Throughout lockdown, one trend that has definitely been a front runner is tablescaping. A tablescape is a term that combines your tables centrepiece and table setting, or the overall decoration of your table. It is a creative arrangement of items gathered and placed on top of the table to create a unique and memorable experience.
Tablescaping is used to elevate your entertaining experience by combining beautiful items, that compliment each other and set a special ‘mood’. Hosting a successful dinner party is about so much more than simply the starter, main course and dessert.
We have all had to figure out new ways to host and make each dining experience new and interesting. As large, over-the-top dinner parties remain off the cards, it looks like the smaller, exclusive events will be here to stay for a while.
The act of creatively arranging a table so that it conveys a specific mood is something I love to do, and have done since a young girl. Over the last year, I have created collections of premium homewares, all inspired by my original artwork. These homewares range from festive table runners, to intricately designed drinks coasters, trays and colourful table placemats. As my range expands, I cant wait to start incorporating these into eccentric tablescapes.
What does a tablescape look like?
Tablescaping can include a table runners or cloths, placemat settings, drinks coasters, centrepieces, flowers, candles and other signature items dedicated to the overall theme. Every embellishment is carefully selected to compliment the other items and should make sense within the overall design.
Tablescapes can be centred around particular dates, for example Valentine’s Day, Easter and the Festive season. You want to move past the white plates, glasses and plain silverware by including decoration, pattern and colour to your dining table. Not only will this make your setting appear more welcoming to friends and family but it will create something special, interesting and memorable.
What items could I add to my tablescapes?
Here are a few items that I have used in the past to make a stand out tablescape;
- Flowers/ branches/foliage
- candles / candle holders
- fabric napkins / table linens
- Colourful placemats/ drinks coasters
- Edible items - fresh fruit or good quality fake fruits
- Feathers
- Mirrors
While it may encompass all of these elements, it is important to know that a tablescape is much more than a simple vase of flowers. A successful tablescape will have a universal tone: sometimes it can evoke feelings of happiness or excitement, as well as good memories from previous events.
So how can I achieve a great tablescape?
- It is important to look at the current trends. Similarly to interior design or fashion design, tablescaping is often linked to what is in fashion at the moment. I like to always keep up to date with seasonal colours or Pantones colour of the year. This often has influence on the palettes in my collection. Pantones colour of the year in 2020 was classic blue, which inspired the bold reverse on my best-selling BAR Luxury Linen Cushion.
- Ensure your tablescape is functional. Although it is great to involve unusual objects that are aesthetically pleasing, such as hanging arrangements, baskets or mirrors- it is important that your design is practical so that your guests can still enjoy their meal and also see one another across the table! The goal of a tablescape is too enhance your guests dining experience, which also includes encouraging conversation between the guests. Decorations should not be placed to block their eye line.
- Keep in mind who your guests are. If they are environmentally friendly, you should incorporate natural pieces into your tablescape, including fresh flowers, twigs or branches.
What ways can I make my tablescape really stand out?
- Using unique colour to make your tabletop pop! It is often we see a minimal amount of colour of tables in this modern era, so experiment with colours to really impress your guests. Colour can add a vibrant element to your table! If you aren’t sure about complementary colours, you can use a complementary colour wheel to get your answers! Any two colours opposite each other on the wheel are complementary - such as oranges and blues or greens and reds.
- Always include plates and glasses with at least one colour found throughout the rest of the tablescape, in order to tie it all together. Your design should have balance and harmony amongst the patterns, colours and textures of every item.
- Different patterns and textures can be mixed into the table top to create an eye-catching design.
- Adding edible items to your table. As mentioned, berries, grapes or other fruits can be a nice incorporation to your table as it adds life and colour.
Whilst we cannot wait to be able to entertain family and friends again, this last year has made us truly appreciate the importance of extra efforts when dining at home.