Hi Everyone!
I hope that your summer is off to an amazing start! It has been a busy last few weeks, but I am going back to regularly scheduled blog posts for your reading pleasure! For today's Make Note Monday, I will be talking ALL about tablescapes and the elements that go into creating the perfect tablescape design for your big day or upcoming event! As a Wedding Planner and Designer, creating the perfect tablescape is one of my favorite parts of designing a wedding or a dinner party. A swoon-worthy tablescape is not only pretty to look at, but it creates the overall mood and feel for the event. With all of the entertaining that takes place during the summer season I hope that this guide is helpful for not only those planning a Wedding or special event, but also for anyone looking to take their dinner table to the next level!
Before we begin, for those of you who may be wondering what exactly a tablescape is, it is a blanket statement used to describe the overall design of a table which includes but is not limited to the centerpiece, candles, place settings, dinnerware etc. Below I have created a diagram that includes the elements of a perfect tablescape!
Step 1 - Determine the Theme & Color Palette
To determine your theme you should consider the type of event that you are throwing and the level of formality. For example, the theme and level of formality for a backyard BBQ will look completely different from a formal dinner party or a black tie Wedding. When considering the theme, you should take into account the location and space of the event. Your theme and color palette should tie into the space in order to create a cohesive design.
Step 2 - Find your Centerpiece
Floral centerpieces and/or candles are an essential element of the perfect tablescape, and you do not need an elaborate arrangement to make a statement. For an easy centerpiece you can select several bunches of roses, peonies or hydrangeas to display in a decorative vase, ginger jar or tureen. Ginger jars are one of my personal favorites for displaying floral arrangements. You can buy fresh or upscale silk florals to achieve this look! You can also do single stem florals in bud vases as well. For a more organic feel you can even pull florals from your own backyard! If creating floral centerpieces isn't your forte then I recommend reaching out to a local florist to help you achieve your desired look.
Step 3 - Pick the Perfect Linens
Before you determine the linens, you should consider what kind of table you will be using. For example, if you will be using a rustic farm table or French country inspired wooden table then it may not be appropriate or necessary to cover it with a full linen. Instead, I recommend using a runner and the key is to find one that contracts with your table in order to create visual interest. A beautiful look for runners that is currently trending are Cheesecloth Table Runners that add a romantic understated look to the design. Alternatively, you can change the entire feel of a space by adding full linens. Adding a solid colored linen with texture such as velvet or adding a patterned linen with a fun design will add visual interest. The linens should correspond with the colors in your centerpiece.
Step 4 - Layer Chargers & Dinnerware
Now that you have selected the centerpiece and linens, begin to add layers to the design by choosing chargers with texture or a color that will pop against the linens. Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns or colors for the dishes in order to create more layers of the design. The silverware should play off of the chargers and dishes, and then select interesting glassware in a corresponding color or with texture to create additional layers to the design. Depression glassware is one of my favorites to incorporate into tablescapes because it comes in so many different colors and features patterned textures!
Step 5 - Select Napkins & Napkin Fold
Your napkins should correlate with your overall color palette. If you select a patterned table linen then I recommend selecting a single color for the napkin. If you select a bold colored table linen then I recommend selecting a more subtle shade of the same color for the napkin, or a corresponding color or neutral that ties into your color palette. If you select a neutral table linen, then you can add a pop of color or patterned design with the napkin. The napkin fold should reflect the level of formality of your event. There are hundreds of different napkin folds, a few of my favorites are the waterfall fold, the classic fold, the knot fold and the menu fold if you will be displaying menu cards.
Step 6 - Don't Forget the Details!
Design is all about the details. I always recommend adding candles to a tablescape. I love mixing and matching different votives, and adding height with taper candles as well. Adding place cards or a hand written note is a thoughtful detail that you can incorporate into your design as well. A huge bonus is if the place cards double as a party favor, such as a geode or oyster with each person's name in calligraphy is a token that your guests can take home with them. Menu cards are another way to enhance the look of the overall table and add a pop! Other fun ideas include personal charcuterie boards, Himalayan salt dishes, personal mini wedding cakes, dried fruit, lemon bowls, olive oil and vinegar pourers, hot sauces, or other edibles distinct to the area.
I hope that you all enjoyed these Tablescaping tips! I will be sharing a separate Tablescape Splurge vs. Save post with you soon as well, which will include inside tips on what is worth splurging on and where you can save when it comes to creating your tablescape!
Happy Planning,
