Decorating the Table with Flowers: Rules and Ideas

Flowers on the table make even an ordinary dinner feel special. But table flowers have their own rules: an arrangement should not stop guests seeing each other, strong scents should not compete with the food, and pollen should not drop onto plates. Here is how to decorate a table with flowers beautifully and practically.

Flowers for a festive table: spray roses and flower baskets.

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The main rules

• Height. Keep low arrangements below the eye level of seated guests, about 30 cm. If you want tall flowers, use slim vases on high stems so there is clear space above the table.
• Scent. Near food choose flowers with a light scent or none: roses, lisianthus, ranunculus, carnations, chrysanthemums. Save lilies, hyacinths and tuberose for other rooms.
• Pollen. Remove lily stamens so pollen does not stain the tablecloth.
• Safety. Do not put plants on plates or in food unless you know they are edible.

Styling ideas

• A flower runner. A garland of eucalyptus, ruscus or ivy down the table with flowers and candles tucked in works beautifully on long tables.
• Bud vases. Several small vases with one to three stems each look light and keep conversation open.
• Floating flowers. Heads of roses, gerberas or hydrangea in a wide bowl of water make an instant decoration; see “Floating flower arrangements”.
• A flower on each napkin. A sprig of greenery or a small bloom by every plate.
• Seasonal touches. Tulips and daffodils in spring (keep daffodils separate from other flowers), wildflowers in summer, chrysanthemums and mini pumpkins in autumn, conifer and red berries in winter.

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Matching flowers and tableware

Any colour works with white china; with coloured tableware choose matching or contrasting flowers. Napkins, ribbons or candles in the bouquet’s colours make the table look cohesive. More ideas in “Flowers without a vase” and, for weddings, “Wedding table flowers”.

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FAQ

When should I put flowers on the table?

Shortly before guests arrive so they look fresh; an arrangement in floral foam can be prepared in advance.

How many flowers do I need for a table for eight?

One low centrepiece or 4–6 bud vases along the table is enough.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.