Are you wondering how or where to find inspiration for your tablescape?
Are you totally baffled about how to start styling your table setting?
Like a deer in headlight?
Staring at the walls, at the table, at the sky? Hoping inspiration will strike.
Like a freak’n lightning bolt.
I TOTALLY get it!
So often I have a party or get-together that I need to create a tablescape but am utterly stumped on where to start.
It’s SO frustrating!
That’s when I need to look for a source of inspiration.
That one thing I’ll use as a launching point for my tablescape. Something to get me started.
From my experience, there are many sources for table setting inspiration.
I wanna share with you the 7 primary ways/places where to find inspiration for your tablescape.
They work for me, and I bet they’ll work for you, too.
Where to Find Inspiration for Your Tablescape
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. I may get commissions (at no cost to you) for purchases made through these links. You can read my full disclosure for more details.
1. Look to nature for your table setting inspiration
Nature is a wonderful source of inspiration for tablescapes. You can take a stroll through a park, around your neighborhood, or even in your backyard.
Look at the colors of the flowers and leaves.
The branches, bark, and berries.
Nature creates beautiful color combinations.
Like the roses below. The soft yellow base with a faint orange edge around the petals. This would be a stunning color combination for a tablescape.
Or look at the trees and shrubs. What greens and browns are they? Some even have a grey-colored bark.
There’s a reason we find nature to be so stunning.
The colors.
Nature can also influence the type of tablescape to create.
If you’re inspired by the flowers, consider a floral themed table setting. Or if you’re loving a tree that’s just beginning to bud, maybe a table setting using mostly rattan or wicker pieces.
2. Find a color that “speaks” to you
Do you have a favorite color? Or one that totally “speaks” to you?
Use that color as inspiration for your tablescape.
Maybe create a table with various shades of purple with a bit of white or ivory to ground it.
Or combine your favorite color with a complimenting color.
Take a look around and figure out what color combination you’re drawn to then use those as inspiration for your table setting.
I often decide on a color theme for my table as a launching point, because I get excited about the color(s). And excitement drives creativity.
If you aren’t thrilled about the colors you’ll be using, you won’t be happy with your tablescape.
3. Stores are a wonderful source of inspiration for your tablescape
Have a mental block on what you should do for your tablescape?
Go to the mall.
Walk through Target, Home Goods, or World Market.
Or check out specialty boutique stores.
They always have tabletop displays. (That’s what helps sell their products. People need to see the pieces being used.)
Look at the dishes they’re using, or how they’ve set the table.
If there’s something you really like ~ copy it!
4. Check out blogs (like mine) for ideas
Blogs (like this one) are great resources for inspiration when it comes to tablescaping.
Search the web for tablescape themes.
See what they’ve posted and how they styled their table.
No two table settings look exactly the same.
5. Select a design style you want to incorporate
Think of your interior decor.
What style is it
What design style(s) are you drawn to?
Maybe you like the farmhouse decor. Like the one below.
Or maybe you’re more of a mid-century modern style.
Or grand millennial style is more your vibe.
Or maybe you just wanna try a style that isn’t you, but you still enjoy.
Whatever the style, incorporate those elements onto your table and try to emulate the look into your tablescape.
6. Pinterest & social media have a wealth of inspiring ideas
Pinterest and Instagram are two social media platforms that are perfect for finding inspiration for your next tablescape.
You can create a mood board on Pinterest or save posts on Instagram for future reference.
They’re a wonderful wealth of visual ideas and a wonderful way to save those ideas for later.
Which is what most of us need.
We need to “see” it. To have that visual clarity of how it can look.
I often use Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram for visual inspiration.
Plus, it’s SO FUN to see what others create!
7. Let the tableware (dishes & tablecloth) inspire your table setting
If you’re struggling to know where to start with your tablescape, a beautiful tablecloth or fabulous plate can be a great source of inspiration. Either one can set the tone for a table.
When you have/find a piece you love, use the colors for your table setting. Or use the design as a source of inspiration.
Think about how you can integrate elements to match and work with your plate or tablecloth.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things to create a unique and memorable table setting for your guests or family. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.
Other similar posts:
- How to Determine Which Plates to Buy
- Is it Better to Store Drinking Glasses Up or Down?
- Are Tablecloths Old-Fashioned?
- 5 Easy Centerpieces with Candles
- 7 Tricks to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer
- How to Mix Colors & Patterns on a Table
- How to Create a Centerpiece in 3 Simple Steps
- List of 13 Must-Have Table Setting Pieces
- 7 Reasons Why You Should Use Cloth Napkins Everyday
I love a beautiful table! Thank you for these tips!
Thank you! Glad you found them helpful.