What Is Tablescaping?
In its simplest form, tablescaping is setting the table with all the elements needed for a special meal. But this rising trend in hosting goes way beyond cutlery and condiments. It’s a cohesive decorative table landscape featuring unique centrepieces and thoughtful place settings. Here, the table become a canvas for some serious culinary-adjacent creativity.
Bold cloth napkins, colourful glassware, dramatic floral arrangements and thoughtful placement of playful objets du art all work together to form a sensory feast. With its focus on decorative flare and playing with proportions, tablescaping is similar to styling a bookshelf or coffee table. Where it veers away from straightforward styling though, is in its application… there will be food and drink, and people will need the tools to enjoy it.
But how does a novice tablescaper even start? Fear not! In this beginner’s guide to tablescaping, all will become clear and you’ll be clinking glasses over a stunning table in no time.
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What Will I Need?
Before building your inaugural tablescape, make sure the foundations are solid. This means having a complete set of dishes, glasses, silverware and napkins for each place setting at your dining table (a runner or tablecloth would be handy too). As the first layer of the table landscape, these basics set the tone — and make sure guests have what they need for their meal.
Next comes the functional decor, such as candles and candlesticks, serving utensils, water jugs, special glassware and serving dishes. These are one-off pieces or small sets that you may have gathered over time, inherited, been gifted (or gifted yourself!).
Finally, the last layer is where the real fun begins — it’s all about the flowers, greenery, branches and any other thematic seasonal elements. If the event falls near a specific holiday, consider incorporating iconic accessories into the tablescape. For example, mini pumpkins near Halloween, chocolate eggs during Easter or tree ornaments at Christmastime.
Tablescaping is all about elevating the dining experience for you and your guests. But don’t feel pressure to purchase anything you don’t actually need! It’s absolutely possible to create a stunning tablescape without spending a dollar. Foraged branches, backyard flowers, repurposed holiday decor, handmade place cards, food as decor, kraft-paper tablecloth… the thrifty possibilities are only limited by one’s imagination!
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When to Tablescape
There are no rules about when a tablescape is and isn’t appropriate. But since it does take time, planning and resources, tablescaping has generally been reserved for special occasions such as seasonal holidays and noteworthy celebrations.
That being said, more and more people are choosing to host friends and family at home (thanks, stagnant economy!). Maybe it’s a Friday-night takeout smorgasbord for friends or a full-on Easter feast for the extended family. Either way, a beautifully decorated table has the power to delight guests and provide a solid entertaining base for the host.
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Tablescaping for Beginners
1. Find Your Inspiration
Inspiration can come from all sorts of sources. It could be a favourite flower currently in bloom or a set of handblown glass candlesticks scored at the local thrift store. Your creativity may be kickstarted by an image on Instagram or maybe even a recent trip to Mexico City. Once you’ve found your hook, use it to set your colour scheme — try to stick to no more than three colours for a more cohesive look. Playing with texture and proportion will bring in a variety of visual interest beyond colour.
2. Event Planning
Consider how many guests you’re having and what you’ll be serving. This will determine the types and quantities of dishes, glasses and cutlery you’ll need. Also, think through how you’d like to serve the food. Will you lay it out on a sideboard or serve it on the main table family style? Whatever helps the flow of people and food, go for that option.
3. Core Materials
To reduce chances of any last-minute mad dashes to the store for supplies, plan out the materials you’ll use beforehand. Hopefully, you’ll have most elements on hand, but if not, hunt for entertaining essentials that are versatile in design and function.
Tip: Start your tablescape the night before the event. This will give you the time to test out different materials, concepts and materials.
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4. Clean Slate
Make sure the table and any other serving surfaces are completely cleared off and given a thorough clean. Having a fresh surface to work on helps you see materials clearly and imagine where they’d fit into the wider tablescape. It also means the space is disinfected and ready for food to be served.
5. All About That Base
Decide on a tablecloth or runner, which will act as the foundation for the tablescape. There are, of course, less conventional ways to cover the table: a scarf, cloth samples, a throw or antique linens are just a handful of alternatives.
TIP: No matter what you decide to use as the base, do give it a quick iron or steam to remove any wrinkles or fold marks. A flat surface is way easier to work with than a crinkled-up one!
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6. Centring on the Centrepiece
Start with the bigger, more substantial pieces — floral arrangements, greenery, candlesticks, and large serveware. Place platters and any other serving dishes where they’ll be during the meal (even if they don’t have food in them yet). Make sure the centrepiece doesn’t overwhelm the individual place settings, and vice versa.
Next, add in those smaller decorative elements, such as mementos, fairy lights or seasonal accessories. Varying the height of the decor pieces throughout keeps the eye moving along the whole length of the table. Do be mindful not to block guests’ sight lines though!
TIP: The design rule of three, when objects are grouped together in bunches of threes, also holds for tablescapes. For example, a three-colour palette, three varieties of flowers, or three candleholders set out together.
Whether you go bold or keep it simple, a tablescape is a lovely way to make a home event feel special. From the fresh cut flowers to the personal touches only you can think of, tablescaping is an entertaining trend that’s here to stay. So, are you ready to set the table?
