Conventional hosting advice tells you tablescapes are about visuals – combining colors, textures and accessories in an aesthetically-pleasing way. But for the true artistic hostess, styling a beautiful tablescape is so much deeper than that. It’s a creative expression, a way to connect guests to their surroundings through deeply personal, emotive storytelling.

When you approach tablescaping as an art medium rather than just decor, your thought process shifts. You become less focused on following trends or rules, and more attuned to using every element as a vehicle for emotional resonance and connection.

That lush floral garland isn’t just a pretty arrangement – it’s a symbolic path guiding guests’ eyes towards meaningful conversation and quality time together. The dusty blue velvet linen wasn’t chosen for its sumptuous texture alone, but for its nostalgic ties to the dining room’s original wallpaper that sparked cherished childhood memories.

With this mindset, curating a tablescape becomes a passion project of self-discovery and intimate hospitality. You lean into colors, materials, scents and designs that stir your soul and pique your creativity. Then artfully blend those expressive elements into an engaging setup that tells a compelling story only you can craft.

Perhaps you incorporate jewel-toned glassware and statement candle holders as a nod to your global travels and insatiable sense of wonder. Or showcase an eclectic mix of charming vintage plates to celebrate your love of all things storied and timeworn.

The possibilities are as boundless as your imagination and willingness to imbue personal meaning into every ingredient of the tablescape. So let those artistic tears flow as your creation comes to life! They are proof that you’ve achieved something greater than decor – you’ve designed a memorable dining experience that awakens all the senses and forges emotional connections.

For this is your artistry as a hostess. Turning an everyday table into a compelling expression of passion that elevates the moment into a celebration of togetherness. Bravo to your artful tablescapes!