The art of creating beautiful tablescapes

Last year, with nowhere to go and close to nothing to do, I decided to get creative around the holidays. Since my family typically goes to someone else’s house for Thanksgiving and Christmas, we weren’t used to setting our own table. But with coronavirus keeping us at home, celebrating intimately with just my closest family, I thought it’d be nice to create beautiful tables for us to enjoy.

As many of you know, I’ve always loved entertaining and creating a beautiful tablescape. It was the perfect creative outlet for me last year and became a fun activity leading up to each holiday. I even went all out on my birthday and created what was probably my favorite tablescape yet (tied with New Year’s Eve)! Accompanied by a nice glass of red wine and my favorite Neopolitan pizza, I barely missed the ability to leave the house and celebrate.

With the holidays fast approaching, I thought I’d share a little to-do on tablescapes, for those hosting dinners or holiday parties this season. The art of a beautiful tablescape is all in the details and layering. Follow my steps to create the perfect setting for new holiday memories this year.

the process

I like to start by choosing a theme. The inspiration can come from anywhere.

For example, my birthday dinner inspiration came from a colorful oriental scarf I found in a drawer in our dining room and a set of vintage teacups from my great grandma that I’ve always admired but never used. Our Christmas table was inspired by a Polish table runner my dad bought my mom. If you’re not sure where to begin, check out Pinterest. That’s where I became inspired on how to decorate our Thanksgiving table.

After I have a theme or specific inspiration in mind, I like to gather supplies. You don’t have to spend a lot to create a beautiful table. See what you already have. I usually utilize:

Tablecloth (or two, for layering)
Table runner
Candles
Candle holders / candle sticks
Flowers
Beads or tinsel
Place cards
China or special dishware
Napkins

Next comes the layering. Start with your tablecloth, then table runner if you’re utilizing one. One trick I like to use is layering a lace curtain over the tablecloth. It’s an unexpected twist that gives the table a little more romantic feel.

Here is where I like to arrange the center of the table. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can add everything from candles and flowers to other accessories you have. If you’re having trouble, look at inspiration photos. I like to have items of varying heights, but make sure you don’t place anything too tall that guests won’t be able to see each other.

Once the center of the table is done, I get to work laying out all the china, dishware, silverware, and napkins. Add place cards if you’d like to direct guests where to sit.

Right before your party or dinner starts, light the candles and make any last-minute adjustments!

the inspiration

thanksgiving

My sister and I went to the special Thanksgiving farmer’s market and my flower guy had the most beautiful, colorful flowers! So I took them and then ran with the design, incorporating color while keeping it simple with the addition of small white pumpkins and cream-colored bunny tails. The black touches added a little bit of drama to the look, which I liked too.

christmas

This table was really all inspired by the Polish table runner my dad bought my mom, and a collection of other Christmas candles we already had. I decided to just embrace the red and green and go with it. Flowers were white carnations and red roses, with greenery layered on the table. The best part, though, was the poppers that we acquired at a little Swedish store. So fun and will definitely continue to be a Christmas Eve dinner tradition for us! Each popper had a paper crown and games. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, which is a great accomplishment when celebrating holidays in 2020.

new year’s eve

For me, New Year’s Eve is one of the most romantic holidays. I wanted to create a tablescape that represented that. I used greenery, silver beads, and a lot of candles to create a beautiful glow. This has to be one of my favorite tables yet. It was simple but so romantic when the lights dimmed and Frank Sinatra came on the speakers.

my birthday

In other words, a national holiday. Jk! But I am a huge proponent of celebrating your birthday to the max. Of course, the pandemic inhibited that a little. We opted for dinner at home with my family, aunt, and uncle. Since my birthday is in March, I wanted the table to be colorful and hopeful, like spring. The vintage scarf I found was the beginning of my inspiration. Then I decided to also incorporate my great grandma’s teacups, which are all different colors and patterns and so beautiful.

Every birthday I can remember growing up ended with a homemade cake made by my grandma, and a pot of coffee being put on. The smell of coffee brewing and candles right after they’ve been blown out will always bring me back to that. I decided to make the teacups a significant part of the table as a nod to my grandparents (you could say I was overtaken with nostalgia), and because I love espresso after a meal. The whole thing ended up giving off 70’s vibes, which I loved.