How do I work the reception venue's colors, centerpieces, tablecloths?

As we are paying for our wedding ourselves, we are having the reception catered at a local restaurant. The restaurant specializes in steaks and bbq (it's upscale bbq lol). We want to create a relaxed atmosphere...but tasteful and elegant. The reception room is very nice but will need some ideas...their only table cloths are black or red (not our wedding colors), the carpet is multi-colored burgundy, blues...all sorts. Table overlays perhaps?...but will have to go over the black...or rent table cloths and overlays...but may clash with carpet. I'm not a fan of balloons or red and black weddings...but we have to work with the venue we have. =\ The wedding will take place in August...centerpiece ideas anyone? i'm fond of white or cream flowers in clear vases with candles around. Not sure what's worth the money...should I work with the black table cloths...or rent some? or just go with an entirely new color palette for the reception versus the wedding? feel free to chime in, post links...etc. Thanks!