Not every decorative arrangement needs something underneath it, but tabletop arrangements can benefit from being grounded. On a large surface, using something under an arrangement can help ground and unify the grouping.
Using a tray is the most obvious way to ground an arrangement. You can never have enough trays. See the 10 trays you need to style every surface in your home. But, there are other ways to ground your decor.
10 More Ways to Ground a Decorative Grouping:
1. Mirror
A mirror laying down can act like a tray. Use a mirror with a frame or a simple beveled edge. Remember the mirror will reflect everything you set on top of it, so make sure the underside of your objects are attractive. The reflective quality of the mirror can also double light, so candles on top of a mirror are especially pretty.
2. Runner
On a dining table, console table, or even a dresser, a table runner can be used under decorative items. A runner adds a layer of color and texture. I used a table runner under this simple holiday centerpiece to add another layer of texture and to give the arrangement more presence.
3. Books
A short stack of books can help ground an arrangement. Books don’t have to be underneath all the items in the grouping, they will still create a connection with the surface. Smaller objects can be placed on top of the books for added height. Or, use books under a matching pair to vary the height, like I did here with these geese.
4. Wood Slab
A simple wood board or a tree ring is a slightly rustic and inexpensive way to ground an arrangement.
5. Cutting Board
There are so many pretty cutting boards these days. Use one on a bar, dining table, or kitchen counter. I used a cutting board to display my DIY plaster gourds. And, a fun striped one on our snack bar.
6. Picture Frame
Just like mirrors, you can lay a picture frame flat to act like a tray. Put pretty paper or fabric under the glass.
7. Tile
A large, Decorstive tile is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to ground a grouping. Try a marble or slate tile. Many tiles are now available in larger 12 x 24″ sizes.
8. Placemat
Round-shaped or wood-tiled placemats can add texture and interest under decor. In my son’s room, I felt his silver lamp (bottom right corner) was lost sitting on top of the blue nightstand. I added an acacia wood tile placemat, which instantly added warmth and helped the silver lamp stand out.
9. Charger
For smaller arrangements a pretty charger works like a tray. In our guest room, I used a hammered silver charger to hold a water carafe and glasses.
10. Shallow basket
Flat, shallow baskets work too. Look for round or rectangular baskets with short sides, 4″ or less.
Where did you get the red cabinet? I’m in love with it. Loved this post! Growing up my mom always had a placemat in my room that matched the comforter. I’ve been on the hunt for an inexpensive tray for months now!! World market has wood slabs that are inexpensive but I can’t seem to find a tray.
Dominique, The little red cabinet is from Target. It comes in yellow, teal, black, grey, and probably a few other colors now.
Great post! I love all the layering!
I love the striped cutting board. Did you make that yourself?
Lisa, Nope. I try not mess with things that touch my food :) I found it at HomeGoods.
Great tips! I hadn’t thought of putting a placemat on a nightstand, but I love it and will definitely be trying it out.
Bonnie, Isn’t it great? I loved that wood tiled nightstand and only bought one, not knowing what I would do with it. I love the texture it adds. I am kicking myself for not buying more of them before they were clearanced.
Jackie, I’m in love with the red cabinet too! And its full of neat stuff, but it doesn’t look cluttered at all. It looks perfectly arranged! Thanks for sharing your decorating tips!
This post was so timely! I just used a round seagrass placemat to arrange two vases (different heights) filled with different florals and a small pumpkin on my dining table. Can’t believe I hadn’t thought of that before.
sounds like perfection. I bet the sea grass adds wonderful texture to the arrangement!
What great tips. I’m always wondering why some vignettes seam to ‘float’ on whatever surface they’re on. Now it makes sense…. gotta get grounding!
I LOVE the black/white bedding! Do you mind sharing where you found that?
Robyn, It was from the DwellStudio line at Target about four years ago. I would check online to see if they still carry it.