related posts:
- 10 Outdoor Centerpiece Ideas
- How to Create an Edible Centerpiece
- Style the Perfect Centerpiece Arrangement
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Dinesh
Nice article. I will try to implement this on festivals.
Suzie Smith
What do u suggest for over a black grand piano, chandeliers type , in its own room off living room.
Mallory Thomas
Suzie,
It’s hard to make a suggestion for a chandelier without seeing your space. We have a team of free interior designers who would love to help you figure out your decorating dilemma. Simply upload images of your room and your question here.
Happy Decorating,
Mallory
Jean
I loved your suggestions for round tables. My dining room table is seven feet long.
It is quite unusual. It is kinda rugged, gray wood with designs in the wood made out of crushed stone , blends in with the color I’m not doing it’s description justice but isbeautiful.
Any ideas for a long table?
Thanks
Maria Killam
Love these ideas and the fact that you’ve shown them all on round tables which I find more challenging to create tablescapes for than rectangular tables where there is more space!
x
Maria
Cindy
Great article and fab ideas…library?? YES!! Such a great idea! Also, the rattan(?) chairs with the bistro table. Are those for sale?
Caroline McDonald
Cindy,
Yes, the bistro chairs are for sale. They’re our Paris Bistro Chairs. I don’t believe that bistro table is available. Sorry about that.
Glad you liked this blogpost! Thank you so much for your comment.
Vicky
Please tell me where to find the medium brown wood chair in the “Like A Library” section. Is that particular chair not sold by Ballard?
How to Decorate
Vicky,
Unfortunately we no longer carry that chair! Our LeMans Chair and Arletta Klismos Chairs are very similar though.
Judi
Love this. I never thought to make a grouping on a table that is seen every day, but used for eating only rarely. I especially love the chinoiserie as I have a collection of delft objects. Thank you.
How to Decorate
So glad you like it, Judi!
Donna Carroll
I love this article. However, I love your furnishings. White is my favorite color for walls expecially bright white.