Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or a holiday feast for a crowd, creating a beautiful tablescape is a fun, creative way to set the mood. Everything from the glassware and flatware to the flowers and candles that decorate the table can elevate the dining experience, helping to make the gathering one that your loved ones will remember.
A beautiful, seasonal tablescape can help set the mood at dinner parties and holidays feasts.
“A well-styled table is the foundation of any memorable celebration, and for me, it’s about curating an experience that caters to all five senses—touch, hearing, sight, smell and taste,” says Akeshi Akinseye, CEO and founder of Kesh Events. Just keep in mind that what makes sense for one gathering may not work for another. Hosting a baby shower or birthday party during summer, for example? You might stick to bright and pastel colors, fresh flowers, melamine plates and colorful vintage glassware. For a more formal dinner during the holiday season, metallics, fine crystal and china, and lots of tall taper candles would be more fitting. To help you set the mood, we asked three design pros about their top tips for designing a beautiful tablescape that will wow your guests.
Don’t Be Afraid To Mix And Match
If you don’t have large sets of dinnerware or wine glasses, don’t fret. “I think the most beautiful tables are made by mixing patterns, textures, colors and newer items with vintage or more personal or even imperfect pieces that tell a story,” says Katherine Lewin, founder of Big Night. Akinseye echoes this tip: “I often mix vintage glassware to add a whimsical feel and create varied heights, making the table visually dynamic.” If you’re mixing products, try to stick to a cohesive colorway in cool or warm tones to make your tablescape look and feel intentional.
Use Linens To Add A Pop Of Color
If you’re looking to add color to your tablescape, turn to the tablecloth, napkins and other fabrics on the table. And don’t be afraid to go bold. “If your tablescape is neutral so far, you can do a fun pop of color like marigold,” says Kathrine & Jeff Gilmer, co-founders of pretti.cool. That said, it’s always wise to consider the time of year, occasion and formality level when choosing linens. “For formal settings, a rich tablecloth can elevate the ambiance, while a more relaxed setting benefits from a well-chosen table runner,” says Akinseye. (Also, as a rule of thumb, your tablecloth should have about six to eight inches of overhang on all sides of the table.)
As for the cloth napkins, you can’t go wrong with crisp cotton or casual linen, depending on the type of dinner party you’re hosting. “We love this set of rainbow twill napkins from Atelier Saucier, which is made in the USA from reclaimed fabrics,” say the Gilmers.
Play With Patterns
In addition to color, patterns—on the linens, dinnerware or flatware—can help bring your tablescape to life. For example, you can “pair a bold floral plate with a subtle geometric or simpler napkin pattern to create an eye-catching look,” says Akinseye. Just make sure to “keep the color palette cohesive to avoid overwhelming the table,” she adds. Another fun pairing is bamboo flatware and Indian block print textiles, which is perfect for a dreamy summer tablescape. “For flatware, my go-to is Sabre,” says Lewin.
In particular, we love this fun gingham-printed flatware set from Sabre for holidays like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, while the tortoise-printed set below is suitable for autumnal gatherings.
Create A Layered Arrangement With Placemats
Even if you’ve dressed your table with a tablecloth, you can continue to add visual intrigue with a placemat or charger. Plus, these can help to protect your table and other fabrics from spills and stains. “A metallic or textured charger plate underneath the dinnerware adds depth and elegance,” says Akinseye. We like using natural materials like rattan or banana bark for slightly more casual gatherings, which add texture to the table. For more formal dinner parties, particularly during the holidays, a metallic color palette is classic. Just keep in mind that some materials are more tedious; chargers made from acrylic or glass and placemats made from metallic vinyl, for example, are a breeze to wipe off.
Show Off Your Personality With Glassware
From whimsical holiday-themed glassware to colorful goblets, glassware can also set the mood and give your guests a feel for formality. “Remember, the glassware should be both beautiful and functional,” says Akinseye. Also, be sure that the style of glassware is cohesive—whether your style is modern or traditional, each piece on your table should feel like it’s from the same era. For example, don’t pair a sleek, modern water glass with a heavy vintage goblet for wine. And if you’re hosting little ones, tuck the fine crystal glassware away and stick to colorful acrylic tumblers for smaller hands.
Add Candles For Ambiance
No matter the time of year, candles add an instant warmth and ambiance to a dinner party. While you can opt for one type of candle (like votive or taper candles), using more than one type can add more visual appeal—especially when paired with fun candlesticks. “We like to pair tapered candles of various heights with our Block Candlestick Holders for a fun and playful display,” say the Gilmers. Looking for something more versatile and timeless? Stick to neutral and metallic options, such as these antique brass taper candle holders. “I love taper candles for a dramatic lighting moment,” adds Lewin.
Fill Vases With Fresh Flowers For A Natural Touch
Every occasion—from the everyday to the elegant affairs—can benefit from a fresh floral arrangement. “For a daytime or brunch party, we always like to have a mixture of fresh-cut flowers as a centerpiece,” say the Gilmers. If you’re hosting in the heart of summer, fill your table with hydrangeas and roses, which are in season during the warmer months. Come winter, use a combination of in-season blooms like dahlias mixed with dried florals and rich garland to enhance the holiday spirit. Plus, you can reuse dried flowers year after year, which is beneficial if you’re on a budget.
Utilize Small Accessories For A Personalized Experience
While you don’t want designing a tablescape to become a source of stress, going the extra mile with thoughtful additions to your table can really make your guests feel like VIPs. “Accessories like place cards, unique napkin rings or small tokens for guests can make a big impact,” says Akinseye. “These personalized details show thoughtfulness and attention to detail, turning a meal into an unforgettable experience.”
If you’re serving wine or other cocktails for mingling, be sure to give guests a way to mark their glassware. “We love to use these wine charms from Graf Lantz to make sure everyone knows which glass is theirs as the party moves away from the dinner table,” say the Gilmers. You can also add place cards or pass around monogrammed cocktail napkins as a way to make your guests feel at home.
One last tip: If possible, put together the above elements the day before your dinner party (or at least a few hours ahead of time). That way, you can spend the day of focused on cooking—so then, when your guests arrive, you can be fully present and enjoy the gathering as much as your loved ones.
