Help decorating formal dining...?

Question

In my formal dining i have a rectangular table, 6 chairs, and a china cabinet (with a buffet storage underneath). on my table i have a table cover, and that's it. how should i make the table look better? would it be ok to put china on it as display, even though we are not using it at the moment?and in my china cabinet, what items are appropriate to put in there? please help!

Answer 1

Yes, you can absolutely set your dining room table for show! You could also buy a season-appropriate center piece such as flowers for summer or pumpkins or something for autumn. In your china cabinet...well, china does in there! But also, my grandmother used to display little collections she had, also.

Answer 2

I suggest (as the other answer-ers have) using a centerpiece on the table.  You don't have to use anything predictable, though.  I once did a centerpiece for a friend's table made up of crystal candlesticks, an ordinary small plant, and some colored pottery pieces (some on their sides).  Try varying heights, textures, colors, etc.

China looks nice displayed in a cabinet.  If it's a lit cabinet, keep the light on!  Of course china can be displayed on the table, but then you have more dusting to do.

Don't forget the walls.  Do you have paintings or sconces?  Draperies add character, as do tie backs, organic items (wall wreath or plants), and functional things (like a wall clock).

Answer 3

if there are windows-add nice drapes so in the day you can open them for as much light to come in and for more privacy you can close them

add an elegant centerpiece-like orchids or something

if you were to leave the china on the table it would look beautiful but you'll have to keep cleaning them because dust can easily collect on them