I think every space should have a variety of tables: coffee, side, and occasional. I never want anyone to wonder where they can set their drink, but more importantly, I like to have as many spots as possible to display my tchotchkes. As an avid collector, there are never ever enough surfaces on which to place my treasures.
If I’m lucky enough to have a coffee or side table to style, my go-to decor “cocktail” is:
A tray, stack of books, a plant or flowers, and at least one sculptural item—the more unique the better. While the players might change, the recipe is always the same!
Depending on the line of sight, I will choose items of varying height or all of a similar height.
My biggest pieces of advice for styling a table are to have fun and switch things out—table displays are easy to change in and out regularly, without upsetting too many other things.