I just have a vase of fresh flowers on our table. We use it regularly and cleaning off a 'tableau' would be way too much trouble for me. I see something like the things you have there as more coffee table decor, but even there, I go for uncluttered and simple. None of what you haveon the table (with the exception of the vase if you put flowers in it) looks as though it belongs on the dining room table to me, but perhaps I am not understanding your purpose.

I also see those things as more appropriate for a coffee table or end table.

I would not have a clock or photos on my eating table... but, hey, if you like it, fine!

I would use the candle only or just one of the vases, and add real or silk flowers or something. And the table runner would be nice!

and that tray is very nice! You could use just that, and fill it with pinecones or something like that.

Ok, thanks. I don't have many shelves and wanted to find a place to put my vaces and clock.

I will bring the tray back. It wasn't working for me. I didn't think it added anything.

Can you show me what you have on your dining room table?

I have a small glass cake plate (on a pedestal) with a candle on it, surrounded by greenery and grapes. All is setting on a crocheted doily.....easy to take off when eating and easy to put back. Don't have a camera so can't take a picture.

As for your vases....do you have anything high in your house, such as a china closet, chest of drawers, TV unit? They would be very nice on top of anything high. Your clock would look very pretty on your night stand in your bedroom or even an end table in your living/family room.

This post was edited by grandmaof3 on Sat, Jul 27, 13 at 15:51

I love the tray and would use it on my table.
I have a big ceramic painted fish
that my son bought me home from a trip. I have a faux flower arraingement
in it ...also 'the artist' a Hummel piece - that looks like he's painting
the fish, sometimes I have candle sticks, sometimes not.
Do you have a server that you could use for displaying your other items?

I agree with the others, all the stuff looks 'off' on the dining table; you could put the pictures and clock on an end table in the living room.

Do you have room for a sideboard or narrow table in the window alcove? I use a drop leaf table in our dining room, but something narrow looks as though it might be better in your spot. Perhaps you could use something like that for your things and just have the potted irises on the table. Alternatively, I actually like your tray, so maybe just that with some pretty fruit and veggies (thinking peppers, lemons, limes, etc. depending on your colors) in it and come fall, gourds? Your table and chairs are lovely and have nice clean lines. I would try to keep anything on the table simple as well.

Then, when you are dining there, you can dress it up with your wine glasses, water goblets, pretty placemats or cloth, pretty dishes, and all. I just wouldn't have much out all the time. Again, that is just me. Plain Jane.

I love the tray. Take everything off the table except the tray and a runner. A dried bunch of Lavender would be nice. Something simple.

My table has a black & white checked runner with a white pitcher. Easy to clean.

A vote to keep the tray!

Another vote for simply using the round vase -- fill with stones and add water with herbs (like rosemary for example) and/or flowers ....

Cyn....I am always afraid of damaging my wood table with a vase...I always put a small plate underneath...what do you do?

I agree with others...something simple...how about a pretty decorative dish or bowl that goes with your decor.....try TJ Maxx, Home Goods, etc.

Great tray, I would use it and fill it with lemons or limes.

My dining room summer centerpiece (I change out the filler with the seasons), the grandkids love spotting 'their' seashells.

I really like the tray itself, but I think it'll be too dark sitting on top of a black runner. If you get a runner with circles on it, too much stuff on it is going to look way too busy.

Joanie, sometimes I put a cork hotpad under a vase that is the same size as the bottom of the vase, but most of the time, I find the section that holds the water is not actually the bottom of the vase-there is a thin layer of solid glass-sort of the same principle as when you use stemmed glasses and you don't need a coaster. Also, I use room temp water so it doesn't sweat at all. I have never had a problem. That said, on the really good antique pieces, I am more careful and always use a glass or cork coaster. They are always small because I like the illusion that there is nothing under them.

Thanks Cyn...you're right, I never thought about most vases having a thicker bottom and the water isn't actually touching the bottom...will take a closer look at my vases.

I kind of like the shape of the tray with your table and chairs. Why not try it just filled with fresh fruit?

Another vote for a single large vase on the tray. The three small items are all about the same heights and seem too small.

I had a similar arrangement but used a trough in the middle. I put in the trough placemats and cloth napkins etc. Then I used two large candles on either side.

Love your tray!!

In another home I did something similar but had a flatter tray.

If you do not want candles then like you suggested you could fill an apothecary jar with greenery. I did this in my current house.

I have an orchid on a placemat on my table. When you look into my DR you see it from the end, not the side, so I need something that is tall enough to be seen over the chair backs and something worthwhile looking at from the hallway as that's how we mostly see the room. So think about what you will see for the most part as you go by the table. That may help you decide.

Have you a bookcase? Except for the tray, to me your articles would seem more attractive in a bookcase than on a DR table. Too, the dark tray, plus two rather darkly framed pictures plus a black runner seem to need brightening. Don't give up, and have fun experimenting. Good luck.

I like the tray and would try to use it. Here's my dining room table.