Set the Table, Set the Tone
A step-by-step guide to tablescaping the hauste way.
At Hauste, we don’t just set the table—we set the mood. A tablescape is more than just plates and napkins. It’s the first thing your guests see, the anchor of your evening, and what sets the tone before a single dish hits the table.
Whether you’re going full glam with place cards and florals, or just layering linen and candlelight for a casual night in, here’s how to build a tablescape that feels intentional & inspired.
Step 1: Set the Intention
Before you pull out a single plate, pause. What’s the vibe of this dinner party?
Is it moody + candlelit? Airy + garden-forward? Colorful + celebratory? Choose 2-3 guiding words and let them shape everything from napkin folds to florals.
Hauste Hint: Your table doesn’t necessarily need to match the menu, but it should match the mood.
Step 2: Build Your Base
Start with your blank canvas—tablecloth, runner, or the bare table itself. What texture sets the tone?
White linen = effortless elegance
Cotton = crisp and classic
Bare wood = cool and minimal
From there, layer in placemats or chargers if you’re feeling fancy, or keep it simple with a full-table textile and soft lighting.
Step 3: Layer the Essentials
Time to add the key players: plates, flatware, napkins, and glassware.
Stack your plates to add height and dimension
Fold or tie your napkins (we love a simple knot or classic fold)
Mix and match glassware if you're aiming for curated-over-coordinated
Use cloth napkins—always. It’s the quickest way to level up any setting.
Hauste Hint: set your table the night before. Use sticky notes to mark which platter goes where—your future self will thank you.
Quick Tablescaping Checklist ✔️
Tablecloth (full, runner, or nothing!)
Plates + flatware
Cloth napkins
Water + wine or cocktail glasses
Candles (tapers, pillars, or tea lights)
Centerpiece (florals, greenery, fruit)
Optional (but highly suggested): place cards, menus, favors, personal details
Step 4: Style for the Senses
This might be a little extra (but we all know thats on brand around here), but your tablescape isn’t just visual—it’s a full-body experience. Think beyond looks and style for all five senses:
Sight: Cohesive color palette, layered textures, soft candlelight
Smell: Unscented candles + something delicious on the menu
Sound: Curated playlist already queued (Spotify @hauste has you covered)
Taste: A menu that flows from apps to dessert
Touch: Linen napkins, ceramic plates, vintage glasses—your guests will notice the details
Step 5: Add a Little Extra (Without Doing the Most)
The Little Miss Extra chapter of The Dinner Party Handbook might take the cake of being our favorite chapter. You don’t need these, but wow do they make it special:
Menus (printed or handwritten)
Place cards (no “where should I sit?” awkwardness)
Fresh florals or seasonal produce down the center
Taper candles for drama or tea lights for intimacy
Branded matchboxes or a parting favor by each plate
Hauste Hint: If serving family style, leave intentional gaps in your centerpiece to fit the platters. Nothing’s worse than candle wax on the dinner rolls.
Our Final Thought: The Table Is the Invite
The second your guests walk in and see that table—styled with care, lit with intention—they know this isn’t just dinner. It’s a celebration. A gathering. A moment.
So no matter your budget, your space, or your guest count, take a little extra time to make the table beautiful. It’s one of the simplest ways to say: you’re welcome here.
Need a little tablescape inspo?
✨ Hauste Pinterest board
✨ Napkin styling TikTok
✨ More tablescaping tips
Want more hosting how-tos? Browse our full Dinner Party Handbook or get inspo delivered straight to your inbox. 💌
