Creating the perfect tablescape
How you set a table creates the first impression at any event. Your tables are a blank canvas with which you can then layer details like colour, pattern and texture, whether in the form of tableware, linens or flowers and foliage.
So where to start? Here are Virginia’s Furniture Hire’s top tips on how to create fabulous tablescapes for any occasion.
Be inspired by your location
Your location can be a great source of inspiration for your table styling. When you think about a location, not only does it have customary foods or drinks associated with it, but a certain style as well. Take inspiration from rural or city locations, indoor or outdoor spaces, formal or relaxed backdrops. Plan your installation to blend into the surrounding environment. Consider the architecture, the shapes and materials. Clean-lined dinnerware, simple glassware, and sleek silverware are the perfect accompaniment to a more formal setting. Hosting a garden party? Choose nature-inspired colours, natural materials, and summer florals. A coastal backdrop demands a mélange of blues and for a Mediterranean twist add citrusy colours and terracotta with aromatic herbs.
2. What’s on the menu?
Think about what you’re planning on serving for your meal. Considering the heritage of the food that will be served and whether it’s breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or dinner can help you choose colours and the vibe of your tablescape. The type of meal will also determine what tableware is required. For example, soup bowls, steak knives, and speciality glassware may be essential and having these on the table will direct the placement of the rest of your décor.
3. Bring on the Layers
A tablescape needs layers, start with a beautiful natural table or a tablecloth as your base, add placemats, and then layer on charger plates, dinner plates, and smaller accent plates. Mix and match different textures, colours, and patterns will help create visual interest, offering the eye much to explore and appreciate.
4.Flowers and foliage
Choosing your central arrangements will provide the focal point of every table and reinforce your aesthetic. Through their abundance of colours and textures, flowers instantly add visual intrigue to any tablescape and form the basis of most table settings. Florals and decorations should enhance the tablescape rather than getting in the way, for this reason long and low arrangements or arrangements in individual vessels are a popular choice as they don’t interfere with sight lines, but a few tall stems tall stems are good to create dynamics on your table. Coordinate florals with your colour palette but aim to balance colours and ensure not everything is in the same shade and adding greenery into the mix which can add depth and texture.
5. Decorate with things you love and design from the heart
Enjoy what you love and celebrate your personal style. An eclectic mix where anything goes; think bold colours, clashing patterns, textures galore and cheerful details. Don’t think you have to follow any style or the latest trend. Personal touches will be the talking points that your guests remember, small details like handmade name cards, interesting glassware, pure linen napkins, decorative ornaments and seasonal items collected from outdoors can truly transform your table.
