How to Dress Up an Old Wooden Dinner Table

Place a runner down the center of a table to soften its appearance. A runner with neutral tones like ivory, beige or light brown will complement the wood of the table. An unassuming runner creates a blank canvas where your centerpiece and place settings can take center stage.

Arrange a centerpiece in the middle of the table, centered on the runner. Create a seasonal arrangement that brings the look and feel of nature into the dining room for a natural look and feel. Try a bowl of small pumpkins and squash for autumn, a series of tea lights interspersed with poinsettias in winter, canning jars filled with colorful flowers in spring or a two-tiered cupcake stand brimming with strawberries and citrus fruit in summer.

Set place settings at every seat. Whether you’re getting ready for a meal, or simply dressing up the dining table for looks, complete place settings finish the look of any dining table. At a bare minimum, include a plate in the center of each place setting with a colorful cloth napkin on top. Wrap the napkin with raffia, ribbon or a beaded bracelet for the finishing touch.