vampire twilight dinner party midnight sun theme

8 Ideas for decorating the chandelier or over the table rod – thru the seasons

An over the table rod or a sturdy chandelier can be a great addition for your tablscape up for the seasons for a dinner party or event. Don’t overlook decorating them. I started to decorate on them starting with a Twilight party and now I integrate something even a colorful bow to the chandelier to add some color.

You could leave these up for the season or just for the tabletop decor, or even over a bar. For me personally it would stay up only during hosting time so usually Christmas stays up the entire month. For height I would say make sure people’s head don’t hit the rod when they are trying to get food, your want it higher (like my kitchen island) or if they are sitting down at the table that’s fine. 

I’m sharing my dining room chandelier hanging decorations and over the rod table for inspiration!

Please click links for more posts and details on where to buy items.

Chandelier by Visual Comfort in three finishesSimilar on Amazon for 1/10 of price here.

  • You can add ribbon
  • Swap the chandelier shades
  • Use faux floral branches to hang off it

Evening TWINKLE Party

This was for my Twilight Saga book release of Midnight Sun with friends. I wanted the Twilight wedding vibe and a mood so I added twinkle lights that glowed and gave a magical illusion over the dining room table. I dimmed the lights down low during dinner.

Ideas on how to decorate over the table rod or a chandelier for a dinner theme
Twilight Saga - Midnight Sun Book Release Dinner Party

Fall/Thanksgiving

I took faux eucalyptus garland that looks SO realistic (I bought it from The French Bee which is temporarily closed), and added in real sunflowers and florals tucked in there the morning of. I also strung in some lights I plugged in because it was an evening party. 

Another tip – I only had a scrap of fabric and I didn’t have an entire tablecloth so I used it as a runner to accent the table. This saves space for storage and still adds some color.

HOLIDAYS/CHRISTMAS

This flocked garland is from Walmart. I clipped out the plastic large candies and berries I didn’t like. That’s a way to save money – take garland you like the base of and just remove the things you don’t like! That’s a way to save money if you find it for a good deal of course.

I took MacKenzie-Child’s tartan ribbon and tucked it in instead of wrapping it around the bar, I did it on both sides it makes it look more fluffy and whimsical. I also had antique horns I secured using zip ties. The bulbs I plugged in too and made sure they don’t get hot, or they have some way to protect it from burning the garland. More details on this post.

Also noticed I changed the shades of the chandelier to black with gold inside. It makes it feel cozy and elevated.

over the table rod decoration for christmas holidays
Christmas Ornament Exchange Party

Chinese New Year

The Chinese Lunar New Year is end of January/beginning of February. This was a collaboration I did with Pottery Barn I was even featured on their website!!! I bought these lanterns from Amazon and the lucky knots a neighbor picked up for me at Home Goods in California and brought them back for me! 

buffet Chinese new year food Lunar new year tablescape party ideas Chinese New Year Dragon Pottery Barn collection Phoenix lifestyle blogger Diana Elizabeth traditional home decor and entertaining garden blog

Valentine’s Day/Galentine’s Day

Just a simple 2″ double sided satin bow tied around the chandelier will work! This was last year’s Galentine’s Day table. Make sure if you light candles they won’t catch the ribbon on fire!

Spring/easter

I used eucalyptus garland and added in faux spring florals within it and metal flower garland for some color. In the back you can see I also added the same Twilight greenery to the chandelier. You could use fresh flowers if you want, or both!

Easter 2021

For my big birthday soiree I hired a florist to do this installation with fresh flowers and it was so gorgeous! There’s nothing like fresh flowers. 

My birthday soiree - fresh florals

Summer/Citrus

Lemons give us the summer vibes (though they are ripe for us here in Phoenix January through March) and in my case, Amalfi Coast Italy feels! This was set for my Italian Dinner with Williams-Sonoma and I used lemon branches and wove them through the chandelier to mimic the lemon tree farm in Amalfi.

Italian theme dinner Amalfi coast blue white lemon theme dinner lunch tablescape party idea with Williams-Sonoma. DIANA ELIZABETH STEFFEN dianaelizabethblog.com
Italian theme dinner Amalfi coast blue white lemon theme dinner lunch tablescape party idea with Williams-Sonoma. DIANA ELIZABETH STEFFEN dianaelizabethblog.com

Which look was your favorite to decorate an over the table rod or a chandelier for a party? I hope this inspires you to use faux florals in another way for your tablescape. Remember to dust your chandelier. Sometimes I am in shock how much accumulates places we can’t reach! Also dust the light bulbs too if they are bare bulb!

Here are some of my hosting favorites — 

Subscribe

Receive updates and my hostess checklist

One email sent per week.

Diana Elizabeth Steffen setting the table for her annual garden party

SIGN UP FOR UPDATES

Never miss a post!
Get my hostess checklist in your inbox!

One email sent a week, I don't like too many emails either. Read our privacy policy.

Diana Elizabeth is an author, photographer, and obsessive thrift shopper. You can typically find her in the garden wrist deep in dirt, at a local estate sale or planning her next creative themed party. She continues to blog weekly.

1 Comment

  • Sarah Addison

    Decorating chandeliers or table rods is a wonderful way to add dimension and a festive feel to a room. Whether using greenery, ornaments, or hanging decorations, it can create a stunning focal point above the dining area. It’s such a creative way to elevate holiday decor and make gatherings feel extra special.

POST COMMENT

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *