Tablescape Guidelines

Decor.

Is there anything else that makes quite an impact as much as beautiful table setting when entertaining? Everybody dreams of having the perfect table settings, but just like anything else it takes a little practice, creativity and some basic principles. As most of us don’t have a plethora of different and interesting objects or dishes at our fingertips, we often have to compromise to achieve the look we want.

With a degree in Interior Design, Amber is Hip Hostess’ resident designer. This is lucky for me since I often go to her for advice on the design aspects of our events. Through the years, I have picked up a couple “tricks of the trade” from watching how she designs in numbers, heights and dimensions. It dawned on me that most people don’t have an Amber and it might be helpful to have some guidelines. I hope the below proves helpful when you are having guests over for dinner, planning your centerpieces for your wedding or even when designing your home entryway.


* Select items for your tablescape based on the size and scale of the table surface.

* Select an odd number for your composition; an old rule of thumb is that groupings of 3, 5, 7 or 9 is more pleasing to the eye than even number groupings.

* Layer items, similar to how an artist creates a scene, with a background, middle ground, and foreground .

* Use household objects like hardcover books or boxes as pedestals to elevate objects.

* Use both highs and lows to give dimension and depth

* Vary some of the textural elements in the tablescape - light/dark; shiny/matte; curves/straight lines.


* The most important guideline is to use your own personal treasures, things that inspire you, to create your own tablescape masterpiece.