THE ART OF TABLESCAPING: TIPS AND TRICKS FOR DISPLAYING FOOD WITH STYLE

What is Tablescaping?

Tablescaping is the art of decorating a table for a special occasion such as a dinner party, wedding, Christmas celebration or any other event. It allows you to get creative and free your imagination without taking the emphasis away from the essential aspects of a dinner party – the food and the guests.

Starting with the basics

Tablecloths, table runners, and napkins

If you’re struggling to find a starting point, why not begin with tablecloths and table runners?

Our top tip: tablescaping is like any other creative endeavour – it’s a lot easier if you break it down into smaller components. If you have a particularly elegant dining table, let it become a part of the design by using table runners rather than covering it entirely with a tablecloth.

You can then complement that central runner with matching place settings and mats, as well as napkins. You can add little flourishes by placing card holders and napkin rings to give you a layout you can embellish while ensuring that there is always plenty of space for your guests.

Flatware and dinnerware

Once you have your places laid out, consider your flatware and dinnerware. While a more whimsical approach to tablescaping allows you to mix and match, coordinated flatware and dinnerware will give your table a more cohesive look. For example, if you're designing a contemporary tablescape, monochromatic dinnerware not only presents the food beautifully but is also easy to coordinate with place settings and table runners.

Serving up

Remember to factor in your serving dishes and platters when thinking about your tableware. A beautifully designed tablescape setting can be instantly ruined by an old, stained, cracked, or mismatched serving dish. Beautiful serving bowls can be an intrinsic part of the overall design.

Key elements

Now we have the basics in place, it’s time to start the fun bit of tablescaping, including themes, elements, and colours.

Simple or extravagant?

Tablescaping may be a new term, but it's quite an old idea. Think about Christmas tables groaning with every type of decoration you can think of or a special birthday dinner with lots of celebratory décor, and you have the real origins of tablescaping.

However, tablescaping also encompasses more modern minimalist concepts. If you want to keep it simple, the art is to pick one or two stand-out elements, such as a striking centrepiece and complementary lighting. Then, focus on the individual place settings to make them as perfect as possible.

Alternatively, you can unleash your creativity and fill your table with colour, patterns, and embellishments.

Colour palettes

Colour is crucial to a winning tablescape design. It is one of the first considerations and will form the basis of your whole look. Limit your colours to a maximum of two to avoid clashing or the results becoming too overwhelming. You can always add a monochrome black or white third tone (for example, using black plates or white serving dishes). This can enhance the colour balance and bring a sense of unity and balance into the look.

Matching your tablescaping to your décor

Take into account your dining area's existing décor, including the colours, textures and patterns. Aim for a tablescape that complements rather than competes. For example, if you have a chic, minimalist dining room, try creating a tablescape that fits those design concepts. If you have an older home with lots of character, your tablescape can be a little more whimsical or even rustic.

Focal points

A centrepiece or focal point is essential. This gives your tablescaping a point of reference from which you can structure your design. Focal points and centrepieces are your opportunity to get artistic. It can be a dried flower display or a sculptural piece enhanced with candles.

Our top tip: Avoid huge bunches of flowers that dominate the table. Not only can the scent of blooms like lilies detract from the meal experience, but guests on opposite sides of the table may not be able to see each other!

Mixing and matching

Rules are made to be broken, so remember that above all else, this is your tablescape. Allow your imagination to take flight, and don't be afraid to mix and match artfully. Vintage dinnerware and drinkware that doesn't match can add a delightfully informal touch to a tablescape.

Different themes

As well as using colour as your inspiration, you can also create a tablescape based on a theme.

Contemporary

Ideal for modern interiors, contemporary themes could focus on monochromatic colours and unusual textures, accented by subtle lighting and a clean, uncluttered look. Elements such as industrial-style metallic napkin rings add a flash of bling to lift a contemporary design and give it more personality.

Traditional

Rich colours, lots of embellishments and a more personalised look that feels warm, welcoming and indulgent is the basis for a traditional tablescape. Floral designs dominate, enhanced with natural centrepieces and cosy candles nestling in organic candle holders such as red travertine.

Seasonal themes

Seasonal themes are a great starting point if you've never created a tablescape before, as much of the inspiration will come from the festival you're celebrating or the time of year. Winter tablescapes can incorporate cooler themes or a riot of Christmas colour, while summer themes can be lighter, brighter, and filled with wildflower centrepieces.

Considerations

It’s all in the details

From handmade place cards to fairy lights, monogrammed napkins, and a sprinkling of rose petals, tablescaping is all about the details.

Our top tip: Create a mood board before you start, detailing the theme, the colours, and anything that inspires you.

Add height, but don't hide the guests

A towering candelabra may make a dramatic statement, but always remember when adding height to ensure the guests don't have to peer around the sides to talk to the person opposite. Your higher features shouldn't be above eye level.

Don’t overwhelm the food

The star of the show is always the food. Even if your tablescaping is elaborate, simple white, grey or black dinnerware will allow you to present the food at its best. Avoid scented candles, too, as the smell can clash with the mouthwatering aromas of your food.

Mindful tablescaping – reusing elements

You don't have to buy everything new whenever you create a tablescape. By choosing classic essentials such as linen napkins and neutral-coloured place settings, you can reuse your key elements each time and focus on the embellishments.

Making your guests feel special

Above all, your tablescaping should always make your guests feel special. Inspired touches such as little gifts on each place setting can become part of the design and give the overall look a personalised element.