1. DON'T use a table cloth laid out across the whole table, faux greenery, or scented candles. Unless folded as a runner to create a backdrop to other accessories, table cloths should be reserved for dinner service, faux green plants are faux green plants, and scented candles simply do not belong at or near where you are serving food.
2. DO keep it simple. Nothing is more elegant than simple, classic accessories in a formal space. And nothing is more livable. Who wants to remove (and find a resting place for) seventeen candlesticks each time they sit down to have dinner, do homework or play a game? A simple look that can't go wrong? An oversized vase or floral arrangement as a centerpiece. Because most people have at least one hanging light fixture in the dining room, best to opt for a low, voluminous, squatty arrangement.
3. DO consider placement. If you have a round or square table, limit accessories to the center of the table (ie don't try to place a bunch of placemats around the table when it's not in use). And if you must use candlesticks, or it happens to be all you have around, group them tightly in the center. For those of you with a rectangular table, you have two options: (1) decorative accessories in the center of the table or (2) decorative accessories on either side of the table.
4. DO use everyday items when decorating and play with scale for maximum impact. It is very effective to use two things beneath a chandelier rather than one. The trick is that the proportions must be right. Try tall flowers in a glass vase off center from the chandelier, and a low glass bowl. One of my favorite tricks is to use an oversized tray filled with fruit or beautiful placemats and place it slightly off center. Add two taller pieces of different heights on one side and voila. Keep it all grouped near the center, play around with it until you find a look you like and chances are you will create something that looks real.
5. Don't worry. Life is too short. Keep things in perspective - do not stress over decorating. But do get up and do something about the spaces you don't like. Start small. Keep it simple and don't worry about "mistakes". Try a few things, snap a few pictures. Put them up on your computer and compare; see what works and what doesn't. You'll know what looks good - or at least what looks bad. It's your house, fill it with things YOU love and it's bound to make you happy. (Photo Credits & Article Source: http://holdingcourtblog.blogspot.com)
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