Setting your table for the holidays, a party, or other event should be a fun, creative experience. It’s something everyone can do and achieve beautiful results!
How you decide to style your table is entirely up to you and your personal tastes. We love a mix of rustic and elegant elements on our table. Some folks prefer very simple and others want all-out glam. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to the aesthetic.
There are, however, some tried and true rules of the road that go into every spectacular tablescape. Apply these and your table will be the talk of the town!
Make Room.
First and foremost, make sure you have enough room on your table for your place settings and decor. It’s no fun to sit at a crowded table where you’re bumping elbows with the person next to you or knocking things over because there’s so much stuff in the middle.
Allow 24-30 inches across for each place setting – go wider if you’re using arm chairs – and allow 12 inches for depth. Also be sure to leave 6-20 inches in the center of the table for a centerpiece or serving dishes. If your centerpiece is just a few candles, you can get away with less space. If it’s a full-on floral masterpiece, you’re going to need more room.
Pick a Theme.
The prettiest tables are cohesive with complementary elements. Picking a theme can help keep decor from veering off course and looking disconnected. And there are tons of themes!
Themes can be color related, such as neutrals.
They can also be print related, like plaid or polka dots.
Holidays, like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, also make for popular themes. Further refining them can make them easier to translate into a table setting. So instead of just “Christmas” as a theme, one might choose “Christmas Holly,” or “Santa,” “Snowmen,” etc.
Collections and passions can also make great themes. Maybe you love birds or collect vintage brass candlesticks. Try using those to guide your next tablescape.
Add Layers.
Once you’re armed with your spacing plan and theme, it’s time to start building layers.
Layers make a table rich and interesting and the easiest way to add them is with your place settings. In the photo of our Thanksgiving table above and below, we used a large rectangular placemat topped with a burlap charger, faux wood charger, large white dinner plate, napkin, and vintage dinner plate.
The layering technique includes a variety of textures and patterns that fall into our theme of “rustic elegance” and create a visually interesting place setting.
Topping the same place setting with a decorative element, like this mini pumpkin, adds yet another layer and more visual interest. You could tie tags to the stems of the pumpkins and make them into place cards – another creative element!
Set it Right.
Completing your place setting the right way is also an important step. Salad forks and dinner forks go to the left. Knives and spoons go to the right. Dessert forks and spoons go above the dinner plate, though we often bring these out with dessert if we need to save room on the table.
The diagram above is for a formal table setting, so it includes lots of pieces. Simply eliminate any pieces you may not need to adjust for your specific needs.
Finish With a Centerpiece.
One of the most fun parts of setting a beautiful table is the centerpiece!
I usually lean toward something pretty, but not over the top. That’s mostly to prevent overcrowding the table, which drives me crazy. I don’t want to be afraid to reach for my glass for fear of knocking over some elaborate arrangement.
At the same time, I do love a jaw dropping centerpiece, so it’s a challenge to balance! The key is to allow for enough space for your centerpiece.
If you only have a little space, try to resist the temptation to go big. There are many creative options for narrow spots, like this collection of tiny trees.
The same holds true for big tables where you may have a lot of room in the center. A few candlesticks and some greenery may work for a tight spot, but will get lost in a larger space. Let the scale be your guide.
The centerpiece is also a great opportunity to let your theme shine through, like this one featuring woodland deer – so cute!
Or this Easter version featuring faux chocolate bunnies and bird nests – simply adorable!
Whether your table is big or small, refined or rustic, you can transform it into something beautiful with these tips and a little imagination!