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The Art of Tablescaping

Oct 16 / The IWED Blog

The table, in a way, is the hearth of an event just as a fireplace is the hearth of a home. It’s where people gather to converse and break bread. To cheers to the future. How you decorate it will no doubt determine the mood you impart. Here are some ways to make it truly memorable.

Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner party or a wedding, a work conference or a sweet sixteen, tablescaping will play an integral part of your design scheme. From texture to lighting to colors, there are so many ways to tackle it. Every object included, every detail, makes a difference. Your choice of candles, for instance, and flower arrangements. For a chic and elegant look, an assortment of single-colored tapered candles and calla lilies would be perfect. For a bold and funky look, you may opt for Oaxacan floral candles and birds of paradise centerpieces. Either pairing will make an impression, as long as you approach the task at hand with intention.

A common mistake when it comes to table decor is cluttered excess. Too little and the table may feel impersonal and inhospitable. But too much and your guests will feel like they’re fighting for their own space at the dinner table. The easiest way to avoid either is by settling on a theme. If you prefer a decadent, antique touch, evoking the elements often found in a Renaissance still life would achieve that. Bundles of grapes, oranges, and pomegranates, for instance, juxtaposed with rustic loaves of bread and wine goblets. But if minimalist and modern is what you’re after, make sure to keep your arrangement sparse and functional. Glossy or matte finishes are both welcome. Just keep personal additions like sentimental objects and photographs to a minimum.

Another hugely crucial element of the tablescape is dinnerware. How you present what you’re serving says as much as the fare itself. Bone china, for example, emanates dainty grace and sophistication while stoneware evokes the earth and the natural world. The two styles are not mutually exclusive though, and textures are meant to be played with. A bohemian aesthetic may incorporate ceramics, glass, and lace. A barnyard aesthetic may incorporate the same, but with wood accents in the form of serving bowls and charger plates.

Linen and cutlery are two other major elements to consider when decorating. A white cotton napkin with serged edges folded rectangularly is clean, classic, and suitable for a myriad of occasions while a chartreuse linen napkin with raw edges folded into a knot works well for those who are leaning toward a more eccentric set-up or for those who want a fun yet adaptable accent piece. As far as cutlery is concerned, silver is timeless, but gold and brass add a glamorous touch. And don’t forget about those table runners. Some treat them as an afterthought, but their ability to tie the whole arrangement together is not to be underestimated! Opt for neutral tones if you want to offset an otherwise bold palette or metallic pastels if the rest of your ware is formal and understated. Every table tells a story. What’s yours?