Dinners and family gatherings are made all the more special when the dining table is dressed to the nines with thoughtful design and matching decor (no one wants to catch the eye of the table). The more amazing the tablescape, the more likely your guests will remember it and your event.

Here, we’ve rounded up the best tips from design experts on how to decorate an unforgettable tablescape—from how to personalize your tablescape to keeping your entire decor cohesive.

Turn serving dishes into decor with cutting boards

To really wow your guests, avoid traditional plate serving. MaCenna Leean interior decorator and content creator, she likes to be creative with the way her food is displayed. She uses dishes that also serve as centerpieces and decorative elements.

“Chopping boards always look great on the table, but also carve pumpkin, squash or pineapple to serve as a side dish or dip,” she says.

Plus, using items that have multiple uses also gives you extra space—something guests are sure to enjoy having more of. Erica Davis, Principal Interior Designer and Co-Founder Eralyn Interiorstells how often there is not enough space for the actual dinner due to the table setting which can make it difficult for your guests to enjoy the meal.

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Keep it fresh with cut flowers or plants

Experts agree: flowers or some greenery are a must.

“Always add flowers”, Tina Yaraghi, founder Enchanted homehe says. “Flowers raise a table – any table.”

Flowers bring nature into the interior and provide a beautiful finishing touch that any table setting needs. She says that the flowers themselves don’t have to be expensive and it only takes a few steps to look presentable. Just cut them short, roll them up tight, and add them to a pretty glass, she says.

Moreover, living plants introduce effortless elegance with their beautiful imperfections.

“To achieve an effortless tablescape, you’ll have to embrace nature’s imperfections,” Jennifer Verruto, Founder and CEO Blythe Interiorshe says.

For this reason, Verruto likes to decorate tablescapes with silver dollar eucalyptus running down the center of the table. “It’s about placing things in a simple, non-contrived way—things don’t have to line up perfectly,” she says.

Create a glow with candlelight

Not just for romantic one-on-one scenes, candlelight offers an ambiance that LED bulbs just can’t. Yaraghi points out that you don’t need huge pillar candles to get the look. A couple of small vows will do the trick.

“Nothing is worse than a beautiful table without candlelight and only overhead. It’s a nuisance,” says Yaraghi. He explains how candlelight is non-negotiable.

Lee encourages others to take the tablescape experience a step further by thinking about the entire tablescape setup.

“People often forget to round out the whole experience,” she says. She suggests thinking about music as well. “Make sure you create a great playlist before your dinner starts and bring the table space and surrounding room an inviting warmth with candlelight.”

Personalize the table with patterns and colors

Unforgettable tablescapes are unique, and an easy way to create a distinctive tablescape is to infuse it with your own personality. So don’t be afraid to choose your favorite colors and patterns.

“Let your desk reflect who you are and your style,” Laura Fischer, vice president of merchandise and product development at over&backhe says. Fisher says if you like it, your friends probably will too.

At the same time, think about whose table the table is for. “If you’re hosting a party for a particular guest of honor, try to think about what they like and, if possible, tailor the tablescape to their tastes,” says Fisher.

It will add a nice personal touch, whether it’s colored glassware in shades they love or styles they prefer. As a final bit of personalization, throw in some name cards. Vivianne Chow, interior decorator and home blogger at Viv and Tim Homesays this will be the finishing touch that will make your tablescape unforgettable.

“It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple handwritten place card will create that personalized feel,” says Chow.

Add different textures and heights for visual interest

For a detailed tablescape that doesn’t feel cluttered, apply layers in different textures and heights. Artem Kropovinski, interior design expert and founder Arsight combines glass, metal and wood while experimenting with the height of these decorative objects.

“This approach makes the whole table look like a culinary journey and a feast for the eyes,” he says.

Adding height to a tablescape design is an often overlooked element.

“Different heights create visual interest and lead the eye across the table, making the experience more dynamic and engaging,” he says.

Make it cohesive

While you want to achieve all of these goals—double dinnerware as decor and personalize it through color and pattern—your tablescape shouldn’t be visually overwhelming. And so, it’s most important to keep your tablescape designs cohesive.

“Consistency in style is key,” says Kropovinski. “Mixing elements is great, but keeping to a specific motif or style makes everything sound connected.”

If your tablescape celebrates reading, for example, stack older books to create a centerpiece and create mini library cards for name cards with mini pictures of your guests. But be careful not to match everything, he says.

Instead, think of ways to allow the main theme of your table to continue.

“The secret lies in the combination of these materials,” says Kropovinski.