Tablescaping 101

Have you heard of tablescaping? Essentially, it’s the online trend of beautifully-decorated tables for dinner parties or entertaining guests. Since the festive season is approaching, and in turn an increase in entertaining, we thought that we’d break down the art of dressing your table.

Why is tablescaping different to setting the table?

Tablescaping is arranging your table in a creative manner in order to create a certain mood or theme. It can be done for large, lavish affairs and more intimate gatherings alike, as tablescaping is adaptable and only limited by the imagination of its curator. Additionally, despite some of the incredible tables that you can find on social media, tablescaping doesn’t need to be an expensive ordeal. Using what you already have at home to create a memorable set-up is what tablescaping is all about.

A successful tablescape

In order to create a successful and memorable tablescape, it needs to tie-in with the theme of the occasion and evoke the correct mood and feelings amongst your guests. Are you going for classy but cosy, nostalgic, lavish and dazzling? As with interior design, tablescaping is all about putting together all the little aspects of your project while always focusing on the bigger picture. Read on for the steps you should take when creating your tablescape.

Colour scheme

The best place to start is with a colour palette. This will ensure that your tablescape is cohesive, and will give you some direction when deciding what decorations to use. The colour palette can be from a table cloth that you want to use, the colours of the holiday that you are celebrating, or just your personal favourite colours. Anything goes, but we would recommend sticking to two or three main colours in order to keep it from looking too busy.

Don’t forget the basics

No tablescape is complete without cutlery and crockery, but these also need to fit in with the overarching theme. If you need both plates and bowls, think about whether you want them to be the same colour or if they should be different shades for contrast. If you have limited choice with style, use serviettes and bits of decor to help tie your cutlery and crockery in with the rest of the table.

Use a centrepiece

This can be a great way to elevate your tablescape, as a centrepiece will draw the eye and help to convey the overall theme. A centrepiece could be just about anything, so get creative! From candles to flowers, a potted plant, a fruit bowl, a little sculpture, an antique or even family photographs. As long as it matches the mood that you are trying to convey, your centrepiece can be whatever you want it to be.

READ MORE: 2023 Decor trends

Featured image: Jordan Arnold on Unsplash