Victorian Dining Room Decorations

As holiday preparations fill our homes today, it is interesting to note how some things remain the same over the years. During the Victorian era, many of the same preparations were done just as we do today however the importance of the dining room has certainly undergone changes. For many of us, the dining room is a room never entered. In some homes, it has been converted to other uses, such as office space . This was not always so.

Although the ladies of the Victorian household busied themselves with preparations throughout the house, it was the dining room that was the star at Christmas. It was here that guests were treated to the very best that the household had to offer—in terms of food, drink, furniture, room décor, servants (if any) and ostentatious display—the china, crystal, and silver that covered every available surface in that room. Floral display was a very important part of this look, and the very best display was saved for the dining room table since it was at eye level, and could be seen by all the guests throughout the meal.

Why were flowers so important? Well, it must be remembered that botany became a very popular science during the Victorian era. Victorians embraced new technology, and prided themselves on being well read and well informed on what was happening in the world. Gardening became a passion for the layman, as well as for those who could afford to have private gardeners. Rare and exotic varieties were grown in greenhouses. The more expensive and exotic they were, the more they appealed to the wealthy, and the more likely they would be displayed in the dining room for all to see. It is amusing to know that the common (today) poinsettia was such a desired flower. Other plants included the bouvardia, and the scarlet plume euphorbia from Mexico, the eucharis lily and cattleya orchid from Brazil.

Many arrangements were created “en plateau”. This meant that the flowers were placed on a large ornamental tray - it could be silver or a mirror with an ornamental rim or galley. The flowers covered or surrounded the centerpiece which was often a silver candelabra placed on the plateau. An epergne was an alternative centerpiece for larger tables. Often, a tiny bouquet was placed at each setting with the intention of the guest taking it home with them at the end of the evening.

Other items may be placed in the center of the plateau today. Candles en masse look great - so does fruit placed topiary style, surrounded by greenery, instead of traditional flowers. Much of the decision is based on the elegance of the evening, the style of décor in your home, and the type of feeling you are endeavoring to create for your guests. One rule of thumb: Don’t place anything in the center of the table that will obstruct the guests’ eye view. Place the centerpiece either lower or higher (which can be extremely effective).

Consider recreating this effect in your dining room this Christmas—the kudos will be worth it!

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