Playful, romantic, functional or festive: when guests arrive for dinner, the dining table can be dressed up to honor the occasion. Table decoration is not magic. Even if you don't necessarily have a knack for styling, you can make the table look pretty and inviting with just a few simple touches. Sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming because of the many possibilities, which is why you should follow these basic rules when decorating your table.

Do's and don'ts when decorating the table:

• Don't overload the table - your guests must always have space to eat and drink and be able to place their hands.
• Lush can be beautiful, but less is often more.
• Match the table decorations in terms of color or stay tone on tone. Avoid a colorful jumble. The eye should enjoy the sight and not have to solve any picture puzzles.
• Stick to the colors that are also in your home. This way, the table setting will blend in with the overall atmosphere.
• Tell a story or choose a theme: seasons, maritime, wedding or birth, for example.
• Flowers should never be missing, whether single or mini bouquets - flowers always look festive, lively and friendly and soften "hard" objects such as candlesticks.
• Nice gesture: Small gifts on the plate are decorative and a nice reminder of the meal together.
• In the past, good service had to be all of a piece. That can still be nice, but mixing things up is the trend. For example, combine grandma's white crockery with a gold rim with trendy earthenware. You can also mix different designs, but then stick to one color or choose a common theme, for example all plates have a flower or butterfly design.
• Cutlery should match in terms of style, so no knives with a wooden handle with good silver.
• Even if there are great paper napkins: Cloth napkins are still part of the good tone. Tip: Make it dependent on the occasion.
• Beautifully designed place cards always look nice. But they have to match the occasion and would be overkill for a coffee invitation. When assigning seats to guests, pay attention to who is sitting next to and across from you.
  

Make your own table decorations: Easier than you think

Classic white tableware is the best choice, as it remains visually neutral for any occasion. Whether you are planning a colorful Easter dinner, a birthday party or a festive Christmas dinner - white simply goes with any table decoration.

You can achieve the most beautiful styling results with plants and other natural materials. If you are planning a spring brunch, for example, lush grasses and flowers such as Christmas roses and peonies make enchanting table decorations. idee für mich shows you how easy it is to create this spring look.

Table decoration ideas with native plants always go down well, for example a pompous, home-made forest wreath with native flowers, moss and twigs. Let us inspire you!

Seasons: Nature is the best supplier

Depending on the season, nature offers many possibilities for table decorations:

In spring, we especially want to see flowers and blossoms on the table, because the dark days are finally over. You can then serve up anything that looks pretty and full of life. Enchanting napkin rings, for example, can easily be woven with a little wire and small flowers. You can also go one size bigger: daisies woven into a plate-sized wreath make a pretty table decoration for the birthday child or the guest of honour.

In summer, berries, fruit, grasses or herbs can be added to flowers. For example, herb pots with basil, rosemary or thyme are very decorative. Guests can also help themselves to them with pasta dishes and the like. Lemons or limes are also ideal for Mediterranean table decorations.

In fall and winter, the table is set with leaves, chestnuts, pine cones and twigs or tree bark. Lanterns create a cozy atmosphere and are indispensable in the dark season. In the Advent season, the natural decorative items are joined by Christmas decorative accessories. From stars and baubles to incense figures, there are no limits to your imagination.

Instead of vases: Table decorations with preserving jars and flowers

If wreath-making is too complicated for you, but you don't want to do without flowers, you can achieve a great effect with the following vase substitute: fill nostalgic preserving jars with fresh flowers or moss and arrange the jars on the table - the perfect table decoration for a summery, cheerful table is ready.