A learning curve I didn’t expect when planning my wedding was all the different terms and names for items I needed for my table decorations. It was also the first large-scale event I had ever planned, and the ambitious and naive person I am, I decided to do it all myself. By the end of it, I had had a great event and learned a lot. But, I realized I wasn’t alone in that most brides or anyone planning an event for the first time won’t know the most basic table decor terminology until they’re in the thick of it. And professional event planners and designers have more important things to do than explain the definitions of everything. It’s also likely that it’s become so second nature to them that they wouldn’t even think to anyway. So, if you can relate to this and are planning an event or occasion of any size or scale, here is a quick alphabetical glossary listing all the commonly used terms for designing tablescapes so you can do it yourself or understand your event vendors and give them the direction they need to bring your vision to life.
Bud vases:
Bud vases are small, narrow vases designed to hold a single flower or a small bouquet. They are often used as decorative accents on dining tables, mantels, or shelves to add a touch of elegance and beauty to a room. Bud vases come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, such as glass, ceramic, or metal, and they can be used individually or grouped together to create a visually striking display. They are trendy for weddings and other special occasions, normally used as part of table centrepieces or as individual place settings for guests.
Centrepiece:
A centrepiece is a decorative item or arrangement that is positioned in the middle of the tablescape and serves as the focal point. It can include items like flowers, candles, fruit, foliage, decorative vases, or other objects related to your event’s aesthetics, colour palette, or theme. Your imagination is the only limit to what your centrepiece can be.
Charger plate:
A charger plate, also known as a service plate or under plate, is a large decorative plate placed under dinner plates as part of a formal table setting. It is purely decorative and not meant to serve food. Charger plates come in various materials such as glass, porcelain, or metal and are used to add an elegant touch to the dining table and to provide a base for other dinnerware.
Contained candles
A contained candle is one in which the wax is poured directly into a container or other heat-resistant material. These candles are great because they’re one purchase and don’t require any assembly. You simply place them in your tablescape and light them!
Cutlery:
Cutlery refers to the tablescape utensils, such as knives, spoons, and forks, used to eat, spread, or cut food. Most event venues include a silver finish in their rental packages, which gives them a classic and traditional look. However, opting for different colours and silhouettes is a unique way to make your table decor feel more custom and on theme, like this dark and moody example below.
Floating candles:
Floating candles are relatively self-explanatory! They are small, rounded candles around 1.75″ to 3″ in size and come in various colours that float in water. They’re a popular wedding choice since they are an inexpensive alternative to pillar candles but have the same romantic and ambient effect. You can also get creative with the vases or vessels you use to display them or add elements to the water that can elevate your event or theme, like in this example where they’ve added cranberries.
Head table:
A head table is a unique table set apart from the rest, typically positioned at the head or focal point of a room, such as at the front or center, often used at weddings, formal dinners, banquets, or other events. It usually consists of a long rectangular table where the hosts, honoured guests, or members of the wedding party sit, with the most important person or people (such as the bride and groom at a wedding or the guest of honour at a banquet) seated in the center and their attendants seated alongside them. The head table is often adorned with decorative elements such as flowers, candles, or other table decorations, serving as a focal point for the event.
Hurricane glass:
Hurricane glass refers to the glass sleeves or containers around a candle. You’ll often see these over-taper candles and their stands as decoration or protection from a breeze that could blow out the candle flame. They also help prevent wax from dripping onto the table surface or linens, making them an excellent choice for outdoor events or venues that charge a cleaning fee.
Name cards:
Name cards, also known as place cards or seating cards, are small cards placed on a dining table to indicate where each guest is supposed to sit. Bearing the guest’s name, they serve to organize the seating plan, add a personalized touch to the table setting, and ensure that guests are seated in their assigned places, thereby avoiding any confusion, awkwardness, or incorrect meals. Name cards can range from simple and elegant to elaborate and decorative, often coordinated with the overall theme or decor of the event.
Napkins:
Napkins are square or rectangular pieces of fabric used for wiping the mouth and hands during a meal. Depending on how formal or informal your event or meal is, they can also be disposable paper. Yet, they are placed to the left of the plate or folded on top of it and are a quick way to add personality or colour through what fabric, pattern, or colour you use.
Napkin ring:
A napkin ring is a small circular or semi-circular band, usually made of metal, wood, plastic, or other decorative materials, used to hold a folded napkin in place on a dining table. They come in various styles, designs, and materials to complement different table settings, occasions, and personal preferences. Depending on the desired aesthetic, they can be simple and understated or ornate and decorative.
Pillar candle:
A pillar candle is cylindrical and designed to stand alone so that it can be used with or without a vase or holder. It is wider and shorter than taper candles and is often used for decoration, ambient lighting, or as part of a tablescape or centrepiece. Pillar candles come in various sizes, colours, and scents, making them popular for both decorative and practical use in homes, restaurants, and other settings.
Place setting:
A place setting refers to arranging dishes, glassware, silverware, and other items on a dining table for one individual. It includes everything needed for one person to enjoy a meal and typically consists of a dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl (if applicable), drinking glass, napkin, fork(s), knife(s), and spoon(s). The arrangement of a place setting can vary depending on the formality of the occasion and cultural customs. Correctly setting a place at the table ensures that each diner has everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.
Placemat:
A placemat is a protective table pad usually made of paper, plastic, fabric, or similar materials. You’ll find them at less formal events and meals, as they are used primarily to protect the dining table from food and drink stains by being placed under the plate and utensils. However, they also double as an attractive and decorative element to the table setting. They come in various shapes, sizes, colours, and designs to complement different table settings and decor styles.
Sweetheart table:
A sweetheart table is a small, intimate table for two often used at weddings and other special events. It is typically set apart from the rest of the guest tables and positioned at the front or center of the reception area. The newly married couple sits at the sweetheart table during the reception, allowing them to enjoy some private time together while still being visible to their guests.
Table cloth:
Tablecloths are large, rectangular, or square pieces of fabric covering a dining table’s entire surface. They protect the table from spills and scratches and provide a decorative foundation for the table setting.
Table numbers:
Table numbers are numerical indicators placed on dining tables to help guests easily locate their assigned tables in a venue. They are often used at weddings, banquets, and other large events where multiple tables are set up for guests. Table numbers are usually displayed prominently, either on a stand or holder in the center of the table or at each place setting. They assist in organizing the seating plan and guide guests to their designated tables efficiently, helping to ensure a smooth and organized event.
Table runner:
A table runner is a narrow, long piece of fabric placed down the center of a dining table. It runs lengthwise down the table and is used primarily as a decorative accent. Table runners add visual interest to the table and can be used independently or layered over a tablecloth for added style. They also provide a protective layer, preventing hot dishes or spills from directly touching and potentially damaging the table surface.
Table swag:
A table swag is similar to a table runner, but it drapes along the front of your statement tables, such as the head, sweetheart, or dessert table, in order to make them stand out. Typically, the drape is arranged in sections of 2-4, depending on the length of your table, and can be tied or adorned with a bow or floral arrangement. The material and colour should contrast with the tablecloth underneath and complement your event’s theme and colour palette. You can be creative and layer and drape the fabric over other coloured fabrics for dimension or create an asymmetrical look for a more modern take on this classic table decor item, like the example below.
Tablescape:
A tablescape is a term used to describe the decoration of a tabletop, especially for special occasions like weddings, dinner parties, or holidays. It involves arranging decorations, such as flowers, candles, tableware, and other decorative elements, in an aesthetically pleasing way based on a specific colour palette or theme to create an overall ambiance and memorable dining experience.
Taper candle:
A taper candle is a slender, elongated candle that gradually tapers towards one end, resembling a traditional candlestick. It is designed to be placed in candle holders or candelabras for support while burning. Taper candles are often used for formal occasions, such as dinners or ceremonies, and are known for their elegant and timeless appearance. Taper candles come in various lengths, colours, and materials, allowing for versatility in decorating and setting the ambiance of a space.
Tea lights:
Tealights are often mistaken for votive candles due to their similar size, but they are shorter in height and burn time. Depending on the brand, they measure only 0.5 inches tall and last 3-4 hours, making them great for shorter occasions and dinner parties. Their versatility is endless, though, as they can fit in either votive or tealight containers to add personality and colour to your tablescape or to create mood lighting. There are also flameless alternatives like these from Amazon, where you can get the same effect without the waste.
Vignette:
In interior design, a vignette is a small, carefully curated arrangement of objects or furniture displayed on surfaces such as coffee tables, shelves, or mantelpieces within a room. Consisting of a few carefully selected items arranged visually, vignettes add interest, texture, and personality to a space, serving as focal points or conversation starters. They allow homeowners to showcase their style and creativity while enhancing the room’s overall design.
Votive candle:
Votive candles are small cylindrical candles around 2 inches tall and between 1.5 and 1.7 inches in diameter. They can come in a set container or separately placed in decorative votive glasses. Votive candles need support while burning, as they are designed to burn for extended periods, usually several hours. These small candles are perfect for adding romance and warmth to an occasion and an opportunity to add colour or personality through their colours or chosen vessel.
Planning a special event can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating the unfamiliar world of table decor terminology. This ultimate tablescape glossary provides a beginner-friendly guide to common table setting terms, from bud vases and charger plates to taper candles and table runners. Whether you’re organizing a wedding, dinner party, or other special occasions, this resource will help you understand the essentials of tablescape design and guide your discussions with vendors. We’ll continue to add more terms, so be sure to check back often as we expand this glossary! If there’s a term we haven’t covered, please feel free to comment, and we’ll be happy to add it.
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