Putting together a creative banquet table does not have to be complicated or expensive. You can draw your inspiration from the menu, your location, or even the season. By adhering to a few guidelines, you can make any table decoration successful.
Banquet Table Basics
Start with the centerpiece, which will be the crown of your table and will provide colors and inspiration for the rest of your design. A centerpiece can be one item or a group of items. Make sure they fall above or below eye level so they do not obstruct conversation.
Linen can also be an inexpensive way to make a bold statement. Floor-length linen provides an elegant feel and colored overlays can add visual interest. Interesting napkin folds can also add appeal to your table.
Layer different shapes and colors on your table to give it a very rich, elaborate look. Layer floor-length linen with an overlay and a runner, or a charger plate with a dinner plate and a salad bowl.
Beach Table
Start with white or blue linen to evoke the seashore theme. If you use white floor-length linen and a blue overlay you can accent with white napkins. Use sand and create a sandy area on your table that complements your table's shape. You can set sandblasted Manzanita branches in the sand to represent driftwood. Scatter seashells on the sand. For your centerpiece, clean out the inside of a large conch shell and fill it with water. Place the shell upright so the water doesn't spill; use it as a vase to hold fresh white blooms. Accent your centerpiece with small glass vases holding complementary white flowers. For added detail, fill the bottom of the small vases with the same shells you scattered around the table. For place settings, use white china and white serving dishes. Napkins can be tied with raffia to represent sea glass. Check a craft store for creative touches like seashell place card holders. For an evening event, place 10 to 15 tealight candles around the table for a warm glow.
Autumn Table
Autumn offers a variety of beautiful colors for a table. Dress your table in a warm ivory cloth with a rich copper overlay and ivory or rust colored napkins. Make a centerpiece with vases filled with fresh Autumn apples and pears. Or fill the vases with maple branches to add height and color. Accent your centerpiece with candlelight. Core miniature pumpkins or gourds and use them to hold tapered candles. Use clear dishes for your place settings, placing autumn leaves underneath each plate. You can also decorate each setting with a mini-pumpkin. If you cut a slit in the top of the pumpkin, it can also make a great place card holder. Roll your silverware in the napkin and secure it with raffia. You can accent each silverware roll-up with a piece of dried apple, a cinnamon stick or a small ear of Indian corn.
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