How to Set a Table With Colors

Choosing the Colors

• 1

  Limit the colors for your table to only two or three colors so the colors don't overwhelm the table. If two of your colors are bright, try toning them down with a neutral shade, such as white, black or cream.

• 2

  Choose one or two solid colors to accent and balance bold patterns or prints. Use bold prints sparingly so you don't overwhelm the table -- if you use a bright floral tablecloth, for example, use understated plates in one or two colors from the tablecloth.

• 3

  Choose multiple patterns only if the patterns are the same single color so there will be some consistency. Multiple patterns in multiple colors will overwhelm the table scape.

• 4

  Choose colors that coordinate with the season. Red, gold and green are good choices for Christmas; pastels work well for spring table settings; and burgundy, orange and yellow are ideal for fall table decor.

• 5

  Use a single object as your color inspiration for the entire table setting. You can tie in colors from a favorite China set, coordinate colors with a tablecloth you like or use a flower arrangement as a guide for your color choices.

• 6

  Select colors that match your dining room or kitchen decor. A conflicting color scheme can overwhelm the space, particularly if your kitchen or dining room already has a dramatic color palette, so you should try to coordinate the table with the room.

• 7

  Work with the colors that you have available to avoid spending a lot of money on table accessories for a single evening of entertainment.

Setting the Table

• 8

  Spread out the tablecloth or table runner to serve as the base for your table setting.

• 9

  Place a centerpiece on the table that incorporates your color choices to help tie the table together. You could use flowers, colored candles or colored glass as centerpieces.

• 10

  Place a patterned plate on a solid-colored plate charger, using one of the colors from the patterned plate, or place a solid-colored plate on a patterned plate charger. You could also alternate plate colors, choosing two of the colors from the pattern instead.

• 11

  Place a napkin and napkin ring at each place setting. Use one of your colors for the napkins and a second color for the napkin ring to help distinguish the two.

• 12

  Arrange a few colored votive candleholders across the table for a subtle splash of color.

• 13

  Brighten up the table with colored food. You can create a cheery vibe with a bowl of lemons, decorate for an Independence Day party with bowls of raspberries and blueberries, or arrange small pumpkins and gourds for an autumn-themed dinner.