I am not feeling the stones with the runner. How about one candle holder and some bittersweet twined around the base?

To my eye, the stones seem too modern, or maybe harsh, with the floral runner. The Candle holders seem to work with the style a bit better.

I didn't think they looked "right" with the runner.

I am a bit naive.. what is bittersweet?

do you think I should add anything with the taller candle holders?

I too like it more without the river rocks...I have some and they are dust magnets so it is also easier not to use them:) How about a vase with foliage branches instead of flowers in the center with the larger candles? You have a lovely room! What color are your walls? They are so warm!

How about using acorns or fall leaves as the filler/scatter on your tray to replace the river rocks?

Bittersweet is a shrub with tough, thin branches that, in the autumn, has small bright red-orange and gold berries. Its colors are almost exactly the same as the flowers in your lovely table runner. It would look beautiful wrapped around your candles, with a bit of green as well, maybe grape ivy? You can find faux bittersweet in just about any florist, craft or hobby shop at this time of year.

Bittersweet grows in the woods by my house. I use it for fall decorating. See link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bittersweet

I say nix the runner....keep the candles and the tray of rocks. The runner would look best with a pedestal bowl or dish in the center where there is no design. It looks odd with things placed over those flowers.
So either keep the rock tray and the candles and dump the runner or look for something else and keep the runner. The hurricanes look too tall for a table decoration.
Linda C

I don't see the square tray and stones with all the soft curves and color of the pretty runner. Lindac has the right idea, I think, with a pedestal piece in the center. Consider a cake plate in glass, or pewter, put 5 or 7 candles on it of different heights (three isn't enough) and fill in around the candles with some fall leaves and acorns, mini gourds and pumpkins, some dried seed pods, etc.

Not a fan of the two candleholders with your amazing chandy.

Tray with stones is California Zen Buddhism. Runner with rust floral is New England Congregationalist.

Unhappy pairing.

Fill tray with autumn leaves?

ok.. lazygardens.. you figured me out.. LOL.. With all the chaos in my life perhaps I am ultimately seeking that California Zen vibe.. maybe the DR is just not the right place. And the rest of my house has the earthy tones NE feel (considering I live in NE not that far off I suppose).

I am going to find another home for the tray- put the other candles back in their previous location and look for other options. I would like to keep the runner for a variety of reasons so will start over from there!! Thanks for all suggestions..

@ roarah- the color is BM mayflower red. I had it my last two homes and when we moved into this one I had to have it. It is really warm- the rug below the dining table basically was the inspiration for all the colors in my home.. They are what I am most comfortable with..

Yes I agree with lazygardens. That was probably the best (and shortest) post response I've ever read. One really could not sum it up better than that. If a centerpiece is required, I think a dried floral or fall arrangement that is low. Not tall. I suggest something like picture, but with a single glass hurricane or slightly taller candle. Sorry pics are so super teeny tiny. I pulled it from Horchow website and was unable to save a larger pic.

I like the stone colors with the runner but do not like the center piece. Perhapes a large glass something that will match the room filled part way with stones and...not sure what bitter sweet is but could it go in the large glass something with stones? Maybe a happy medium?

I like the hurricane style vases with the runner, but maybe soften them up a bit with fall leaves or softer elements. Found this for inspiration for you. 4th image down looks like something that would work on your table.

Here is a link that might be useful: [9 Easy Ways to Decorate With Autumn Leaves[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/9-easy-ways-to-decorate-with-autumn-leaves-stsetivw-vs~772064)

I don't like the runner or the centerpiece - your light is soooooo pretty - I think you should mimic the mirrored look of the light and get a mirrored tray and decorate with candles, flowers, greens, etc. Or maybe a solid runner would look better w/your stones.

I think the runner alone is almost enough. I'd probably put a pretty salt and pepper set on it or a bowl of real fruit and call it a day.

Well no need for me to respond - you guys said everything I thought when I saw the pics. Love all of the suggestions!

My favorite is the analogy though. Thanks for the chuckle so early in the morning lazygardens!