I do like the idea of flowers, but I was kind of hoping for something that I didn't need to replace each week. More of a "permeant centerpiece." I do fresh flowers when we have guests but I dont want to commit to weekly flowers.

The blue runner looks lost. I like the idea of one that matches the chairs, and it should be longer, too.

there's been a recent thread with folks showing what they've got..maybe you'll get inspired by somebody's ideas?

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4804447/what-do-you-keep-on-your-dr-table-when-not-in-use?n=59

Cream or natural fiber runner. As far as center pieces, the sky's the limit as long as they stand taller than the back of your pretty, elegant chairs. If shorter, center piece will be invisible unless somebody stands right by the table.

Ok so something's height of the chairs that helps!!

Yes as mentioned above the table runner that is thee is going. It's from our old table and is a place holder. I will do cream/natural runner or I'll do none at all. I don't want another linen one though...but that is after I find a centerpiece.

Lovely chairs and table! Table runner needs to drop over the edges by 7" or so, and the centerpiece, I'm fine with one stunner, should be tall -taller than the chairs, definitely but clear the light fixture by a foot.

And is it a no no to put a plant on the table? Idk if that's sanitary...

I keep finding centerpieces I like but I think they are a bit fancy for why I have...specially with my linen chairs.

With no table runner?

or I liked this but I was already going to make one for a console table so I didnt really want two but

I also really like this:

OR candle lanters?

dining rooms · More Info

I love the orchid in the footed bowl. I am not a big table runner gal, though.

I think a tall arrangement in the center of the table detracts from and
competes with your beautiful chandelier. I would opt for something
shorter and maybe even place two of them at the ends with the chandelier
in the middle. Think about 2 runners side to side perhaps.

The orchid is great on two counts. 1) It is tall but not enough to interfere w/lighting. 2) IME, orchids blossoms last 90 days for me with little maint so you have a living thing but not as much work as a regular plant.

yes, I think that is why I like the orchid idea...Im a fan of low maintenance.

and why i liked the candle idea, also low maintenance.

What about good old pothos - which is such a forgiving plant, it will even grow in water. My mom has had a large hand-thrown bowl planted w/ pothos on her dining room table (flanked by brass candlesticks) for many many years now. It gets moved off the table to the side to make room for flowers for meals. I can envision an ivory or maybe even silver metallic planter in that room...

& what about clear glass candlesticks?

For a table of that length I would suggest a larger central piece, something like the hydrangeas in the blue holder and two smaller items flanking it, perhaps candlesticks if that is your thing. I don't think the world will turn off its axis if you can find really well-done silk flowers for the central piece.

If you decide to use an orchid arrangement, I would suggest you use fake orchids. Real Phalaenopsis orchids would not survive long in the arrangements you've shown.

..what about some quite long tray? you can put on it (depending on how it's made, whether flat or not) flowers, fruits, candles...leave bare when you have nothing to display?

you can still use the runner under it, but the runner should be longer

found very fast some examples, have no idea whether your style or not..I didn't look for a long time..and I left out some very pretty ones by Fornacetti since they were 700-900 bucks..))

what's your table size? these runners are 90 inches..of course if yours is 120 they would be too short either..

How about a large, shallow, gorgeous bowl? Could be glass, pottery or wood, but it should be a statement piece. You could put seasonal objects in it or around it if so inspired, or just leave it bare and fabulous.

I think im just going to pass on any table runner. AND I do love the blue longer bowl with the pink flowers as well. I think I might just do the orchids in the clamshell. I can get orchids from Trader Joes, and I have green and Spanish moss.

I appreciate many love table runners. I like them to be a little different. Here is a nice inspiration photo of neutral runners horizonally. A faux white orchid as Danielle shows above or in a simple pot. Any floral arrangement.

Yeah, Im just not sure I want to go with table runners... Ill start with the clamshell first :D

What will you put in the clam shell? I have one I purchased at Ballard some years ago. I just sold it at a garage sale for 20.00 which I knew you needed a large one!!

I believe Ballard still has them.

Yeah probably going to plant orchids

In it

You liked the Asian footbath and I think that would be a good investment. Get a stand to go with it to protect your table. You don't necessarily have to plant in it. Just buy small potted seasonal plants or orchids and stick them in. If the pots are too small, just pad the bottom with something, maybe chicken wire, whatever. If there are gaps exposing the plastic pots around the top, fill them in with decorative moss.

https://www.google.com/search?q=asian+foot+baths&oq=asian+foortbaths&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i13i30k1.5922.8020.0.14358.2.2.0.0.0.0.204.322.0j1j1.2.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..0.2.320.tjGGESTswWw

https://www.google.com/search?q=poinsettias+in+footbath&tbm=isch&imgil=zZevZeKiGRaYRM%253A%253BdVx-3M3MtHBzPM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fsparklinglikeadiamond.blogspot.com%25252F2015%25252F06%25252Fup-close-and-personal.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=zZevZeKiGRaYRM%253A%252CdVx-3M3MtHBzPM%252C_&usg=__vRsLA92sVXGj3UoZH_7lK2Oc-mc%3D&biw=768&bih=378&ved=0ahUKEwiqlo6CsunVAhWI6YMKHbFMAswQyjcIOg&ei=s2CbWepwiNOPBLGZieAM#imgrc=zZevZeKiGRaYRM: