How to Create a Tablescape

Tablescapes are a great way to make your guests feel special when you host dinner parties — and they’re also easy to design on your own! This article will teach you how to create a tablescape that impresses from start to finish.

Before you get started on your tablescape design, ask yourself what you want this dinner party to be like. What feels most natural to you? Are you nostalgic for a more traditional, formal feel? Or do you want something a little more modern and whimsical? Once you settle on an overall theme, it’s time to start designing!

 

Step 1 – Pick your colors

 

Start by making a shortlist of colors that you want to use in your tablescape, and then narrow it down to one or two that you like the most. The trick is to choose colors that have enough contrast with your tablecloth. 

 

When choosing your colors, think about what type of mood you want to set.

 

• Green has a calming effect and refreshing visual effect. For many, green has a strong association with nature, forests and trees. 
• Red is commonly associated with love and passion. It’s a warm, energetic color that conveys strength and power. 
• Blue is calming and has a high social and intellectual value. Using blue in your tablescape can make your guests feel at home and safe.
• Orange comes across as edgy yet playful. Orange is also a great complement to the many playful shades of green. 
• Yellow is a rare choice for a traditional table setting but don’t let that deter you. I like to use yellow as an add-on color.
• Purple, lilac, lavender or violet can be a lot of fun to play with. From an infinite range of flowers to unlimited décor, linens and ribbons to improvise with, the richness of purple represents royalty and timeless elegance. ⁠

 

For a handy color combination guide check out this freebie!

 

Step 2 – Pick your tablecloth / placemats

 

Tablecloths or placemats? The age old dilemma! 

 

I often use both tablecloths and placemats for my tablescapes and I encourage you to experiment with different combinations. Remember that your tablecloth and placemats don’t have to match! 

 

Table cloths can be anything. I love to use old curtains, unused leather, wrapping paper, packing paper or practically anything that can be flattened.

 

Step 3 – Gather your supplies 

 

To make your tablescape, you’ll need a few supplies: 

 

1. The centerpiece 
2. The napkins
3. Tableware & glassware 
4. Silverware
5. Accessories

 

I wrote in detail about the 5 elements of a tablescape in this post, be sure to check that out for more information. 

 

Step 4 – Dress up the chairs 

 

Whenever I decorate for celebrations and dinners, I always make sure I include the chairs in the overall design of my tablescape. This may seem trivial at first glance but I strongly believe the chairs convey everything about a party!

 

Dress up your chairs with satin, ribbons, fabric. They can spice up the color of the room instantly.⁠ Always take into consideration the theme of your party and make sure the chair covers reflect on this.

 

 

Step 5 – Consider the space around the table

 

Part of tablescaping is to create a visual impact. That impact should continue around the entire table, not just on the table itself. 

 

Look around and notice the space on the walls, on adjacent surfaces, tables, doorways & walkways, etc.! By framing your tablescape, you can create a much richer experience for your guests.

 

And to make sure your table truly stands out, consider creating vertical interest by adding height. This can be achieved by having different kinds of accessories on and around the table, so get creative with candles, stands, vases etc. 

 

Pro Tip: Tie balloons to the back of chairs to add height and a playful touch. 

 

Tables are the perfect canvas for keepsake moments!

 

I hope this post showed you how easy it is to start tablescaping at home and enjoy being creative.

 

Sometimes it gives me such a feeling of melancholy when I walk past a table relatively bare. I wanted to show you that you don’t have to hesitate! Any dressing up makes the world of difference, even if it is just some confetti or rose petals to spice it up.⁠

 

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start planning your next tablescape! And for more inspiration, I encourage you to follow our instagram.

 

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Hi, I’m Alice

I started Ascape Living because I noticed that tables are where we meet, dine, chat, laugh, and connect. Now I’m on a mission to share the joy of putting in the extra effort so that you can create a space filled with love, meaning and life.

I can help you create your very own keepsakes moments with easy to use tablescaping solutions, tips, inspiration and more.

Follow along for table setting inspiration & ideas | instagram | blog