When hosting any event, food and hospitality are the makers and breakers of party vibes. This is why the table is often the heart of any gathering, and this is also why taking the time to decorate your table can really help you get the party vibes flowing. To set a theme, level of formality, colour palette, and/or occasion, you can’t go past event table decorations. Whether yours is a dinner party with friends, a wedding dinner, or a Christmas feast, check out our table setting ideas, table decoration ideas and more below to help you set the vibe and the look you’re after when you host your next dinner event.
Tablescaping a.k.a. the practice of laying out table decor is not exclusively for indoor evening meals. When planning your tablescape, whether it is dinner table decor, outdoor table decor, table birthday decorations, or Christmas table decorations, there are so many creative and convenient options to explore.
When considering table decorations, the main components tend to be table centrepieces, table settings, and table ornaments. The type of meal and the occasion will often dictate the style of these components for a cohesive look. For example, a table setting for dinner can involve all the trimmings, like:
Dining table centrepieces in this style of fine dining tablescaping will often include candles and/or a floral arrangement. Keep in mind, the style of florals, vaseware, or candle holder you choose can help shape your event’s style and sense of formality. Formal dinner table centrepiece ideas include:
Other, less formal dining table decor includes:
Koch & Co is a national leader in Australia for affordable, professional quality event table decorations. No matter the scale of your occasion, the style of your decor, or the size of your dining space, at Koch & Co, you can find quality and affordable centrepiece ideas, party table decorations, dining table decor ideas, wedding guest or wedding party centre table decor, and so much more.
Tablescaping is the act of decorating a table for a special occasion. Popular features of a tablescape include table centrepieces, candles, table settings, table runners and garlands, fabric napkins, and name place cards.
A tablescape provides a great opportunity to establish a theme or style for your event table decorations. Whether you are setting a table for guests at your wedding or at home for Easter lunch, the fundamentals remain the same.
Washable, reusable, and available in an infinite number of patterns and styles, table runners are a staple of tablescapes. When considering party table centrepieces, try a table runner or garland as part of your tablescape. A runner draws the eye, thus framing your centrepiece, and also providing structure to your tablescape.
Buffet table decor can be tricky, as buffet tables are usually brimming with food. When it comes to a buffet table, whether you’re thinking of Christmas buffet tablescapes or are feeding the masses at a family reunion, adding dimension to your table can really help your food to shine. Some tips include:
Outdoor table settings are often synonymous with paper plates and cardboard cups, but don’t be deceived as outdoor tablescapes can be just as sophisticated as indoor tablescapes. If you’re planning an outdoor birthday table set up, for example, centrepiece ideas include floral and/or leafy arrangements or garlands. Koch tip: To create a sense of connection to the outdoor setting, match your florals or leafy foliage to the botanical style of your space.
For a more whimsical style of birthday table decoration, balloon table decorations are always a winner. Examples include the classic helium balloons anchored to a balloon weight or long runner balloon table centrepieces. These are essentially balloon garlands made up of small balloons that sit low and cover the length of your table.
When planning a picnic, decor is often the last priority. Some simple tablescape ideas for making your next picnic more luxe include:
Grazing tables are tablescapes in and of themselves, but a few key tips can help to elevate your grazing board from a smorgasbord to a cornucopia.
Christmas is a time for coming together with loved ones, giving gifts, and sharing meals. Where many of us decorate the home for Christmas, some opt to extend the decorations to the dining table. Christmas table decor is a great way to bring about the festive spirit, and celebrate holiday traditions when eating with loved ones. Bonbons or crackers are classic and simple Christmas table decorations that are also a traditional activity or game. Match your bonbons to your Xmas table decorations and even to your Christmas tree, if you’re feeling especially festive.
Larger Christmas table centrepieces can take any number of shapes, and can be a great way to set your festive style or theme. Popular Christmas table ideas for centrepieces include:
Your style of Christmas table settings can convey the formality of your Christmas meal. For a formal Christmas dinner or lunch, consider the following options:
Additional Christmas table setting ideas include:
With all the food prep that goes into Christmas, event table decorations for a buffet table can seem like way too much work. However, there are some simple Christmas table decoration ideas that can really help your dishes to shine.
Draping a Christmas garland or swag from the edge of your table is a great way to decorate without taking up valuable real estate on your tabletop.
Many cultures celebrate Easter with different traditions, and sharing a meal with family is one of the most popular Easter traditions. When setting up an Easter table for a meal, keep in mind that Easter table decor doesn’t have to be elaborate. Simple Easter table decor is popular, with Easter table ideas including a rustic country-style look or a pastel colour palette.
Popular Easter table decorations include Easter table centrepieces like:
When it comes to an Easter table setting, pastel and neutral tones are popular for their simplicity and versatility. For a style like this, explore simple Easter table setting ideas like:
For a rustic Easter table decor style, try:
Decorating a bridal or wedding party table can seem like something that requires a lot of fanfare, but fanfare is by all means optional. Generally speaking, at a wedding reception, there is a specific marker that sets apart the area where the newlyweds and wedding party are sitting. This is usually done with bridal table decor, which is more elaborate in its decorations and/or centrepieces.
Wedding table centrepieces can include anything from a repurposed wedding arbour or backdrop (placed behind the newlyweds to frame them while they sit), a floral garland running the length of the table, or a hanging floral installation. Wedding centrepiece ideas can also include simpler pieces like clusters of candles, or vases that house the bridal party’s bouquets. Wedding tablescapes like these, no matter the style or scale, can be tied together with a few simple wedding table decorations:
Wedding cakes are often expensive and highly decorative, and to make the most of this, many opt to display the wedding cake on a designated table. This gives guests the opportunity to admire the cake prior to the ‘cutting of the cake’ ceremony. When considering wedding table decoration ideas, you can go as elaborate as a cake swing table, or as simple as a display on a small table or stand (or hay bale) if you prefer more rustic wedding table decorations. Generally, wedding cake tables only require a couple of fundamental things:
Extra event table decorations can include:
Guest reception table decor can really set the tone for showing hospitality to guests on your wedding day. However, this doesn’t mean that low cost wedding table decorations are out of the question. Guest wedding table decor can simply mean a beautifully set table. Some of the traditional decor items include:
The way you set the individual placings for your guests can go a long way. Wedding table setting ideas can include:
From a purely decorative standpoint, some newlyweds opt to include wedding centrepieces on every guest table. Popular options include:
Less elaborate decorative wedding table ideas include: