I’m all about simplifying over the holidays and taking on what means the most to you. However, sometimes the occasion just calls for a little something extra. If you’re hosting a party or a large meal, a tablescape is the perfect bite sized place to pull out all the stops.
Why here? The tablescape is only one place in the house. If you have a fabulous table, the rest will fade away. Compared to your home, this is a relatively small space. When you concentrate all your effort on one small task, it always brings the wow factor. These tips will work not only for the holidays but anytime you find yourself setting a table for guests — dinner party, kids’ birthday tea party, you name it!
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I promise it’s not as hard as it looks so let’s break it down.
You will build your tabletop in layers. This creates opulence. You do not need the most expensive pieces. It’s all about how you arrange the group that will elevate your overall look.
1. Do some “Pinteresting” and choose a color scheme and style that works with what china and serve ware you already have around the house — paying special attention to the decor in your dining room. You don’t want to be fighting the existing decor.
2. Lay your base. Next, let’s choose a foundation layer. Do you have a table material that coordinates or takes away from the color scheme you are going for? If it hinders, cover it with a tablecloth. If it helps, consider a fabulous runner! This is a great chance to work in some texture to soften the whole look.
3. Now is the time to add your centerpiece. This is the table’s focal point. I prefer a low piece to promote conversation although you can argue that super high (especially if you do not have a chandelier). Whether high or low, you need to be sure you do not have a centerpiece that blocks the sightlines of your guests. I love to have flowers in the center. Pro tip- you can arrange your own fresh flowers in a low, wide bowl to give you the correct height. Because we are choosing to go low, going wide helps to balance out the centerpiece so it still feels substantial.
4. Layer in some greenery or natural elements down the center of the table. This could be a garland, some pine branches, some leaves, citrus fruits (whole or sliced), or even driftwood. Whatever you choose, just remember to keep with your theme.
5. Add height. Okay, I know I just said no massive centerpieces in your sightlines. However, a few balanced taper candles in sleek holders will go a long way in adding visual interest and a bit of ambiance to your table. In general, you want something tall (the candles), something medium (the flowers) and something low (the greens and tablecloth or runner).
6. Anchor your place settings. If you choose a tablecloth, go with a pretty placemat to give it structure. If you chose a runner, you will likely not have room for a placemat without crowding the table so opt for a charger instead. Choose a placemat or charger with some texture. This can be woven, a pretty fabric, or even a metallic or glass.
Related Post: Deck The Halls With Holiday Decor
7. There are plenty of articles and diagrams on how to actually set the place so I will skip the place setting itself except to say to please use place cards. Trust me- your guests will thank you. There is nothing more stressful as a guest than trying to guess where it makes sense to sit. Your guests will appreciate the ease of finding their place and you will appreciate the avoidance of any potential drama.
8. Stack your plates in the center of your placemat or charger from largest to smallest. This adds another physical later to the table that will up the opulence of the tablescape.
9. Don’t forget the napkin and the napkin ring. There are so many options here but adding them on top of your stacked plates makes the guest’s place feel personal and special.
10. Don’t stress about the food. Make it from scratch or purchase from your local grocery store or restaurant. The wow factor comes in how you plate it. Use real materials and avoid anything plastic. Porcelain cake plates, wood cutting boards, slate trays, large platters and dishes in ceramic, metal and glass are all great options. These are other great items to thrift. You can go eclectic here as long as you stick to your theme.
Trend alert. Here is what I am swooning over on tabletops this year:
Citrus. Add some oranges or lemons to your greens on your table. Use them as place cards or on the plate themselves.
Ornate china. Try thrifting these! People donate their really nice fine china all the time and you can score complete sets for fractions of the price.
Color. Don’t be afraid to go big and bold on color and prints this year. Just be sure to be mindful of your color scheme and don’t deviate too far.
Gold flatware. I’ve seen this classic metal everywhere this year from bathroom faucets to coat buttons. Gold is making a comeback in a big way so feel free to add it to your tablescape!
I sincerely hope you are not starting to feel overwhelmed. A part of achieving a more peaceful life is investing your energy into what you enjoy. If planning for your table isn’t your idea of a holly jolly time, hire it out. Let me be your elf, help to take this off your shoulders, and provide you with the festive and happy home you imagine for the holidays. As a professional, my job is to help you feel happy and peaceful at home. This is my passion and what gets me jumping out of bed in the morning-especially at Christmas time.
JENNIFER ROSE
Bachelor of Science, Industrial Design, Virginia Tech
HSR Certified Home Stager & Stylist
I help clients curate beautiful, functional, and aspirational spaces in their homes. I love giving them the confidence and peace of mind to relax or entertain at the drop of a hat. I can’t get enough. I eat, sleep and breathe home design. At night, you’ll often find me with a glass of bubbly in hand perusing and studying homes on Zillow and Realtor or binging design shows on Netflix. I’m fascinated by the real estate market and the psychology behind what makes someone fall in love with home.
I grew up not only designing and rearranging my own room but also my friends’ rooms. I remember late-night sleepovers pushing furniture around their rooms and raiding their attics for fun art. Looking back, I can only imagine what their parents thought. My creative aspirations led me to Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture & Design where I was awarded my Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Design with a minor in Art History. After school, I worked in graphic design and, being the child of 2 strong entrepreneurs, opened my own firm where I was on track to becoming one of the top graphic designers for the wedding industry in Hampton Roads, VA. It was then that I met my husband who took me into the exciting world of military moves. I put my professional design career on hold to raise my 3 beautiful daughters while flexing my creative muscles completely remodeling and redesigning our own 5 homes. I am so happy being back in my element and absolutely love helping my clients love their spaces.
When not designing, you’ll find me swimming, crafting or dreaming up my next home.
