9 Tips for Beautiful Tables

•  Choose your colors wisely. Red, white and blue work very well with French décor, since these are the three colors of their national flag.

•  Use simple linens with clean lines. Creamy or white linens with a single stripe add a great French feel to your table.

•  Pick bright blooms. "Sunflowers just say France," Jan says.

•  Avoid large arrangements. They can impede your ability to see people across the table.

•  Use candles to add height. When you have flat plates and low bowls, you need something to move your eye upward.

•  Keep it simple. Fresh spring flowers in a low vase or dish create a great centerpiece for spring, when colors begin to peak.

•  Go with a theme. Easter baskets can be a good focal point for your table too, Gautro says, since they're easy to see through.

•  Be whimsical. Try placing a rabbit or other Easter token in a low bowl for a playful touch.

•  Consider color. Green and red are essential for a traditional Christmas table setting.

•  Highlight with white. White works as a natural accent. Plus, "it just makes food look good," Jan says.

•  Use fresh greenery. Garlands enliven a table with texture and color. You can usually find something pretty in your garden, and they make a great conversation starter.

•  Use seasonal cuttings. Snip grape leaves or other greenery for the center of the table.

•  Strive for simplicity. Place a single, hand-picked flower in a drinking glass―a quick and easy way to bring a splash of color to each place setting.

•  Improvise. Go scavenging in the yard for other natural decorations, such as acorns, pumpkins, and bright autumn leaves.

•  Use runners. If your table top has a lot of watermarks, scratches, or other "flaws," you'll make them less noticeable.

•  Layer. If you need more coverage than runners can offer, consider a tablecloth with a runner over it. Layering adds dimension.

•  Move chairs. Pulling them out of the way will reduce traffic jams around the buffet.

•  Place silverware at the end of the line. Wrap utensils in linens for ease and elegance. That way, guests won't have to juggle utensils as they're filling their plates.

• Use classic dishes. Classic pewter serving dishes and simple trays with green trim bring a touch of elegance to this holiday table.

• Use unique pieces. The bright red candle in the center of the table encased in a curlicue iron holder is one of Jan's favorite details of this Old Madrid-inspired tapas table.

•  Stick to small plates. When serving tapas, smaller plates suit the portions, and make room for a greater amount of dishes without cluttering the table.