4 Ways to Prevent a Tablescape Disaster!

The Holidays are approaching, and I find myself wondering, “does anyone else plan out their table decor in advance like me?!” In truth, I think about it days in advance. I love it, but I know it’s not fun for everyone. That’s why I thought it might be helpful to share some tablescape basics. 

Caption: The picture above from the fabulous Gregory Blake Sams Events. It shows how varied heights, warm-toned neutrals, and texture can give a truly impressive look.

When designing your table, remember these 4 starter tips: 

1. Layer heights on the table. Having varied heights adds interest and creates more drama. If you have tall pillar candles, make sure you scatter in some smaller votives. This includes serving dishes. For example, you might place a flat charcuterie board next to a small arrangement of flowers. 

2. Make sure your decor doesn’t interfere with guests' ability to see one another. This is important. Flowers (any decor) blocking someone’s view excludes them from what’s happening, and as a host, you don’t ever want a guest to feel excluded. You can have mega tall flowers (like you see at wedding receptions) or super short ones. The more formal the event, the higher they can go. If you are hosting a seated meal, I recommend decor be at chest height or below with the exception of tapered candles.

3. Mix n’ match. Play with your tablescape and have fun. Of course, there are always decor trends you can incorporate, but the basics are to play with neutrals while adding in design elements like color, texture, or pattern. Some super simple ways to do this are to use more than one design for your napkins, incorporate natural elements like shells or driftwood, add a table runner that complements (but does not exactly match) other fabric elements, vary your serving dishes, or play around with texture. Tip #3 could honestly have its own entire blog, but hopefully, you get the idea. Pro tip: bring some intention to the table, but don’t overthink it. Have fun!

Caption: This is from a neighborhood Fall party. It shows a mix of seasonal colored Fiestaware paired with wood and glass serving dishes to create a casual, eclectic feel perfect for grazing.

4. Please, for the love of all that’s good… don’t rely only on overhead lighting. Remember the tip about varying heights? Well, that goes for lighting too. Bring in lamps and dim lighting overhead to give a flattering glow to your guests. A few candles on the table always add a little extra ‘something.’ If you have a family-style meal that involves lots of hands on the table, battery-powered candles are just fine.

I hope you’ll check out some of my favorite tablescape IG accounts for more inspo: @hillandcocreative @southernladymag @gregoryblakesamsevents @oohevents There’s so much local inspiration you can find on Instagram.

If you’d like to have a chat about real estate or tablescapes, count me in! Christy @ 843-810-4905 or email me at sieglingchristy@gmail.com