Have you always wanted to have a magazine-worthy dining room? This guide to dining table decorations breaks down the tricks of the trade to help you get the look you want.

9 Inch Protea and Succulent Arrangement

1. Choose Versatile Dishes and Flatware

Some of the smartest decorating advice that I have ever received was selecting plain white dishes and neutral flatware with no specific theme. A full set of dishes is a huge financial commitment and it is something that you continue to expand on over the years. Nearly every company offers an all-white set, which makes it easy to mix and match and add large serving pieces like pitchers and platters.  White dishes also allow you to decorate for virtually every season and holiday simply by changing out table linens, chargers, and other little details.

2. Use Unscented Candles

Candlelight can add a romantic glow to a tables cape but steer clear of the scented ones. Their scent can mask the aroma of the food served and can be off-putting to guests.

3. Use Low and Narrow Floral Arrangements

When It comes to adding a focal point to a dining table, I personally prefer low, long, and narrow arrangements. The low height won’t obscure your view of the guests across from you while the narrow width allows for your placemats and still fit on either side.

4. Have Fun with Linens

Table linens are a cheap and easy way to infuse personality and theme into your dining room decorations. Invest in a quality set of linens for everyday use but while you are at it, browse the sale racks at your favorite home goods stores for inexpensive festive linens for Thanksgiving, the holidays, 4th of July, and other times of the year that you tend to entertain.

5. Layer, Layer, Layer

If you browse through your home decorating magazines you may notice that the dining tables feature have many layers and textures. Start with either a table runner, tablecloth, or placemats. Next add a colorful or textural charger. On top of the charger, place your dinner plate. Finally, add either a bowl, napkin roll, or placecard.