by Patricia A. Coldiron

Created on: May 11, 2010

Decorating a large number of tables takes imagination to come up with new ideas for using your favorite decorations, or trying some new decorations.

 By following some simple tips, and being willing to break from traditional ideas, your decorated tables will surely be a hit with your guests.

Differently Decorated Tables

Decorating a large number of tables doesn’t mean that each table needs to look identical. Tables with unique decorations eliminate the need for a seating chart, or table numbers, as guests can be directed to a specifically decorated table.

If you’re planning a wedding reception, you can coordinate the table decorations with the wedding theme and colors, but you’ll be able to choose from a wider range of decorations.

“However; differently decorated tables can present a challenge. Buying different decorations for each table may be more expensive than using a single design, and if your decorations are too unique, the reception may look like it was hastily thrown together, instead of coordinating around a certain theme, with matching colors.

 Different Table Ideas

 If you’re using floral centerpieces, use different heights to decorate your tables. Tall centerpieces must not be so tall that guests can’t see the people on the other side of the table, and a low centerpiece is ideal for larger tables with more space, so place settings are not crowded. You can also use the same floral centerpieces, but different colored flowersfor each table, to make your tables look unique.

For your table linens, select different colors to put on your tables. If you’re having a wedding at Christmas time, use table linens that have a white base, but using different accent colors associated with Christmas, such as green, red, silver, and gold could be used at different tables.

Create theme names for your tables by using the bride and groom’s honeymoon destination, or places they’ve dreamed about visiting. If the wedding will be held on the beach, and the newlyweds will be on a cruise honeymoon, you could label different tables as Hawaii, Carribean, or Cayman Islands.

Keep Identical

To keep your wedding reception tables looking stylish and elegant, use the same wedding favors, linens that are identical in size, shape, and design, matching place settings and utensils, and the same font for your place cards.

 Themed Event

If you’re planning a themed event such as a baby shower, you may be decorating multiple tables, and you may prefer to decorate all the tables the same to keep expenses down. Decorations can not only be unique, but can bought in bulk, often at lower prices.

Use identical paper tablecloths that match the theme and colors of the baby shower, and napkins can be personalized with the expectant mom’s name and due date. For creative napkin rings, use baby rattles with loops on the ends.

Plastic plates, cups, and silverware will hold food and drink items, and make cleaning up easy for you. Instead of using traditional placemats, use cloth diapers, and unique placecards would be personalized cookies, which could be eaten for dessert. As a final touch, giant peppermint sticks could be placed in the middle of each table.

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