One thing that many clients struggle with is styling their coffee table or ottoman. I am here to give you some quick steps that will make styling your cocktail ottomans a breeze.

Step 1: Pick a Tray

When choosing a tray try to mix different textures and colors from your other items. The variation will make it look like a designer picked it out for you. I picked up my tray from Hobby Lobby for 50% off!!! You have to love a sell. Here is the link for it, but online you have to buy a set of two. I bought mine in the store and was able to buy a single. Try to pick out a tray that is more sturdy to hold the weight of the items you put on top. Also choose lower décor items so you can still see over them to carry on a conversation.

Pro Tip: Make the shape of your tray different from your ottoman. Therefore, if you have a square ottoman, use a round tray.

I have put together a list of some more trays to choose from. The price range is very low to very high. So make sure to scroll through and pick your favorite.

Tray Options

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Step 2: Add Candle Holders

Candles add a sense of romance to a room. Plus, you can add a pop of color to match the season. And who doesn’t like an inviting scent in their room? I also picked up my candle holder and candles at Hobby Lobby. The boxwood wreaths are some that I sell in my antique booth. They are a must-have item because they can be used in so many different ways. Try to pick candleholders that aren’t too tall. That way they won’t fall over easily. Also, you will be able to still see the television past them. My husband hates it when he can’t see his football.

Pro Tip: If you have kids pick out candle holders made of metal or wood. Then the candle holder will not break when knocked over.

I added some fun candleholder choices below. Make sure to scroll through to see all the options. Some stores I usually check out for low-price candleholders are Home Goods, At Home, Hobby Lobby, and Tuesday Morning. You don’t have to spend a lot to get big style.

Candleholder Options

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Step 3: Finally Add a Plant

Adding a plant will bring life to the room. I mixed a vintage bowl with balls, bark, and succulents for my ottoman. As you all know I love blue willow and these blue and white balls are perfect to coordinate with the style. The driftwood I found at an antique store on the beach. And I always mix faux succulents in my bowl arrangements. If you do not have a green thumb a bowl of balls and succulents is easy upkeep. If you only want to water a plant once in a while, opt for a succulent arrangement or a terrarium. It is still beautiful but not as much work. Your final choice is to have fresh-cut flowers in a bowl that is replaced weekly.

My great-grandmother used to have real plants throughout her home. She would buy a new plant each time she went to the grocery store. When she got home she would replace the worst plant in her home for the new plant. Then she would place the old plant in her yard. This way her home always had fresh plants. I thought it was brilliant.