6 things you should never put on your dining room table, according to interior designers

As the busy winter hosting season approaches and calendars start to fill with dinner parties, family gatherings, and festive celebrations, the dining room, more than ever, becomes the heart of the home. Your dining table decor ideas should feel like a true statement – elevating the room while setting the stage for memorable meals.

However, according to designers, a chic table isn’t just about what you add – it’s also about what you leave off. Some items, while practical or sentimental, can instantly disrupt the flow, make guests uncomfortable, or distract from the overall aesthetic of your dining room ideas. Whether your table stands in a formal dining room or anchors an open-concept living space, striking the balance between beauty and functionality is key.

So, what belongs on the table, and what should be placed elsewhere before the guests arrive? We asked top interior designers to share the common culprits to clear away – and the elegant alternatives to style with instead.

1. Overpowering centerpieces

When you’re hosting, it can be tempting to crown your table with a dramatic, oversized centerpiece. After all, a bold floral arrangement feels festive and grand. But designers caution that bigger isn’t always better – especially when it comes to dining tables.

‘One item that people tend to use on the dining room table improperly is also considered one of its main attractions, which is the floral centerpiece,’ says culinary expert and French chef Elle Philippe, who worked with designers Marvin Miller and Leslie Rinehardt of Rinehardt Miller Interiors on the tablescape shown here.

The problem? Scale. ‘A big, overpowering centerpiece is more cumbersome and awkward than not,’ she explains. ‘Large centerpieces tend to block the view of the opposite side of the table and also take up space that’s usually needed for food dishes.’

Instead, Elle recommends breaking up a single showpiece into smaller, more playful moments. ‘Most people choose to move the large arrangements off the table for dinner, however, we feel a good alternative is to create a grouping of smaller flower arrangements. Cut the stems down and arrange them in petite vases, or even mismatched cocktail glasses, for a more whimsical, guest-friendly look.’

And this advice applies beyond flowers. Colleen Bennett of CBB Designs adds, ‘a well-styled dining table benefits from a clear, open surface with a striking but understated centerpiece, like a low bowl of seasonal fruits or a single large candle, leaving plenty of room for dining.’

2. Tall floral arrangements

While lush blooms are a seasonal staple, height is another common pitfall.

‘We all love the look of a gorgeous, tall bouquet as a centerpiece, but they can affect how your guests are able to converse over dinner,’ says Laura Cassell Fischer, vice president of merchandise and product development at tableware brand over&back.

If your flowers block sightlines, they block conversation, too. And nothing kills the mood at Thanksgiving or Christmas faster than a table where guests can’t chat comfortably with the people across from them.

Laura’s solution? Keep it low. ‘We always suggest bud vases or even a small glass filled with shorter florals or greenery. These will still add color to your table but will not impact your ability to have a lively conversation.’

Make sure you’ve calculated how many people can sit around your table with ease, too, so everyone has both space and visibility. We explore how many people can sit around your dining table in our dedicated feature.

3. Placemats

It may sound surprising, but many designers advise against leaving placemats out as a permanent feature.

‘Accessories that I would stay away from would be placemats,’ says Melanie Olson, founder of Melanie Olson Design Group. ‘Specifically, when the table isn’t set. This look always feels messy and unfinished. It’s an unnecessary accessory to always have out and should be stored away until the table needs to be set.’

Instead of layering with linens year-round, Melanie suggests keeping the table streamlined when it’s not in use. ‘When the table isn’t set for a dinner party or gathering, my advice is to always keep it effortless. A simple centerpiece is all you need.’

4. Small accents

The dining table’s generous surface often tempts hosts to scatter it with lots of small trinkets and décor. But restraint, experts say, is key.

‘The most appealing tables, in my opinion, have pieces that have a bit of weight to ground the look and then other smaller accent elements,’ says Purvi Padia, creative director and founder of Purvi Padia Interiors and creator of tabletop collection REVELRY. ‘Too many small accents can look cluttered and confuse the eye.’

What you can layer in abundance, though, are materials. ‘I am drawn to the idea of mixing all materials – bone china, hand-blown glass, stone, wood, metals. Everything is fair game, but be sure to use at least three different materials,’ she suggests. The mix adds interest, while the edit keeps things polished.

5. Faux flowers

There’s one final floral faux pas to avoid this season: artificial blooms.

‘I avoid faux florals where I can,’ says Whitney Ray of Wyeth Ray Interiors. While they may be low-maintenance, they rarely deliver the fresh, vibrant look you want when hosting for the holidays.

For a longer-lasting alternative, Whitney suggests turning to preserved greenery. ‘A great way to always have a fresh dining table is to buy a bowl or vessel you love and have your local florist add preserved moss. It will always stay green, is lightweight to move if needed, and is a way better alternative to faux floral arrangements.’

Melanie Olson also adds, 'other natural elements – including citrus fruits in a marble bowl or greenery in a ceramic vase – can add dimension and texture while keeping the table design clean and intentional.'

6. Everyday clutter

While modern dining tables often serve as temporary work-from-home desks or landing zones for mail and other everyday clutter, allowing these spaces to become a catch-all for mess detracts from their primary purpose.

A table piled with laptops, charging cords, or bills not only looks messy but also prevents the space from feeling special and ready for a meal.

Ensure to incorporate plenty of useful dining room storage ideas or embrace storage ideas in another room in the house close by so you can easily store things away and keep your dining room table looking presentable, inviting, and ready to use.

The golden rule for a beautiful dining table is restraint. ‘A common mistake people make when styling is overloading it with excessive table settings or décor – too many plates, layers of glassware, or oversized objects,’ says Colleen Bennett of CBB Designs. ‘This overwhelms the space and makes the table feel cramped. Instead, focus on fewer, carefully chosen pieces that create impact without clutter.’

With the holiday season ahead, the less-is-more approach not only keeps your table looking chic, but also leaves plenty of room for the dishes, drinks, and conversations that make this busy time of the year so special.

For more tips, we explore how to set a table in our dedicated piece.