Nothing! I got tired of having to move "coffee table" books, coasters, sculptures, etc which were on top of the coffee table for decorative purposes only every time I needed to dust the coffee table or if we decided to eat dinner in front of the TV.

It's been a blessing since it was decluttered. I now want to tackle the bookcase packed with travel souvenirs in the living room for the same reason.

A few magazines, and a jigsaw puzzle at the moment. Usually it just takes mugs of tea so I need some coasters.

I have a glass coffee table and keep a piece of slate on it as a clearly defined place for anything aside from mugs, glasses etc. I tend to put a candle or a vase on there along with coasters if needed.

At the moment I don't have a coffee table but a good tip is to use a tray to display or place items on as you can easily pick it up and move it if you need more space or to clean the table. You could use a wooden one, rattan or even a vintage silver plated tray, whatever suits your style. As for items, a few lovely coffee table books stacked neatly, a decorative container, maybe a bowl with wooden, glass or ceramic balls, a hurricane lamp with candle could be placed on the table and a vase of flowers is a must. Look around for items that suit the theme of your decor, ie if it's coastal you could use a lovely piece of white coral, a blue and white vase and some lovely books on coastal style.

http://houzz.com/photos/196123

The tray idea!