Tips for a Beautiful Tablescape

I am always in awe of the people that have the meticulous table settings. You know the ones with chargers and plates and then bowls and napkins in napkin rings. Just beautiful!! But that’s not me. I have a friend that is excellent at those fine details and she is the master of table setting in my opinion. But that’s not me. 🙂 I have a lot of people ask me about my tablescapes and centerpieces, so I’ll try to explain my style in this area. The thing I love most about Decor…is that it’s not static…it’s ever changing. Because I have a family that eats at the table, I need it functional as well as beautiful. Our dining table is also something I look at daily so I really want it to be something I enjoy. 

Since the recent purchase of our dining room table from Joss & Main, you won’t find a tablecloth on my table. I’m so in love with the rustic, distressed look of the wood…I don’t want to cover it up. You WILL find a runner or some sort of material to anchor the centerpiece and add an element of texture or color. Right now it’s a French Burlap sack that I’m in love with and has resided there for a while…so you know it must be good. Now on to the layers. I love glass, whether it’s bottles, green glass plates or candle holders. Adding glass to your table just seems natural and there is something so beautiful about it, kind of like a dinner on the veranda in Tuscany or an outdoor cafe in Paris. It also gives the tablescape a light and airy feel while adding a texture and style of it’s own.

I love branches or a couple of flowered stems on my table. This is an easy way to change with the seasons, add color and texture. I have some beautiful lemon branches that I got a few years ago from Pier 1. They are a favorite and will pop out from time to time for a simple change. I love having a candle or two on the table. There is no need to have two of the same. Sometimes I have random sizes and textures but be sure they have a similar color palette so it all flows. Another thing I like to add to my tablescape is cake stands or pedestals for that little extra height you may need. Some of my favorites are the marble and wood ones from World Market.

 

Just a side note, I try to keep things neutral and if I want to add color on occasion or due to a season I can add some without overpowering the whole tablescape.

Don’t get frustrated if you try and it doesn’t look right. Keep at it. Sometimes I need to add a little height, sometimes I need to take something away. Again, play with it. Decorating should be fun, that’s why we call it a hobby right? Think different sizes, texture and style. I’m not the person that has everything matching, while there is nothing wrong with having things that match…throw something in that is just out of the ordinary for you. You might be surprised how much you like it. It’s the unexpected that adds character and a sense of eclectic style no matter what your “style” is.