Cocktail parties! Who doesn't love one? Have you ever been invited to a cocktail party? And so you settle down and are given a drink, only to find there is no space on the cocktail table or end table to rest your glass? Selecting a cocktail table entails knowing some basic rules about its height and size in relation to the sofa, loveseat or grouping of chairs it will assist. Is your home organized and formal, or slightly layered and casual? Will your table allow for feet to be propped up on it, or is that a no-no in your home?

Of course, what you place on your cocktail table is just as important as what you don't. Staging your cocktail table will be a defining feature in your home's style.

Your cocktail table should be somewhere in the range of one-third the length of your sofa or seating. The shape is entirely dependent on the shape/size of your room. Rooms with a lot of space can opt for a square or round table, while rooms that are not as deep can choose a rectangular or oblong shape, creating a more intimate conversation arrangement. The height of your cocktail table should be in the range of your seat height, approx. 16 inches to 20 inches, with a few inches of leeway in either direction.

Cocktail tables can be the focal point of your seating area. Your selection can be as creative as the style of your interiors. Bespoke wood tables, vintage trunks, contemporary metal and glass combinations, and even upholstered ottomans for serving are viable as cocktail tables. Allow your imagination to seek the perfect combination, but always be aware that your selection doesn't overpower the overall style of the room.

Now, we can get ready to tackle your tabletop. Organizing according to the style of your room is important. A contemporary decor may suggest a cleaner, almost minimalist approach, utilizing one or two items as the accessories. A traditional or transitional interior may allow for layers of decorative items.

A tray can be a great start, as it helps organize your accessories. This helps gives some structure to your arrangement and aids in keeping your table from looking cluttered. This can be the place where you layer several items. For example, a stack of books, a small floral arrangement or other artifacts such as a small clock, semi-precious stone or a small silver picture frame.

Alternate the heights of the items on your coffee table. A pair of candlesticks or beautiful vase or sculpture can be used individually or combined to keep your tablescape from seeming flat.

Layering is essential to create visual interest. Beautiful boxes, and books topped by objet d'art make for an interesting view. Add a bowl of nuts or a candy dish full of bonbons for an impromptu treat for your guests.

Of course, place your cocktail table within 16 inches to 18 inches from the front of your sofa for ease of reach. Lastly, make sure to leave enough space for your guests' glasses.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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