How to Create a Tablescape
What really is a Tablescape?
A Tablescape combines your place setting with your overall table centrepiece and decorations. A tablescape elevates a dining experience. It conveys a sense of importance to the table and shows your guests that you care about them and the meal you share together. Of course, it does require that little bit of extra time to create a tablescape, but it doesn’t have to cost extra money. Think about what you have around your home, what is out in the garden and what accessories you have – and remember – sometimes the simples of settings are the most effective.
Knowing a few basic guidelines to follow will help you create a tablescape that will make you proud and delight your guests.
The Step-by Step
Finding your Inspiration
The first step to creating a wonderful tablescape is to find your inspiration. Inspiration can come from anywhere – it may be a season, favourite colour, a particular mood or a holiday memory. Think about what feeling you want to evoke. If you are struggling for inspiration, Pinterest is always a great place to gather ideas. It is this inspiration that will often set the colour pallet for your table and give you your starting place.
Gather The Elements
Once you have an idea for what you want to create, it is time to gather all the elements that will bring your idea to life. A list of things you might want to gather are; tablecloth/runner, placemats, napkins, flatware, glassware, dinnerware, candles, serving dishes, napkin rings and, of course, flowers.
Tip: It's important to think about different textures when gathering your items. For example, smooth linens with textured rattan or seagrass placemats work really well.
Lay the Foundation
Now you have all your elements it is now time to start building – and I feel it best to think of of it just like that – you are looking to build and layer the look until it feels right. But, before you start to build, make sure you have a nice clear table, then you can begin by laying either your tablecloth or runner.
Tip: If you don’t have a tablecloth or runner that fits with your scheme, think outside the box. You could perhaps use a scarf or other piece of fabric you have around the house. Alternatively, If you have a beautiful table you want to show off then use placemats as your base layer.
Create your Centrepiece
In my opinion, flowers are so important to creating a wonderful Tablescape - they help to create the mood you're looking to display. As such, they more often than not are my go to centrepiece. You might have a single display or a large centre piece and some smaller displays along the length of the table. However, your centrepiece doesn't have to be flowers - it all comes back to your inspiration - perhaps you're creating a harvest/halloween table, you may choose to display pumpkins as your centrepiece. Whatever you select for your centrepiece be sure that it adds texture, contrast and varies in height along the length of the table.
Tip: Cut flowers can be expensive, so think about what foliage you can gather from your garden or at the park - I often think foraged flowers and foliage can create a really whimsical feel to the table. Alternatives to cut flowers are plants and dried flowers - both can last a long time and be reused over and over.
Begin to Layer
Now it's time to focus on your guests place settings - its the space your guests will sit at for the duration of the meal so you want to set it up thoughtfully. You might want to layer placemats, chargers, plates and bowls, flatware and glassware - all the items your guests need to enjoy their meal.
Tip: If you are creating a setting for a large number of people and don't have matching napkins, don't worry, just mix and match two styles on alternate place settings. Mixing a simple white with a pattern or colour napkin always works well.
Add Embellishments and Personalisation
It's always lovely to add a little something extra to your place setting to make your guests feel special, like a name place and menu cards. You could also add a favour of sorts for specific occasions - like little chocolates for Easter.
Tip: If you don't have name place holders just place them on or tuck them into your folded napkin for an effortless look.
I hope that these tips have been helpful and look forward to seeing your creative Tablescapes - please share! For more tablescape inspiration follow us on Instagram @monicapepperuk.
Table linen used in Tablescapes Above
The Walled Garden
- The Walled Garden Tablecloth
- The Walled Garden Napkin Set
Thistle Flower
Tulip Field