That one thing on your holiday table could ruin the meal

Designing a stunning tablescape is a beautiful and creative endeavor, but it can also feel like a lot of pressure. You want your table to feel warm, inviting and welcoming, which is why candlelight is often a must – with one exception. Most experts advise you to avoid scented candles.

We wanted to know more, so we reached out to two hosting pros to find out why it's best to avoid adding synthetic scents to your dining room.

Why you should never put scented candles on a dining table

Scented candles are a popular part of fall and winter decor, but they're not really needed in your dining room. As party hosting pro Jeannine Rose points out, they can actually have a negative impact on meal times.

“Our sense of smell is so important when it comes to how we taste food,” she says. “When your guests arrive, you want them to be able to smell your culinary delights – not the heavy scent of a vanilla sugar candle.”

In fact, the added scents can actually dull the flavor of your meal. Designer Kathy Kuo agrees, pointing out that it might affect some people more than others.

“Some guests may be particularly sensitive to artificial scents, so it's best to avoid scented candles altogether,” she says.

However, that doesn't mean you should keep candles off your table entirely. Instead, Rose recommends using odorless tea lights or candles for a cozy light.

If you still love scented candles and are sure your guests can handle them, Rose says they can still have a place in your home. In fact, home scents are a great way to set the mood in your entryway, powder room, or near the bar.

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4 more things you can leave out of a table decoration

Scented candles are gone (or at least only in the bathroom), but there are a few things that can spoil a nice evening with friends and family. Our experts have pointed out some of these common culprits.

Tall or bulky centerpieces

Rose calls this the biggest mistake hosts have ever made: If the centerpiece is too high or too bulky for the table, it prevents guests from comfortably talking to each other.

Kuo agrees, saying that decorations should never dominate the table or block sightlines.

“Leave enough space between taper candles, vases, and other decorative elements to allow for casual, flowing conversation at the table,” she says.

If your centerpiece feels like a barrier, your guests will have difficulty enjoying each other's company. It can also disrupt the flow of dishes passing around.

“The best table settings always appear intentional and effortless,” says Rose.

Perfectly coordinated dishes

If you want to create a beautiful, layered tablescape, Kuo says it's best to avoid a full set of dishes that fit together perfectly.

“I love combining a subtle, eclectic mix of dinnerware and serveware to create a traditional look that feels collected over time,” she says.

Glitter or confetti

Glitter and sequins are welcome throughout the holiday season, but Rose says it's best to keep any kind of glitter or confetti away from your table decorations.

“It sticks to glasses, gets on napkins and ends up on plates,” says Rose. “[You’ll spend] Monitoring the table the whole time, worrying about where it ends up, and not enjoying the party at all.”

All new items

If you're currently panicking because your time and budget won't allow you to run out of dishes and buy a whole new set of dishes, rest easy. Our experts say this is not necessary.

If you want to buy a new special piece this year, then you should definitely buy it. But Rose says it can be just as beautiful to mix old with new or even bring in natural elements from your garden.

“My rule of thumb: If it gets in the way of entertainment, functionality, comfort or food, it doesn’t belong on the table,” she says.

3 Tablescape Mistakes to Avoid

Although these previous mentions could be disturbing, they do not pose any danger. However, these three errors could.

Use of unstable or wobbly decor

In addition to tall or bulky centerpieces, Rose says she's also learned to avoid any decorative items that aren't sturdy and secure.

“Wobbly decor can be just as risky as something that's too big,” she says.

She recalls a personal experience with a bowl of antique glass ornaments. Unfortunately, while passing plates around the table, a ball was accidentally knocked over and shattered on a guest's plate.

“That was the moment I learned the lesson that stability is a pretty important consideration when it comes to table setting,” says Rose.

Forgot functionality

A beautiful table setting is one thing, but Rose says people often forget that it also needs to be functional. She's noticed that hosts often don't consider the ideal place for their guests to place their serving dishes.

“If possible, set the table the day before,” she says. “Put a Post-It note where you imagine plates, a bread basket, a butter dish and jugs of water. Always leave some breathing room.”

Make drinks inaccessible

Whether your guests are passing the serving dishes around the table or moving around the room in a buffet style, Kuo says it's best to always have your drinks handy and ideally on or within reach of the table.

“Pieces like a beautiful pitcher and a wine cooler are essential,” she says. “I never want anyone to have to get up from the table just to refill their glass!”