5 More Ways To Decorate Communal Dining Tables

October 23, 2019

In our previous blog post 5 Ways to Decorate Communal Tables we discussed five ways you could maximise the space and layout of your long tables.

Here we go further into decor options...

6. Candlesticks and candelabras
If you're challenged for space, all candlesticks and generally, most candelabras, have a narrow base which will fit easily on your communal table.

This means you can get much-needed drama and romance from candlelight.

Add a pop of colour with riotously coloured wax dinner candles that highlight the colours in your floral arrangements, tablecloth, napkins, glasses, cutlery and/or charger plates.

Make sure however, that the candlesticks and/or candelabra arms are high enough that they don't obstruct your guests' view or poke them in the eye.

7. Overhead decor
If your communal tables are just too narrow to allow much space for tablescape decor, consider leaving your tables simple (read: bare) and instead, decorate from the ceiling.

Just some of the options for ceiling decor depending on your event theme could include suspending one or more of the following: fairy lights, festoon lights, raindrop lights, fairy light curtains, draping, Christmas baubles, fishing nets with starfish decor, lobster pots, antlers, beaded curtains, test tubes, round ball candle holders, garlands, elaborate crystal chandeliers, paper lanterns or pagoda umbrellas, for example. 

Another eye-catching look is suspending lush foliage from a wooden plank or ladder.

8. Table mirrors and mirrored tables
Mirrors instantly elevate the humble communal table to something special.

Possibly because they reflect the glittering light in the most glamorous way and all the colours around you.

The most extravagant look of all is mirror-covered tables although you'll definitely want to invest in a much larger budget for hiring equally impressive chairs (think about clear perspex Victoria Ghost armless chairs, for example) to create a sophisticated level of congruency in your decor.

If you're decorating on a more casual scale, you might prefer to hire rectangular mirrors that run down the centre of the table or why not use a mirrored aisle runner roll as your tabletop "mirror"?

9. Cutlery and/or charger plates
Create an impact with coloured cutlery.

Communal tables give you wonderful opportunities for your photographer to take overhead shots and black, blue, copper, gold or rainbow iridescent cutlery is a space-saving way to add real vibrancy to your tablescape.

Or use cutlery to help theme your event, such as bamboo chopsticks.

Charger plates also add a much needed zingy pop of colour and create a special dining experience for your guests. 

From sleek gold contemporary charger plates to pretty pale pink chargers to gleaming emerald green plates, from leaf print plates to faux monstera leaves, charger plates are a clever decorating element to employ in your communal tablescape.

10. Table runners, tablecloths and/or napkins
Even if you're facing the challenge of decorating a narrow 75-cm width communal table you can always turn to trusty table linen to make your mark.

Use gloriously coloured tablecloths or table runners in fabrics such as dreamy chiffon, glittering sequins, smart striped cotton, crisp linen, or thick velvet. Consider buying a roll or two of designer wallpaper and cut to size.

Why not use foliage or moss for an eye-popping garland down the centre of your table.

Or have fun with napkins in unusual fabrics or hire colourful ones to be arranged in different colours per guest or per communal table.

Enjoyed this? See what's good and bad about communal dining tables.

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