As we head into fall, you may be wondering how to dress a dining table (opens in new tab) that celebrates the season—whether you want to create a signature pumpkin piece or add warmth with a large candle. And while your tablescape may change in the calendar, the rules for creating the perfect centerpiece remain the same.

Whether you’re still managing to enjoy some outdoor dining ideas or you’re already thinking ahead on Thanksgiving ideas. These central rules will ensure that your table provokes conversation for all the right reasons.

“If your centerpiece is too high, it will block your guests’ field of vision, too small, and maybe the table won’t be as impactful as it could be,” says Seb Bishop, managing director and creative director at Summerill & Bishop (opens in new tab).

Seb Bishop is CEO and Creative Director of Summerill & Bishop – a luxury table design based in Notting Hill, England. Before turning to the tables, Seb gained experience at some of the world’s top lifestyle brands – including goop – where he worked as CEO.