My degree may have been in specifically graphic design, but my passion has always been in design as a whole. That means designing layouts for an event venue as well as the detailed aspects of designing a particular backdrop or table setting. It’s about knowing what looks good where and realizing every little element must fit together in a certain way to make it all flow.
To see the perfect example of meticulously thoughtful placement at an event, look no further than the cutlery and cuisine.
Before you can set the table, you must first set the menu. The type of mouth-watering refreshments you serve will determine the type of eye-catching design you incorporate because your tablescape will depend on what dishware you must use.
Let’s be honest, one does not simply throw on any tablecloth and distribute some silverware with a stack of plates and cups. You’re dressing a table; treat it with some respect. Most likely you’re setting a tone and integrating a theme, and perhaps, providing a picturesque background for guests to take photos of the ambiance. Consider what vibes you want to exude, and be purposeful in how you exude those vibes.
As a timely example, let’s focus on the upcoming holiday season and that special dinner you’re prepping to host for family and/or friends. For that vignette, consider layering on the table. Creating depth for a tablescape is always a prodigious goal! It will allow for great design elements, without looking too cluttered. Remember: you never want your guests to feel like they can’t sit down comfortably or they have no room to eat.
To do that, try to keep décor in the center of the table. Some outflowing areas can be acceptable, but make sure it’s not too overpowering. A tablescape should always be inviting and not intimidating to the guests. I always like to add a main centerpiece and then work around that. Having the simplest decorative pieces such as a good color napkin that coordinates with your tablecloth can automatically bring a table to life.
Speaking of which… the tablecloth is probably the most important aspect! Having a good cloth really is what you build the rest of your tablescape upon. Let’s just say, with tablecloths, size does matter. Seriously, make sure that you don’t buy a cloth that doesn’t fit your table. Having a cloth that is too short can look painfully tacky! I personally prefer floor length cloths when available as I think that style brings the table together well and makes everything look more cohesive. Wrinkles are also tacky. Get the iron or steamer out when necessary.
When it comes to name cards, consider the level of formality and literally who’s coming to dinner. Name cards are excellent to use when you want the table to appear more formal, or if you need to have the guests’ seats decided beforehand. Sometimes for a formal dinner at which guests don’t know each other, having name labels is helpful to take away the stress of indecisive people scanning for where to sit. Plus, it makes the table look elegant too.
Finally, what to do with the serviette? I always like to use a simple fold technique with the napkin that will add a bit of finesse to any table. You just fold over the napkin either way so there are three folds, and it looks superb! It’s very simple but really can add to the décor.
Hopefully you avoid some faux pas at this year’s holiday dinner parties and this insight helps you master the art of tablescapes!
