The holidays and hosting season are approaching, which means many gatherings with friends and family. As your events approach, we recommend planning your decor now so you can spend as much time being merry as possible. This includes planning your tablescape decor. Read on for some quick tips on creating a tablescape that will stand out to your guests.
Establish a Theme
First, when considering your decor, you will want to decide on your overall look. We recommend choosing a color palette because that will help when selecting the rest of your decor. Something else to consider is whether you will be using a tablecloth or runner, or letting the natural finish of your table shine through. Tablecloths and runners can offer a warm and cozy feel, whereas leaving your table bare can offer more of a sleek and minimalist look.
The Essentials
Take your dishes into consideration when planning your tablescape. This is an excellent time of year to break out the china that has been put away for special occasions and incorporate the colors and designs into your overall look. If you have simplistic dishes, try incorporating fun glassware or cutlery to break things up. If your dishes are more ornate, consider using more neutral decorations and letting your plates be the main focal point.
The Main Event
A tablescape isn’t complete without a centerpiece! Your centerpiece can range from that delicious main dish you’ve been cooking all day, to a floral arrangement, or a collection of items. If your centerpiece is going to be your main dish, ensure you leave plenty of space for the dish and serving. If opting for a floral arrangement, we recommend using seasonal flowers, including greenery and berries for a fun additional element. When it comes to using other items as your centerpieces, such as candles or produce, don’t be afraid to play with different size pieces. Having taller elements such as candlesticks helps your table look more elegant, while shorter pieces like pumpkins and gourds help accommodate cross-table conversations.
The Little Things
Beyond your dishes and centerpieces, it’s important to remember the small details when setting your table. Customized place cards can help guests avoid confusion or hesitancy in selecting their seats, and they add a personalized touch for each of your guests. Your napkins can make a big difference as well. If you are using white dishes, try using napkins that color coordinate with your centerpiece to help tie all of your elements together. You may also consider adding small items such as a sprig of rosemary or a small pumpkin to your place settings as another piece of decor.
No matter how you choose to decorate, you should spend your time eating, drinking, and enjoying time with your friends and family. Planning your table and decor ahead of time helps avoid the stress of last-minute decorating, and will give your holiday gathering that extra boost. Keep these tips and tricks in mind for your next gathering, and you’ll have a table that your guests will talk about for years to come.