Creating a Tablescape
If you are hoping to give your party a bit of a “wow” factor, try having party elements condensed into one table in what we refer to as a “tablescape.” If you are hosting a seated meal, focus on a carrying the theme to the dining table with a centerpiece or place setting with a favor and/or place card. If you are hosting a more causal affair, decorated snack or dessert tables are a fun way to go. Check out these examples of beautiful tablescapes that celebrate each party theme.
Dessert tables seem to be the most common and fun place (especially if you are sweet tooth like me) to create a tablescape. We typically style them in an area where there is a table against a plain backdrop where a banner or centerpiece poster can be placed. On the table we often use painted wooden crates to make the display visible and have height/dimension. The crates can be purchased at Joann or Michael’s craft stores and can be painted any color with acrylic craft paint. I use white and grey painted crates most often and have them in several different sizes. They can also be used underneath the tablecloth for a more elegant look.
If you shop at Joann or Michael’s be sure to use their apps for store coupons. There are often 40% off one item or 20% off the entire purchase coupon to offset the markup.
We typically utilize an attention grabbing and themed element placed in the center of the tablescape. This is often the cake or a themed party sign. From there, we place additional elements on the table, aiming for both sides to be relatively symmetrical, which is pleasing to the eye. Banners, tissue paper puffs, or balloons can be hung along the top of the plain backdrop. I often like to layer banners, with different colors or textures, and do my best to incorporate the name and/or age of the person being celebrated.
On the table, I often use lidded apothecary jars with candy or snacks, as well as larger trays of food. I add color coordinating ribbon or cut-out paper elements to jars to tie into the theme. Sometimes the snacks or sweet treats have a cute label that corresponds with the theme, such as the mini chocolate donuts laid out on a platter and labeled “spare tires.”
Printed or colored fabric can tie the theme and color scheme together. We often use white platters and glass apothecary jars filled with color coordinated candies or treats to carry out this look. Another option is a framed photo or two of the individual or couple the party is celebrating. This is also an opportunity to pull in decor pieces, like candle holders, textured trinkets, or greenery already in your home. For a more mature party/group, incorporating fresh flowers always works! In the end, the tablescape should always reflect your own sense of style.
One of my preferences is to use linens. I recognize that the party store sells lots of inexpensive colorful plastic table clothes and they are easy to cleanup, but I really do think having fabric tablecloths makes any event a touch classier. Also, I find that fabric photographs a lot better, as it lacks the shiny finish. Tablecloths don’t have to be expensive. These table linens are affordable, come in a variety of colors, are easy to launder, and can be used over and over. This size is for a basic banquet table, but alternative sizes are available.
On the other hand, Cindy has a beautiful rustic wood dining room table and lovely white kitchen island. She often styles these scapes without linens and they look lovely. Either option looks much nicer than plastic, and you are avoiding creating extra waste, which is important to us!
Most of my parties start with white or black linens. I then add color accents though fabric table runners and bright colored napkins. I love searching for inexpensive patterned fabric. I have had success at JoAnn Fabrics and Hobby Lobby, but if you have the time, check out some of the designer collections on Fabric.com. I have my eye on is Cotten + Steel Rifle Paper Co. collection and the vintage look of the Michael Miller Fabric collection. Andover Fabric has some adorably cheery Eric Carle prints just asking to be used at a kids party! When selecting a print, I tend to gravitate to a more simplistic prints: stripes chevrons, swiss cross, polka dot, or trellis designs that contain one color with white, but you could use a floral, or themed print as well. If you make that choice, I suggest making the tablescape less busy so the print gets more attention from the eye.
If I have purchased napkins, plates, or snack boxes that work with the theme or color scheme, I add them to the front of the table where they can be accessed.
To actually build the tablescape, I start with a layout of different serving pieces, since much of the tablescape will be food items that need to be up front and won’t get set out until shortly before the party. Sometimes I don’t get the layout right on the first try. If it doesn’t “wow” me, I move things around to make the table more balanced in space and color. There are times when I have too much in my plan and find it looks better if I pull a few pieces off the table and move them to another area of the party. Finishing touches are sometimes decor pieces to pull from around my home, like framed photos, plants, or candles. I love the satisfaction I feel when it all comes together!
