How to Decorate a Table for Dinner With Flowers and Candles

Flowers

• 1

  Choose flowers that will convey the theme of the dinner and complement the colors of the table linens. Select an odd number of feature blossoms. Remember to trim stem lengths low enough to prevent conversation blocks. Very tall stems are sometimes arranged in high vases that extend over the diners in formal settings.

• 2

  Choose greens and filler flowers to complement the blossoms. Fillers set off the featured blossoms, making each one more exquisite to behold. Lemon leaves, bear grass, eucalyptus and ferns are possible greens choices. The most common filler flower is baby’s breath, but Scotch broom, heather and wax flowers work well too.

• 3

  Choose containers for the flowers. A container may be clever, like a hollowed out pumpkin with a glass jar liner, or a collection of baby food jars, each holding a blossom for a baby shower. A container may be a repurposed vessel, such as a copper coffee server, an antique teapot or a pewter tankard. A container may be a lovely one-of-a-kind vase or simply a bland glass vase. To be successful, a container must support the flowers, greens and filler at a height low enough to allow conversation.

• 4

  Prepare the flowers, greens and fillers for arrangement. Under cool running water, trim the stems to a height not to exceed 1 1/2 times the height of the container. Remove all leaves that will extend below the water line in the container. Fill the container half full. Add the flower preservation packet that comes with most cut flower bouquets, if desired.

• 5

  Arrange the flowers, beginning with the featured blossoms, and turning the container to balance the views on each side. Depending on the container, florist foam may be used to support stems. Other options include glass stem holders and wire brush supports. Add just enough filler flower stems and greens to set off the blossoms, but not to produce a crowded effect.

Candles

• 6

  Choose candles in a color that harmonizes with the flowers and the table linens. White is always a lovely option if a good color match is not available. Tall candles in tall candleholders provide glowing ambient light in the dining space. Low candles in low candleholders offer intimate light, highlighting faces around the table.

• 7

  Select candleholders that help express the theme or mood of the dinner. Formal candlesticks are typically fashioned from silver, brass, crystal, fine china or pewter; casual holders are made from ceramic, copper, tin or wood. The shape and height of the candles determines the shape and height of an appropriate candleholder.

• 8

  Arrange candles in the open "common space" in the center of the table between place settings. Cluster pillar candles (cylinders) in groups of one, three or five, depending on the size of the space. Group tea candles or votives in low glass or ceramic containers using odd numbers in the center space or place one in front of each guest. Candlesticks can be placed in clusters or individually, with the goal of dispersing the light evenly on the table.