Choose the right dining centre piece

Common centre pieces
Most often we see a tray carrying items such as a sugar bowl, tea bags, tea spices, salt shaker , toothpicks, ketchup bottle covered with a flowered net, or a basket or bowl filled with a variety of fruits, after all it is an eating space. Other people put a vase of flowers. Other exciting options would be gourds, apples and oranges alongside green foliage.

Dinning decor. While the dining will still look okay without a centre piece, there are instances when it is necessary. However, when choosing one, what should you consider?

If I asked you what would be the appropriate centre piece for your coffee table, the ideas would come rolling off your tongue at lightening speed. But how about the dining table, does it even need a centre piece?

The dining table is where we sit down with family and have our meals and so it becomes imperative that we enhance this space to make the experiences more pleasant. One way of doing this is thinking about the appropriate centre piece.

How to choose one
The centre piece you use in this space will depend on the event. If it is for an everyday look, the basket of fruits will suffice. If you are into flowers, then a simple flower arrangement will do.
However, if you are setting up for some fine dining such as guests, employ elaborate flower arrangements.

But do this with caution because you don’t want the leaves or crystal trinkets resting in your soup bowl or dishes getting caught up in foliage and strings as they get passed on! If the arrangement is elaborate, place it in a high vase so that it not only does not interfere with eye contact during conversation, but also doesn’t contaminate the meal.

The other determinants of your dining centre piece will be the size of your dining table and the number of food dishes that will be presented. If it is going to be a small scale affair, then you can explore having even more than one centre piece.

In this case, opt for three short vases of flowers (hydrangeas)or candelabras (the ideal Height 12 -18 inches)spread evenly across the table (very contemporary this) but if you have a hurricane of dishes then save some space by deploying a singular piece.

The reason we make a fuss about centre pieces is because welcoming your guests with a well presented table makes them feel valued and special.

-Gloria Kawuma is an interior designer