Coffee tables, dinner tables, countertops, patio tables, and high-top bar tables.  We all have them, and we usually use them in the primary living rooms of our houses. These days, everyone is congregating in the kitchen area.  In fact, many kitchens are now fully connected with the living and dining rooms to create an open concept space for living and hospitality. So why the kitchen? Families love the idea of being together, but also feeling like they are not completely wasting time in the process.  Coming together in the kitchen often insinuates an atmosphere of multi-tasking, even if no one really is.  There are tables where paperwork can be taken care of, and cooking equipment where food can be prepared. Also, folks love to interact with each other while eating.  The kitchen is the perfect venue for that, and it is much more forgiving than the living room in the event of any accidental messes. All of this to say, if people are going to be found in your kitchen, or perhaps your open concept kitchen/living/dining room space, make sure your decorating is on point.  A great way to start, is with a focal point of the room. Find a piece you want to focus on in the room, and build your colors, decorations, and even furniture around that focal point. So make it easy on yourself!  Most often, you will have at least one table or countertop in that area of your house.  Make sure your centerpiece on the table top(s) is on point. Here’s a hint: analyze your house.  Is the theme of your house extravagance or simplicity?  Is it seasonal, or not necessarily?  Is it a well-lit space, or a rich and warm space?  Based on how you size up your home (or if you redecorating—how you WANT your home to look), decide on a centerpiece that will sit atop your table. Make sure it is something you are proud of; it will likely set the theme of the whole space.  Here’s a few ideas:

• Fresh picked flowers. Buy some flowers, or pick some out of your very own garden if possible.  Mix and match the colors, or opt for an all-green bouquet to switch things up!  Choose a simple, but classy vase.
• Bowls of fruit. Fruit bowls (with apples, oranges, bananas, etc…) is always an easy and practical way to decorate your table tops.
• Decorative trays. These can always be utilized for fresh table decorating.  Maybe even spice up the tray with festive decorations.
• Candle arrangements. Candles always add that home-touch.  Often saved for actual dining centerpieces when lit, unlit candle arrangements can be mixed and matched with other decorations to create a calming atmosphere.
• Fresh Baked Goods. What are you cooking up today?  Get them out on the table and showcase your work!
• Catch-All bowl. Possibly not the most aesthetic, but probably the most practical of the ideas!

Need some actual product ideas?  Here’s a few of our favorites from Wendell August to get you started:   [caption id="attachment_1049" align="aligncenter" width="505"] Try the Home Is Where the Heart Is tray, perfect for a fruit holder.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1050" align="aligncenter" width="804"] The Wintersong Collection pieces are an absolute showstopper. Click to view the collection![/caption] [caption id="attachment_1051" align="aligncenter" width="866"] Get festive with the Poinsettia Collection. Click here![/caption] [caption id="attachment_1048" align="aligncenter" width="804"] Try a piece from our Autumn Collection.[/caption]