The Art of Tablescaping: Inspiration for Your Hosting Table
Nothing’s off the table…
Seriously. While you might think that tablescaping is an artform only done right by magazine stylists and hosts with a stocked-to-the-brim-of-Crate-&-Barrel sideboard, we’re excited to tell you: you’re wrong
Before we dive into the how, when, why, and where of all things tablescaping, this is a friendly reminder that anything goes. So take the pressure off because tout est sur la table (everything is on the table).
What is a tablescape?
A tablescape is the arrangement of your table including all things – glassware, serveware, china, napkins, flowers, candlesticks, place cards, menus (the list goes on and on).
From Chinese takeout with the girls to a full holiday spread, there’s a wide spectrum of tablescape formalities and necessities. Each table will require a different mix of items including the essentials for the specific meal paired with decor that matches the overall vibe of the gathering. Hauste Hint: we always lay out our tablescape the night (or more) before, to ensure we’ve accounted for everything.
For Thanksgiving, lean into mini white pumpkins, lots of ivory candlesticks, and traditional plates with cloth napkins. For an impromptu cocktail hour with the neighbors, cocktail napkins, a few small bud vases, and scattered tea lights will do the trick.
Don’t let some nonexistent tablescaping rulebook keep you from hosting. The best tablescapes are born from playing around with different textures, colors and miscellaneous items. While crafting a unique aesthetic for each gathering is always going to make your life easier in the long run, allow what you already have on hand, the flowers currently in bloom, and odd and ends finds at your local thrift store to serve as your inspiration.
To tablescape or not to tablescape?
With all of that being said, our vote is always to tablescape. Because the spectrum ranges from a single vase of flowers to chargers, salad plates, dinner plates, 18 different forks and 3 different wine glasses, the tablescape has no expectations. You decide how involved it is and feel confident that your guests will appreciate any amount of thought you’re willing to give.
Our tablescaping essentials no matter the party:
Set place settings with plates, silverware & napkins (cloth, preferably)
Include at least one candle
Place appropriate glassware for the meal ahead (even if it’s a water glass)
Flowers! If you didn’t have time to go to the store, we promise you there’s a nearby bush in need of a pruning. Snip, place loosely in a vase for a wildflower-esque aesthetic, & tadah!
How to determine the level of formality for a tablescape?
A tablescape is almost always dependent on the meal. Once the menu is decided, then you can begin constructing your tablescape from the place setting, up.
First, some place setting etiquette that is suggested, but full disclaimer: the tablescape police will not show up at your door if you misplace a water glass.
Forks on the left - set in the order they’ll be used, from the outside in (i.e. the salad fork should be furthest left with the dinner fork closest to the plate)
Knives on the right - set in the order they’ll be used, from the outside in (i.e. the standard knife should be furthest right with the steak knife closest to the plate)
Spoons to the right of the knives - set in the order they’ll be used, from the outside in
Dessert utensils at the top of the plate - prongs of forks face right, bowl of spoon facing the left and always above the dessert fork
Each utensil should be lined up at the bottom, in line with the bottom of the plate
Water glass (always), directly above the knife
Wine glasses form a triangle with a white wine glass to the right of the water glass and the red wine glass above the both
Napkins can be placed on the plate, under the plate, beneath the fork – we leave this to your discretion
Bread plates placed in the upper left, above the forks with a butter knife placed horizontally across the plate
Now for place settings per meals:
If you plan to serve courses to the group, only a charger and the appropriate silverware and glassware should be set on the table when guests sit down. If you don’t have a charger or placemat, use a creative napkin tie to anchor each setting.
For a family style meal, we suggest placing the plates ahead of time along with the silverware and glassware. This way, when the large serving platters get placed on the table, your guests are able to dive right in.
When it comes to formality, let your hosting intuition guide you.
A plate, a fork, a knife, a spoon, a glass, a napkin – easy as pie. These standard pieces in every host’s home are everything you need to create a tablescape. For less formal affairs, we love to lean into mix and match items, colorful pieces and varying textures.
In traditional terms, the most formal of tablescapes will have perfectly matching china, serveware and glassware. In today’s day and age, almost anything goes. While we do agree that striking, minimalist aesthetics elevate more formal affairs, there are no lines in the sand on what can and can’t be done. Easy ways to enhance the formalities are by breaking out the courses onto individual plates and implementing extra touches such as chargers, menus, and placecards.
Needing some tablescape inspiration?
Now that your place settings are confirmed, it’s time to fill the rest of your canvas. When in doubt, candles and flowers are a host’s best friends. Start there, then begin to add unique pieces as you see fit. Here’s some ways we get inspired:
What fruits & vegetables are in season? Squash make an excellent placecard holder during fall and fresh citrus fill gaps during the summer.
Are there quintessential textures or patterns related to the current season? Such as gingham during the summer, velvet during the winter and tinsel during the new year.
Is there one component of the tablescape that can serve as the star of the show? For instance, if you find eclectic napkins embroidered with exotic animals at the local antique store, use subtle colors everywhere else to let the cheetahs and zebras shine.
For additional inspiration, follow us on Pinterest for the latest tablescapes we’re eyeing.
& just like that, you’re a certified tablescaping professional – let loose & abide by no rules!
