A nice colorful bowl with fresh fruit is all you need

I picked up this thrift lazy Susan. I painted, stained and deco paged it for something fun on my island. I bet Pinterest has suggestions too.

Thanks! I'm also considering a shallow bowl with potpourri..

I don't think potpourri is what you want in a kitchen due to it having a perfume smell,at least not sitting out on a dining table

I just noticed you have a similar table outside this room. I know table cloths are never offered anymore as a design advice, but perhaps put one on outside less formal table with a basket . Your shallow decorative glass bowl sounds perfect.on it just to break up the two spaces. Your shallow glass bowl wounds perfect.

Since you don't want glass on the table they make these really cool orb candleholders. I think they are unique and functional too :) Click picture to enlarge.

Young children, centerpiece???? why? Definitely not potpourri as said above. Maybe a shallow wood bowl with fruit or nuts

Opps! When I revisited this morning I forgot young children.. been there... done that! There are tons of wire, wood, and even plastic bowls that would look neat.

Mia, you may like my table - tablecloth and lazy susan!
I highly recommend the lazy susan. Napkins and salt and pepper are out at all times (no excuse for wiping on shirt sleeves!). During meals, I put out fresh fruit and veggies. The family is more likely to eat them when they are in front of their faces and can reach them without having to ask.

Love all of the ideas & pictures!! Thank you!!! :)

HI -- I think a bowl of fresh fruit w/napkins , because if they see it they will eat . And a bowl/basket of creative things like paper and coloring pages and crayons or little puzzles and small books and reading materials . I use to keep small blackboards out or you could do white boards now with chalk and markers in canning jars . It would keep the kids amused and quiet them down before a meal . Adult friends would even start drawing and coloring too . It was fun .

Love flowers

Bowl of lemons--real or fake.

or artichokes

Potpourri isn't great because it'll be too much with the aromas from your food. Save it for the bath,

Thanks so much everyone. Love the ideas! I guess I should clarify. By potpourri I meant something more like this pic & unscented. Though not the colors pictured. ;)

I have this bronze trey at center of my dining table - but flower are always great to add to a home.

Some really inspirational ideas posted here. Lets put color on that table! First, fruit is a good source, especially with small children as the love to grab things....lol. Another idea, which is my favorite and that is real or fake Hydrangea blooms, laying in a clear plastic bowl or vase with H2O. ( no glass for children). Flowers are inviting and say Welcome to my home.. Go on any website a learn how to cut fresh Hydrangea flowers. Stick with color for a cheerful look. Your choice my dear. Happy decorating, Deco Gail : )

I have seen quilted fabric centerpieces that are stuffed with batting, such as pumpkins, and these would be safe and unbreakable around young children. A table-top lazy susan for napkins, salt and pepper shakers, and so on might be a good item to dress up the table and be convenient for your growing family.

Do you know exactly hat table this is? Like a link or something? I have been looking for it. Thank you.

I Would Go Simple With Some Round Placemats And I Found Some At Target With The Colors That Match Your Chairs Alittle Red Gold Green !