How to Elevate Your Tablescapes for the Holidays
The holidays are quickly approaching and guests will be arriving soon. While the menu may stick to your favorite traditions, what about your tablescape? What will your centerpiece be and how will your menu items be plated? Decisions, decisions!
For the best ways to prepare for every upcoming holiday dinner party, we asked expert Miranda Cullen, CEO of Inside Stories, for her tips on how to elevate your tablescapes this season.
Designed by Inside Stories. Photo by Eric Lucero Photography.
Q: What are the key elements of a beautifully designed tablescape?
A: Choosing a cohesive color scheme is important to the success of a tablescape design. Building your tablescape around 2-3 main colors creates visual balance and a harmonious design while selecting too many colors can make the design feel “busy” or uncoordinated.
Another key element to a beautiful tablescape is establishing a focal point. Usually, the centerpiece is the focal point, whether it’s a floral arrangement, candles, or a seasonal decoration. A focal point is crucial in design—especially in tablescaping—because it gives the eye a place to “rest” and creates a sense of balance.
Lastly, pairing tall and short items, like candles with flowers helps a tablescape have visual variety. If all of your tablescape items are the same height, the design can come out feeling boring or flat.
Q: What are centerpieces that make a statement?
A: Centerpieces with natural elements like wood (branches, wooden chargers, driftwood), greenery and flowers, and pinecones add texture and a natural feel to a tablescape design.
Creating a centerpiece around candles is also a fun way to add light, scent, and uniqueness to a centerpiece design! (make sure to select candles of different sizes, heights, and shapes) In addition to creating a creative centerpiece, your dining experience will also have a moody glow and help set the vibe for the meal.
Q: How can people personalize their tablescapes for special occasions or family traditions?
A: People can personalize their tablescapes by incorporating family heirlooms like inherited china, glassware, or flatware for a touch of nostalgia and tradition. Also, items like tablecloths, napkins, or runners passed down through generations add a personalized touch to a tablescape design.
Another way to personalize a tablescape for a special occasion is through customized place settings. You can write guests’ names on small cards or natural elements (like leaves or mini pumpkins) for each setting or including personalized napkin rings or tied details (small tokens tied to napkins, such as charms, ribbons in favorite colors). Both of these give a thoughtful touch to a tablescape that guests are sure to love and remember.