It’s probably something you’ve heard of before, but it’s more than a fad or a trend—it’s a whole way of life. No, I’m not talking about feng shui or the Marie Kondo decluttering revolution. I’m talking about tablescaping.

Tablescaping is the art of setting a table in a way that gives your eyes something to feast on as much as your mouth does when you’re actually eating your food. Whether your table is set for an intimate dinner with a special someone or you’re hosting a grand celebration with dozens of guests, the right tablescape can turn your dining occasion into a memorable one. Here’s a list of dos and don’ts to help you create your own amazing tablescape.

Do: Start with a Theme

In order to create a memorable tablescape, the first step is to select a theme. We’d like to consider a theme as a guidepost to a cohesive look and feel for your table. This could be a rustic farmhouse look, classic elegance, minimalism, or a bright, floral feast. Whatever your theme, it’s important to ensure that it aligns with all the elements on your table. For example at a spring brunch we hosted a few years ago, we used a garden theme. The table was filled with blooms, pastel linens, and nature-inspired accessories.

Don’t: Overcrowd the Table

Remember, less is more. Don’t overcrowd your table, as it can look messy and overwhelming. Half a dozen items can make a greater and more elegant impression than a baker’s dozen. A nice centerpiece, a set of candles, and a complimentary decorative item or two are a good place to start.

Do: Play with Heights and Textures

Adding different heights and textures to your tablescape adds visual interest and depth. Candlesticks, vases, and layered linens all help to achieve this look. For our most recent dinner party, we paired tall candlesticks with low floral arrangements and also mixed in textures such as linen napkins and metallic chargers to create a dynamic and sophisticated table.

Don’t: Ignore the Lighting

Lighting is another important aspect to consider, and you’ll want to make sure you have the right mood for your event. Natural light is a great option for a daytime event, while soft, ambient lighting is best for an evening affair. Harsh, unflattering lights should be avoided. Candles, fairy lights, or gentle lampshade lighting will add to the atmosphere and intimacy. At an evening soirée, the soft glow of candles on each table made the event feel special.

Do: Personalize Your Place Settings

If you are making the effort to host dinner for someone, you can show your guests that you have given thought to the occasion by adding a personalized touch to their place setting: customized name cards, a note written by hand, or a small, thoughtful favor. For a friend’s birthday dinner, we made place cards for each guest and added a small, personal gift to each setting. For one friend, who had just bought their first car, we placed a keyring in a car-shaped box, and for another, who had recently completed a 5k run, we included a drawer-knob shaped like a foot.

Don’t: Forget Functionality

Aesthetics count, of course, but function should always trump form. Be certain there is space for everyone to eat and that all essentials are within reach. Avoid a large centerpiece that prevents people from seeing one another or talking across the table.

Do: Incorporate Natural Elements

You can also incorporate other natural elements into your tablescape to give it a fresh and lively edge. Flowers (and other greenery) can supplement your theme and add to the setting of your table. Natural fibers such as rattan, seagrass, and wicker can also work in your favor. At our summer picnic event, we incorporated wildflowers and some wooden elements into a rustic table to complement the outdoor setting.

Additionally, you can build on that natural feel by including polished stones, shells, or seasonal fruits and vegetables. One fall dinner we did included mini pumpkins and gourds in the centerpiece, making the whole setting feel autumnal and welcoming.

Don’t: Be Afraid to Experiment

Tablescaping is an art, and art is all about inventiveness and experimentation. Never be afraid to try something new or even combine styles. The best tablescapes are the ones that think outside the box but have your personal touch. For a recent holiday dinner, we mixed some more traditional elements with more modern ones, and ended up with a table that was just right for our celebration and that everyone loved.

Let yourself experiment with colors, textures, and themes. Sometimes you’ll need to break all the rules to create a bold, beautiful tablescape that your guests can’t stop talking about. For example, for a recent dinner party, we decided to mix our vintage porcelain with contemporary, geometric-inspired plates and cutlery, and the result was stunningly unique and eclectic.

Bringing It All Together

Tablescaping is an enjoyable way to express your creativity and to enliven your dining occasions. With the dos and don’ts provided here, you can create beautiful, useful, and memorable tablescapes for any kind of event. Most of all and always, happy tablescaping!

As always, we are here to do the planning for you, check us out here!