Though each day may not be a special occasion such as a family gathering or holiday event, there are several ways to keep your dining table looking stylish on a daily basis. Your tablescape is the main character of your dining room and the primary way to add personality to your space, and like any empty space, it deserves some tender love and care, too. Here’s how you can decorate your dining table and make every meal feel like a special occasion.

How To Decorate Your Dining Room Table

Start with a tablecloth.

By adding a tablecloth, any table is bound to change in look and feel. It adds character and elegance and is the perfect start to a total transformation. It can also hide any minor imperfections in your table that need to be covered. You can switch them out based on seasons, birthdays, or any other event, and you can also make everything look cohesive by finding tablecloths or runners that match closely with the upholstery of your chairs.

Add placemats and napkins.

Setting the table with placemats looks visually appealing and adds a touch of cohesiveness, not to mention protects your table from spills and stains. Choose matching placemats and napkins that compliment the color scheme and style of your dining room decor. Consider placemats that are stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Go formal with assorted candlesticks.

If you’re looking for an intimate ambiance, assorted candlesticks are the answer. They offer the perfect balance of formality and playfulness, all while elevating your space. You can find candlesticks anywhere, but a high-end store like Anthropologie or West End is where we’d start.

Add a fruit bowl.

A place for food that doubles as art? Now that’s a practical choice. Using a stylish bowl or basket to display fresh fruits and veggies is a great way to add pops of color and texture to your dining space. You can even grab a snack while you’re walking out the door.

Remember you can never go wrong with nature.

A vase of florals, bowl of moss, or any plant, real or faux, can typically solve the decor problem in any room in your home. They’re another way to add a pop of color and textural elements. Plus, faux plants require very little maintenance. You can also showcase your favorite plants, whether they be large or miniature—the more plants the better.

Grab a tray and create a vignette.

In interior design, a vignette is a small grouping of decorative objects, and you can use it to create a statement. Start with a circular tray to display your decor. The items can include flowers, candles, and for dining table purposes, salt and pepper shakers. You can keep it simple, go as eclectic as you’d like with knickknacks, or make it practical and functional to fit your needs.

Get festive.

With the holidays close around the corner, now is the perfect time to incorporate holiday-inspired decor. Consider mini knickknacks that represent your favorite holiday or use this as an opportunity to get creative with patterns. There’s nothing quite like a themed tablescape to truly take your holiday dining to the next level.