Tablescaping – How To Create The Perfect Tablescape
Tablescaping is our new favorite word! When it comes to planning your event, does your table come to mind in particular? The table is often an important part of an event, especially if hosting food. Whether it’s a formal dinner party or a causal mingling, your table can play a big role in setting the tone of your event.
Tablescaping is an art all in its own way, but it is much more than that. We sat down with tablescaping artist Angelina from houseonhershelyn to learn more about tablescaping, as well as how to create the perfect tablescape!
What is Tablescaping?
First, what exactly is tablescaping? It’s more than setting the table that’s for sure. It’s about giving guests an authentic experience! Tabelscapes are often themed and usually set the stage for the dinner or event to come. By using beautiful tableware, napkins, decorative pieces and lighting, there are certainly an endless amount of ways to create a beautiful tablescape. And if you’re hosting a party or a small dinner, a spectacular tablescape can be the centerpiece.
Second, Angelina is the best. “The heart of hospitality is in entertaining and wanting your guests to feel welcome. I want my guest to feel that they are expected and that I am available for them. Tablescapes are one of my favorite ways of showing hospitality to my guests.”
By incorporating a tablescape into your next event, you’re sure to add another element to your guests’ overall experience. What says “welcome” more than a specially designed table!
How to Create the Perfect Tablescape
To create the perfect tablescape, Angelina says to “create personalized items that make your guests feel special.” He asked himself, “What will this person or group enjoy, what will make them happy?”
It’s important to take notes about attendees so you can give them a personal experience to remember.
Additionally, to create the perfect tablescape, Angelina suggests asking yourself the following questions before starting:
- What kind of event is it for? Is it an intimate gathering or a big affair?
- Are you celebrating a promotion or anniversary party, or is it an elegant five course meal with crystal glassware and antique flatware?
- Will you have blooming fragrant flowers, lush plants, a romantic spread of glowing candles or vintage linens?
- What will the budget be?
Additionally, Angelina suggests “Start by collecting your inspiration. Gather items from your home, or borrow from a friend. Look for items that will add drama, height, color, and dimension.” She also likes to personalize her tablescapes by adding their favorite chocolates, flowers, colors, and their names to the place cards.
Top Tablescaping Tips
In Angelina’s years of experience, she has learned a lot when it comes to the art of tablescaping. Read below for her top tips:
- No scented candles, because you don’t want the scent competing with the food.
- Stick to a theme. It’s okay to have mismatched patterns and colors as long as everything “talks” to each other.
- Use citrus as a neat surprise instead of flowers. They are inexpensive but offer dimension and texture.
- Shop local antique or thrift stores for unique plates, glassware and even candlesticks.
Another tip from Angelina is “Start by collecting your inspiration. Gather items from your home, or borrow from a friend. Look for items that will add drama, height, color and dimension.”
Once you have a theme, you’ll have a clearer direction of how you want the tablescape to go.
Why We Love Tablescaping
We couldn’t agree more when Angelina says “Tablescapes are a great way to show off your guests, make them feel special, and really a creative way to express yourself.” Tablescaping is a great way to set the tone for the meal and add a personal touch to everyone’s experience. All in all, a tablescape can be as simple and elegant or as colorful and elaborate as you like.
Here are some examples. Tablescaping can change the setting for a backyard picnic. Use matching placemats and runners, as well as stunning flowers that match the plates and napkins. If you’re having a Peter Rabbit themed party, you can add carrots, greenery, and blue eggs in addition to using Peter Rabbit dishware to help tie in the theme.
Finally, tablescaping for a tea party will not only be classy but gorgeous by matching floral teacup designs with crisp linens. You can definitely add tablescaping to any event!
In conclusion, tablescaping can add to the atmosphere of your next event. We hope that Angelina’s tips and advice will inspire you to create a tablescape that is authentic as soon as possible.
See more of her beautiful tablescapes at houseonhershelyn.
And for other party ideas, click here. Until then, Happy Tablescaping!