Banquet Table Setting Ideas

Some people hold events and parties at rented banquet halls. While these event spaces accommodate large groups of people, many look dull without decorations. If you are planning a party or wedding reception in a banquet hall, add your own decorating ideas to the table settings. You can infuse your personality and style with simple additions and creativity. Does this Spark an idea?

Centerpiece Ideas

Your banquet table centerpieces are the focal points of your tables. Choose a centerpiece that fits the theme, colors and style of your event. For example, if you are planning a modern and elegant event, use calla lilies in clear, simple vases, and place white tea light candles around the flowers. Remember that you don't have to use flowers--you can use vases filled with fruits or hurricane globes filled with water and floating candles. If you are planning a seasonal event, such as a Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas party, DecorateYourTable.com recommends using seasonal decorations. For example, a cornucopia filled with miniature pumpkins or bright orange gerbera daisies would work well for Thanksgiving. Use red poinsettia flowers, sleighs filled with shiny ornaments or miniature topiary trees with red cranberries for Christmas events.

Place Setting Ideas

The place setting depends on the type of event you're hosting. For example, if you are having a formal, sit-down dinner with five or six courses, your place settings will need to include all of the different course utensils, several types of glasses and a variety of appropriate plates and bowls. If you are planning a casual, buffet-style event, your place setting may only feature napkins, utensils and placeholders. Choose dinnerware that fits the tone and theme of your event. Many banquet halls offer plain white china and clear crystal glasses--if these are your only options, add color and style with the napkins and placeholders. Some placeholder ideas include propping the name card in a fork's prongs or tying the card to a decorative ribbon wrapped around the napkin.

Tablecloth Ideas

Choose a tablecloth that will complement the rest of your decorating scheme. For example, if you are having an elegant and sophisticated affair, you'll want to choose a simple white or black tablecloth that will blend with the other decorations. According to Table-Settings-with-Pictures.com, you should choose your tablecloth after the rest of your decorations are finalized. The tablecloth choice will typically depend on your chosen dinnerware. For example, if you've chosen patterned dinnerware, you'll want a solid-colored tablecloth. If you're using plain white china plates, you can use a patterned tablecloth, such as one with stripes, paisleys or a lace or floral pattern. Add sparkling glitter to the tablecloth if you're having a festive evening event.