Families often gather around the dining room table for more than nightly dinners. During birthdays, reunions, holidays, and celebrations, family members congregate around a table to enjoy a home-cooked meal. During such times, the table decor is as important as the taste of the food. Here are some tips to help spruce up a table for family gatherings.

1. Pick a Theme

Think of the theme as a central tool in decorating a table. A theme helps narrow down options of decor and make sure the style is cohesive. Many different themes are appropriate for all sorts of events. So you can choose any theme that inspires your creative juices and hone in on certain decor within that theme.

If you find it difficult to choose a theme, pick one that emphasizes the event. For instance, if your family is gathering for a reunion, you can use decorations that display family heritage, such as colors from your native country or heirlooms handed from one generation to the next.

2. Choose a Centerpiece

A centerpiece is the focal point of the table. You can make a number of objects the centerpiece, such as flowers, figurines, and fruit. It adds flair and style to any table no matter how well set it is.

When you pick a centerpiece, some principles of art apply. Consider the proportions of your table so that the centerpiece doesn't take up space need for plates and food. You also don't want to cut off a guest's vision of the person across from them. Keep the centerpiece an appropriate size for the space available.

A good centerpiece doubles as decor for elsewhere. When the dinner gathering is over, use the centerpiece in other parts of the house that need a decorative touch. You can even give the centerpiece as a gift to a guest of honor. Centerpieces are versatile in their use and will, at the very least, spruce up a table design.

3. Use a Tablecloth

A tablecloth functions in two main ways. One function is that it pulls the decorations together. When you use a clean, beautifully designed tablecloth, it gives a colorful backdrop to complement the other decor. Throw on a tablecloth for a sleek, finished look.

Another function of a tablecloth is that it protects the table. A table filled with family members bumping elbows creates a higher risk of watermarks, scratches, and splattered food. Layer a tablecloth over the table top to keep it looking pristine for future events.

At the end of the dinner, skip over the hassle of scrubbing the table. Once the table is cleared, simply pull the tablecloth off and throw it in the washer. Look for a tablecloth made of strong fabric for durability as well as artful style in order to use it for other dinner parties.

If you want to show off the elegant wood grain or stonework of your table, use placemats and coasters to ensure protection from plates, silverware, and glasses. Placemats cover the vicinity immediately around the guests' eating area and still show off the table top.

4. Use Cloth Napkins

Cloth napkins add a small but important detail to table decor. Match the napkin color to the rest of the decorations for a finished and intentional look. Cloth napkins, instead of paper napkins, give a feel of elegance and show the effort put into table design for the special event.

For an added touch, fold your napkins in creative patterns to make your table look like a five-star restaurant. Make your napkins into swans, flowers, and hearts for creative decoration. Or use napkin holders to add even more detail to the table decoration. Napkins do more than keep guests’ fingers clean. They are a part of the decoration.

Incorporate these tips at the next family gathering to make a table's set up reflect how special the event is. For more table decor inspiration, see design items available at Opulence of Southern Pines, LLC.