How to Decorate Cafeteria Style Tables Elegantly

Decorating fold-up cafeteria-style tables for events can be an exceptional challenge, since adding elegance to seating arrangements that most people associate with seventh grade may require a bit of foresight. Even with a low budget, however, a creative touch can go a long way into livening up your tables. Keep some basic tips in mind but let your own artistic flair shine through; your guests will spend the evening far too busy discussing your stunning table arrangement to even think about junior high. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Adding Elegance to Cafeteria-Style Tables

1

Cover the stools or benches. The round plastic stools or long benches on cafeteria-style tables are an immediate reminder of a less elegant past. For stools, drape a square of cloth (3 feet by 3 feet works nicely) over the seat, and loosely tie with a piece of ribbon or silk rope to create a draped effect. A simple but clean bow makes the best statement for your tieback here. For bench-type seating, the same method may be employed, but use a long rectangle of cloth. For added flair, cut slits up both the front and back of the fabric once it has been draped, every 14 inches. Gather the segments (front and back) and tie with ribbon or rope.

2

Layer your table. Start with the tablecloth and choose colors that will complement your event's theme. Creamy white and champagne tones are timelessly elegant and go with almost any occasion or color scheme. Adding a table runner over the top of the tablecloth provides depth and texture.

3

Use multiple centerpieces. A single large centerpiece on a long cafeteria table can look clunky and off-balance, in addition to obstructing the view of guests at the middle. Employing numerous smaller focal points helps to break up the vastness of the long table and adds points of interest for guests all along its length. Every 3 to 4 feet makes for good spacing.

4

Set the table. Proper place-setting etiquette for an elegant meal dictates that silverware be layered from outside to in, in the order it will be used. Dessert utensils rest horizontally above the plates, and glasses are located on the right, just above the knives. Making sure that each place is set correctly and identically can immediately lend an air of grace to your design.

5

Add detail. Flourishes like candles, napkin rings, and chargers (plates used just for decoration beneath serving plates) enhance character and go a long way toward making a simple cafeteria table look striking and bold. Try to include multiple textures and subtle differences in color. Ribbons, glassware, flowers and even found items like stones, leaves and sticks can all be used to great effect.