After producing events for over twenty years, I’ve seen thousands of tablescapes. While a lot of them may be pretty, many of them are a masterclass in poor design. Overly layered, visually blocking centerpieces, improperly set… for starters. Call me a purist, but if the table doesn’t function for the people actually experiencing it, then it is a poorly set table. Guest experience should be paramount in hosting. It is not for you, it is for them.
Here are five of my biggest guidelines for creating tables that are thoughtful, inviting, and entirely achievable. Whether you’re hosting your first dinner party or refreshing your entertaining style, these are the principles that make a table feel elevated without becoming overwhelming.
1 / Form Follows Function: focus less on adding everything at once and more on what you need for what you are actually serving. This is always true. While a very layered look may be a vibe, too many things on a table that are unnecessary can over complicate the experience and confuse your guests.
2 / Table design often follows interior design rules:
The 60-30-10 Rule: Use 60% of a primary color (table linen), 30% secondary color (tabletop elements), and 10% accent color (accessories) to create a balanced palette.
3/ Layer Your Lighting: Combine ambient lighting such as chandeliers or dimmed overhead, task (table lamps), and accent (votives + candles) lighting to avoid a flat-looking table. I rarely turn on the overhead lights in my house and almost every light in my house is on a dimmer (looking at you stove and refrigerator).
4/ Scale and Proportion: For seating, figure 2′ of table per person to avoid over crowding (be mindful of your chairs and their space and scale as well). Any centerpieces should be below 13″ or above 17″ to avoid visual blocking on the table and to allow for conversation.
5/ Rule of Three (or Odds): Group decor items, such as candles, vases, stems or accessories in odd numbers for a more visually appealing, less rigid arrangement. This can be true of groupings. For example 3 groupings of 2 candlesticks or 1 large vessel, 3 candle sticks and 5 votives. Three is the smallest number of something to create a pattern, thus visual harmony and balance.
6 / Focus on what you CAN do, not what you can’t: No one knows what you didn’t do. I honestly ALWAYS over commit to what I can achieve within my allotted time.
7 / Simple can also be extravagant: Elevating a simple potted orchid, flowering plant or greenery with an heirloom container and textured moss can create a striking look without challenging your patience or budget. A reminder- you are not required to be a professional floral designer to host a dinner party (you can also call your local florist for a beautiful arrangement).
8 / And Most Importantly HAVE FUN! It isn’t that serious. The goal is to open the door to conversation and connection (not to be the next Martha Stewart).
Cheers!
– Danielle
