How To Master The Art Of Tablescaping
Tablescaping Tips and Inspiration for Stunning Dining Tables
So, where to begin? Whether you’re planning a special occasion or looking to elevate an everyday meal, I’m here to help with great tablescaping ideas and inspiration. There are certain essential design elements to take into account when creating an Instagram-worthy tablescape.
Choose a Color Scheme
The easiest way to create a beautiful tablescape is by beginning with a cohesive color palette. I’m obsessed with color and I’m not shy when it comes to using it. The key is to be a bit daring and try unconventional combinations.
While your pairings may be playful, I recommend keeping the quantity more subdued—for an elegant table setting, just two core colors are enough to create a balanced display. You can then introduce other shades in smaller doses, such as with décor or flowers. For example, you might select a red tablecloth and pair that with blue dinnerware. These will then form the basis of your table setting. The rest of your table can either echo or complement these shades. If you’re struggling to settle on a hue, Tip: The best color is your favorite color.
Layer Your Essentials
The secret to the perfect tablescape is all in the layering. Begin with a tablecloth as your base and build your display from there. For your dinnerware, follow the rule of threes: start with an underplate or a placemat, then add a dinner plate and finish with a smaller plate or bowl for your appetizer. The top plate should be the one with the most character, as this will be taking the spotlight. Finish with flatware on either side and add a napkin on top. Don’t forget water glasses, plus wine glasses if you’re serving alcohol.
Get Mixing and Matching
When it comes to ideas for table settings, the magic is always in the mix. It’s all about pairing contrasting colors, textures and patterns together to create a display that feels creative yet cohesive—so don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something a little different. I quite like drama, so I’m often looking for ways to put things together that you wouldn’t normally expect. Sometimes they work, and sometimes they don’t, but the important thing is to have fun with it.
The beauty of a table setting is that it is easily adaptable, so be bold with your decisions and reach for patterns that you may not otherwise choose. The key is to be conscious of scale and style. Look for designs that differ in size and print, but have at least one cohesive element, such as the color palette.
Style Your Centerpiece
While you may have already had fun with your dinnerware and glassware choices, the centerpiece —a.k.a. the star of the show, is where you can truly let your creativity shine. Even simple tablescaping ideas can incorporate a playful centerpiece—take floral table arrangements, for example. A vase with a few carefully chosen blooms, or bud vases paired with single stems, can make all the difference.
When creating a centerpiece for your table, it’s important to think about height and shape. Be careful of making your tablescape décor too tall, as this will overwhelm the display and, most importantly of all, may obstruct diners’ views .A timeless shape to create is a triangle, with the tallest part of your centerpiece in the middle and then shorter pieces on either side. A more sociable shape is a wave; this can be created using three vases with shorter candles in between, creating an undulating effect. Remember to include a mix of pieces, such as different sized vases, or tall candle holders paired with tea light holders
Personalization
You might add personalized touches like place cards, custom menus, and unique decorative items that reflect your style or the event's theme.
If you're seeking inspiration for your tablescape, let the season guide your choices. Whether you're setting a beautiful table for a specific occasion like July 4th or Thanksgiving, where the theme is obvious, or simply gathering to enjoy each other's company, the time of year can greatly influence your decorating decisions. This might involve using lighter colors in the spring, incorporating foliage for fall tablescapes, or adding a touch of sparkle as the holiday season approaches in winter.
If you’re creating a tablescape, these seasonal details make all the difference. You might use colorful glassware in one season, and clear in another—using different décor is the easiest way to make a change. Consider incorporating natural elements to help bring your seasonal display to life—fall tablescape ideas don’t come better than pumpkin table décor, for example, but you could also forage for natural additions at other times of the year, too. If you’re creating tablescapes for summer, why not slip a sprig of lavender under a napkin ring? Small details such as these can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your setup.