Floral Etiquette for Table Setting

“The guests should be able to have direct eye contact with the person they are talking to without having to duck up and down or around the flowers.” — Gilded age patent for a table centerpiece that would allow for conversation with, and unobstructed views of those dining across the table.

Creating Floral Displays

The main rule for arranging flowers for a table is that the display should be either above or below the eye level of people conversing across the table. The guests should be able to have direct eye contact with the person they are talking to without having to duck up and down or around the flowers. When you are using glass or crystal vases, remember that it isn't just the flower heads that are on show — you'll see the stems as well, so they should be clean, neatly cut, and placed in clear water. I always try to find flowers that are in season. Forced flowers don't last, and one of the nice things about holding a party at home is that you can have the pleasure and enjoyment of the flowers during the following days. — From “Perfect Tables: Tabletop secrets, settings, and centerpieces for delicious dining,” William Yeoward

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia