9 Tips for Creating a Tablescape

Are you looking for tips for creating a tablescape? Are you wondering where even to start when creating your own tablescape?

Look no further.

I’ve compiled a list of the 9 best tips for how to create a tablescape.

Have you noticed the surge in tablescaping?

I’m sure it results from the pandemic and people wanting a creative outlet. It’s also from people needing and wanting to get together. To enjoy each other’s company ~ in person. To share a nice meal and engage in conversation.

And what better way than at an attractive tablescape!

A nicely set table sets the mood and adds to your guests’ enjoyment of the occasion. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a formal soiree.

Knowing how to create an attractive tablescape is key.

9 Tips for Creating a Tablescape

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1. Plan ahead when creating a tablescape

It’s key to plan ahead when creating a tablescape. Until you have a few tablescapes under your belt, you shouldn’t wing it.

You should know the basics of creating a tablescape. To know what makes it appealing.

When you plan ahead for your tablescape, you should know the following:

will it be a casual or formal meal
what’s your budget
will you be sitting at the table during the daytime or evening
will the food be served on the table, or on a buffet
is there a theme or reason for the get-together

Then you need to take an inventory of what you have and what you will need to get. And what you need to buy ~ if it needs to be ordered, or what store(s) to shop.

Don’t wait until the last minute to search for a key piece to your tablescape.

When you plan ahead, you’ll be happier with the end result.

2. Decide on your tablescape’s color theme

Determining the color theme for your tablescape is the first place to start. It will be the launch point for your table’s overall look.

Color will help to guide you in determining what you have and what you need. Color will also set the tone of the tablescape.

If you create a tablescape using yellows and blues, your table will be bright and cheery. If you use gold and ruby colors your table will feel elegant. Or if you use all dark colors, it will either feel cozy or somber.

Once you decide on your tablescape’s color theme, the rest of the tablescape design will start to fall into place.

3. Layer when creating a tablescape

There’s something about layering when creating your tablescape that automatically elevates the overall look.

Whether you’re using a tablecloth or placemat on your tablescape, layer the place setting. Your place setting shouldn’t consist of only a dinner plate, utensils, and glasses.

Instead, use a charger, a dinner plate, and either a salad plate or a bowl. The layers will transform the look of the place setting and add dimension to the tablescape.

Napkin ring added to embroidered napkin — Place setting with multiple layers creates visual interest

4. Incorporate height into your tablescape

It’s essential to incorporate items with varying heights into your tablescape.

I’m not saying you must have very tall items. I’m saying that the items on your table need to vary in height. You shouldn’t have everything at the same level.

That’s boring and uninteresting.

Instead, use pieces that are of different heights. Think of a rollercoaster or a serpent shape. How there are dips and peaks. Then use that visual reference for creating highs and lows on your table.

Fall table setting with row of green and orange candles as a centerpiece. — Candles at varying heights on a simple tablescape

If you’re wanting to create a low tablescape, add a few items that sit on the table, and a few items that are just a few inches taller.

Height creates visual interest. It provides a path for the eye to travel.

5. Consider your tablescape’s centerpiece

When creating a tablescape, you need to think about the centerpiece. It’s typically the primary focus of the table.

Your tablescape’s centerpiece must support the theme of the table.

If your tablescape theme is focused on a holiday, consider using your holiday decor. For example; at Easter, create a centerpiece using Easter baskets, eggs, and pastel colors. For the 4th of July, your centerpiece could be red, white, and blue, and include stars and flags.

Or if your tablescape theme is purely color-focused, those colors should dominate within the centerpiece.

6. Use what you have first when creating a tablescape

I’m a firm believer in shopping your home first when creating a tablescape.

Walk around your house and see what you have that would work on your table. So often you’ll forget about decor items in other rooms that can be used as part of the tablescape’s centerpiece.

Not only will shopping your home save you money, but you’ll enjoy using your pieces for a different purpose.

7. Infuse your personality into the tablescape

When you’re creating your tablescape, be sure and put yourself into it. Let it be a reflection of yourself.

If you love simple, modern design, then create a tablescape that reflects that look. Or if you are loud and colorful, make a tablescape that’s bold with lots of bright colors.

When you’re first creating tablescapes, don’t try to do something that isn’t you. It won’t feel right, you won’t like creating it, and you won’t appreciate it.

8. Accessorize your tablescape

Why would you accessorize a tablescape and what do I mean by that?

I’m referring to the little elements in a tablescape. The small details that really make the tablescape complete. Often the filler items.

After you add all of the large items to the table: the vase, the candle holders, and the decorations, there are probably holes or spaces that feel bare. That’s where you need to accessorize.

New Years Eve table overhead — The crystals are the accessories on this tablescape.

Think of your dining table as your living room. Unless you are ultra-minimalist, you have more than a couch, coffee table, and tv. You have small decor items around the room. Those are accessories. The small items that make the room comfortable.

What small items can you add to your tablescape to complete the overall look and theme?

9. Review the completed tablescape from every angle

Once your tablescape is done, step back and look at it. Look at it from every angle. You’ll probably notice that one side has more detail than the other. Or that one section is very bare, whereas another section is overdone.

That’s common. When you’re first creating a tablescape, you will probably stand in one place and work on the layout of everything. So that area will look great, but the other areas might be lacking.

Don’t worry about it, that’s why you review it from different angles, so you can make those minor tweaks and changes. Then your tablescape will look fabulous from every direction!

When you keep these 9 tips for creating a tablescape in mind, your tablescape will look fantastic and you’ll be proud of your creation.

Then after doing a few tablescapes, step out of your comfort zone. You’ll have learned what you like and what you don’t.

Have fun learning how to create a tablescape!

9 Tips for Creating a Tablescape