How To Create A Tablescape
Learn how to create a tablescape to elevate the dining experience by choosing your ideal linens, place settings, centerpieces, and utilizing DIY decor crafts. From stunning wedding tablescapes to festive Thanksgiving and Christmas themes, you can create captivating table settings that add to the ambiance. The key to a truly memorable gathering often lies in the details, and a beautifully crafted tablescape sets the perfect tone.
Materials
- Dishes (chargers, dinner plates, salad plates, dessert plates, bowls if needed)
- Tablecloth
- Table Runner
- Napkins
- Utensils (forks, spoons, knives, and serving utensils)
- Glassware
- Decor (seasonal items, flowers, branches, greenery, etc.)
Instructions
Preperation
- Take a look around Pinterest or in your favorite magazines. Take note of what tablescapes you like and what you like about them. This is a great starting point for some inspiration.
- Consider the specific reason you are holding the event (is it for the holidays, a baby shower, a wedding, or a celebration?). If you need space for a lot of food, keep that in mind when deciding how much decor to add to your table. Of course, you could always serve food buffet-style in the kitchen
- Make a list and gather your materials. This will include your linens (tablecloth, napkins, table runner), dishes (chargers, plates, bowls), utensils (forks, knives, spoons, serving utensils), glassware (cups for water, coffee or tea, and/or cocktails), as well as whatever you need for your centerpieces (florals, natural elements, candles, etc.) Name place cards are optional but add a nice finishing touch.Dishes, Tablecloth, Table Runner, Napkins, Utensils, Glassware, Decor
- Get your space nice and clean (and free of clutter) before you get started. This will give you a blank canvas to decorate.
Assemble Your Tablescape
- Place your tablecloth on the table. Try to match up what you are using for your intended theme or event, like linen for elegance, burlap for rustic charm, solid color for a clean look, or a patterned one for visual interest.*If using cloth or fabric, give it a good iron before getting started.
- Assemble your centerpiece. You could use a cake stand, candles, flowers, or anything else you might like to add. Try to vary the heights of your decor to add depth and keep everything interesting.
- Add the place settings like plates, glasses, and silverware. Do you need bowls for soup? Begin with placemats, then chargers, and work your way upwards with any necessary items (like plates and things mentioned above). Finally, you can place the napkin on top inside of a napkin ring or on the side with the silverware.
- Add any tiny details or finishing touches that you want. Go around and tuck in some flowers, branches, or any other small accents or decor.
- Decorating the chairs is optional. If you choose to, tie on some ribbons, add a sash, or use a chair cover.
Notes
- People want to be able to chat with one another while eating, so don't use centerpiece items that are so tall you can't see the person in front of you.
- Use various textures throughout your tablescape. This could be natural elements, like flowers or branches, or part of your base, like a rattan charger or burlap table runner.
- There is a design principle that states that the arrangements of threes look the best. Try using three candleholders, three colors, three varieties of flowers, and so forth.
- Layers look great, so don't be scared to layer your linens, placemats, chargers, and napkins.
- Small touches like fresh flowers, sprigs of greenery, or unique napkin rings can elevate the overall look. The tiny details can really show how much effort went into your table. A cute nametag or handwritten place card will be noticed.
