Tips & Tricks for an Elevated Tablescape

Tablescape designed by Victoria Nadler of Amber Sol Collective for legendary singer Cher’s recent FreetheWild Charity Dinner at her Malibu home.

Photo: Courtesy Schaffer LA

There is nothing quite like the memories shared after spending time with family and friends - whether it’s a celebratory occasion such as a graduation, anniversary, birthday or an impromptu al fresco dinner party. The possibilities for gatherings are as endless as the decor.

From weddings to bat mitzvahs and other social celebrations to film and tv wrap parties and celebrity charity dinners, we consider ourselves experts when it comes to what makes a memorable event……and it goes beyond culinary genius creations. Leveling up an event means creating an entire look and feel, or what people call a vibe these days. For our big production events we go all out with lighting, entertainment, specialty furniture, red carpets and more. However, one way you can create an extraordinary scene for your next get together, even at home, is through a beautiful and interesting tablescape.

What is a tablescape? For starters, it extends beyond each place setting to also include the arrangement of a table including all things glassware, serveware, china, napkins, flowers, candlesticks, tablecloths, place cards, menus and more. A carefully crafted tablescape adds a layer of innovative artistry to any event making a perfect backdrop for a night/day to remember. A host of compelling visual elements at each seat placement enhances and complements the ingenuity of the food served.  

You might think awe-inspiring tablescapes can only be achieved by magazine stylists, culinary geniuses or design experts, but we’re excited to tell you, that’s simply not true. By following a few mindful tips and tricks, you too can achieve a wide spectrum of tablescapes that elevate the aesthetic of your next affair without breaking the bank. 

Creating Table-Top Intrigue

• The Power of Textures and Colors: Merriam-Webster defines texture as “the visual or tactile surface characteristics and appearance of something." Touch is one of our primary senses. The perceived feel of an item or surface informs how we experience a space. Incorporating tablecloths with textures such as lace, macrame and embroidered details creates visual elements that complement the color and design of the plates and silverware you choose to use. 

• Utilizing Nature Elements As Decoration: Consider keeping things fresh by adorning your table with flowers, house plants, foliage, seashells, etc. - the options are endless! Create a luscious and sprawling arrangement of seasonal flowers along the length of the table. Using a mix of foliage and blooms adds texture and depth. This personal touch also adds a unique touch to the table creating a connection between the dining experience and a natural world setting. 

• Mismatched Ceramics, Plates and Candles: Up the intrigue and wow-factor by mixing and matching your dinner plates, ceramics and candles instead of sticking to traditional matching sets. For example, mix bold colors with muted ceramics. This adds visual variety and a design narrative that lets you showcase your creativity to guests. 

Pro tip: Keep the rest of your elements on the table such as cutlery and glassware consistent at each place setting to avoid overloading the table with different styles. 

• Preparation leads to Perfection: Lastly, take all your elements on a trial run and remember it's okay to make edits along the way. We conduct at least two tests prior to any event. This allows us time to check if the vision we saw in our mind is brought to life. Furthermore, we highly recommend that you create your tablescape in advance. This will give you time to make any adjustments and allows you to focus on the menu or any other last-minute details. 

After sharing these expert tips, we hope you feel more confident unleashing your creativity when designing an elevated tablescape. Soon, you will be well on your way to earning the title of hostess with the mostest.