Every home needs a central gathering spot where friends and family can sit and share good times over great food. Undoubtedly, the dining table is usually the focal point of this space. Whether you’re planning on eating in your dining room or having it double as another seating area in your living room, there are some must-have objects you should put in the middle of your dining table, depending on what kind of space you’re looking to create. Here are eleven great ideas for central items you can put in the middle of your dining table.
11 Things you can put in the middle of your dining table
Here are 11 special things to put in the middle of your dining table.
- The centerpiece
A centerpiece should be a focal point that can be passed around to everyone and fit on your table, but don’t feel limited to flowers and candles. Think about what you want the atmosphere of your dining experience to be and go from there. For example, if you have a buffet set up, a large plant could be a focal point while going with the theme or displaying your meal options on nearby walls or tables. If you’re having a family dinner, framed photos of loved ones or framed memorabilia are great ideas for your centerpiece.
For an intimate dinner party, use something small and personal, like an old favorite book or vinyl record for guests. You might also consider getting creative with materials by using natural pieces, such as leaves, branches, or stones.
- Candles
Candles are an easy and inexpensive way to change your dining room table. They add ambiance and fragrance to any space. Plus, they’re a nice touch for an intimate evening at home. Depending on your budget, you can find candles from just a few dollars to upwards of $50. And while they add a romantic atmosphere to any space, they don’t always have to be lit! I love having them on my dresser as part of my dining table. It makes me feel like I’m putting myself together before I go out with friends or meet up with my significant other. To add some extra touch to your table, add put candles in candelabra.
- The books
Books are a fantastic centerpiece for any table. Plus, there are lots of different types to choose from. Educational, memoirs, pop culture, and travel guides are just a few examples. Think about what you’re reading now or your favorite book, and bring it to the center of your dining table. If you’re not ready to commit, an Amazon wish list is a perfect compromise. Even if you don’t get everything on your list, whenever someone buys something off your wishlist, they’ll email you. Then, you can thank them and send them a note. It’s a great way to keep in touch with friends!
- Floral vases
A pretty vase can add some life to a room that is feeling empty. It’s also a way to add color and height to an already visually pleasing area. Flowers can be added to the arrangement, which is aesthetically pleasing and smells good! If you want to add more colors or don’t have any flowers on hand, look for succulents at your local garden store. Faux plants are a great option if you want something long-lasting with no upkeep. They come in different shapes and sizes and are easy to find! Some people even put them right on their tables. So if you’re trying to make your table feel a little fuller, this is the perfect solution.
- The fruit bowl
There are many reasons to have a fruit bowl on your dining table. Not only is it a place for guests to find snacks and healthy treats, but it can be a stylish centerpiece that’s easily changed out. Fruit bowls can also serve as an icebreaker during dinner parties–everyone always loves a handful of grapes! The options for what to include in your fruit bowl are endless, so let your creativity run wild. Bananas, oranges, apples, pears, and kiwis all look great together in a bowl. In absence of a bowl, you can place your fruits into a rectangular serving tray with handles.
Consider throwing some ginger or strawberries into the mix for added sweetness (and wow factor!). Other fun fruits that go well together include:
• Mangoes and raspberries, peaches, and plums.
• Blackberries and blueberries.
• Persimmons with figs.
• Watermelon with honeydew melon.
- The bowl of snacks
A bowl of tasty and healthy snacks on the table will be great and can also serve as an opportunity for other people to interact with you. For example, you might be able to have a conversation about what they like and dislike. Serving these items will also cut down on other bowls on the table. Having fewer dishes to clean after the meal is over is always lovely! It’s also straightforward to refill them too. All you need to do is find new containers (or repurpose some of your old ones) suitable for serving food.
The containers should be made of glass or plastic. The dishwasher should be safe, reusable, and sturdy enough to hold heavy food without breaking. After filling them up with different chips or fruits and vegetables, could you place them in the middle of the table?
- The flower pot
Why not consider a flower pot if you’re looking for something to fill the space in the middle of your table? A flower pot is an aesthetically pleasing addition to any space, whether it be flowers or succulents. Make sure to put something pretty and sturdy on top to avoid hurting your guests when they sit down. The plants can be tied with ribbon to create color and give them a more rustic look. And remember to make sure they are watered regularly!
When you have the flowering plant inside a container, it’s vital to water both parts. Ensure the soil is moist before watering because if there’s too much water in one part, the other part will dry out too quickly.
- Candle holders
One way to add more ambiance to your table is by adding candle holders. Candle holders are easy and inexpensive ways to create a warm and inviting feel. Their delicate, flowing shapes also make great pieces for vignettes on a sideboard or desk. And if you use tea lights instead of large pillar candles, they will reduce the risk of knocking over your centerpiece. They can also double as place settings because of their small size. There’s no better time than during dinner to get all those captivating stories from your family members!
- A fish bowl
The excellent idea is to use a fishbowl as your centerpiece and fill it with various water plants and some goldfish. Another great option is to use an aquarium! If you’re looking for something more colorful, you can put fruit, such as oranges or apples, on the table in a big bowl. Alternatively, try putting some flowers there instead. Whatever you choose to put in the middle of your dining table, make sure it complements the other items. It’s also a good idea to place the centerpiece at least 3 feet away from the edge of the table, so people don’t accidentally knock it over.
- Mirror
Mirrors are always good to have around your home. They help reflect light and make rooms feel more spacious. They can also create a dramatic effect by creating an illusion that the room is more significant than it is. Placing a mirror along a long narrow wall or between two rooms that face each other is a great way to make those spaces feel more extensive than they are. There are lots of different shapes and sizes to choose from, so you’ll be able to find one that will fit any space.
Just remember not to place them near windows with too much natural light as this will cause glare. When choosing a position for the mirror, remember that it should be placed at eye level if you want to see what you look like. And avoid hanging mirrors above dining tables as people might bump into them while eating!
- Glass jar
Some people like to put bowls on their dining room table, but if you want to add something different, you could try a clear glass jar. Arrange fresh flowers or a few decorative objects that can be used as an attractive centerpiece. Or use it for storing utensils such as spoons, forks, knives, or chopsticks. These jars are inexpensive and will look great with any decorating style. Plus, they’re easy to clean! Just rinse them out and dry them off when you finish using them.
A large mason jar is also another type of container that would work well here. Fill it with nuts, candies, or even loose change and display it prominently at your dinner table. Fill smaller jars with spices so guests can season their food without messing. Put together matching containers from dollar stores and fill them with things like salt, pepper, or whatever else you might need.
Conclusion
Putting something on your dining table provides a focal point for your space, bringing some color and life to an otherwise drab surface. Putting one thing in the middle is an excellent option because it’s easy to pull off, and there are many different options. From flowers to fruit bowls, you have so many different things you can choose from. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quick update that doesn’t involve replacing everything. And if you want to get even more creative, put a few smaller items around your centerpiece. For example, use candlesticks with mismatched plates and flower petals. With this approach, less is more- try to keep the amount of decorating simple if you don’t like the idea of not having enough room at your table for everyone to sit comfortably. Try putting two centerpieces back-to-back at opposite ends of the table instead!
