Impress your guests with some simple tips for the perfect tablescape

Are you the person that spends hours preparing the table to wow guests, or do you simply not see what the fuss is all about?

Aug 23, 2024

This weekend, here in the UK, is the last bank holiday weekend (at least until Christmas). The weather is looking promising, so it’s the perfect excuse for entertaining and making the most of the last few weeks of summer.

I may be overly ambitious on the hope of an Indian summer. However, at least here in Suffolk, we have been blessed over the last few weeks with some gorgeous warm weather, late into the evening. Just last week, temperatures were still 23°C at 11.00pm, which is my idea of heaven. I hope these kind of temperatures will continue into the latter part of September.

I know it’s not for everyone, and our two Beagles (Dizzee and Rascal) would certainly prefer it to be a few degrees cooler. However we just don’t have enough gorgeous weather, in the UK, to complain about it being too hot . We’re a nation of complainers; we moan when it’s cold, many moan about the heat and no one really likes the rain. Neither do I want to be wishing the weeks away to cooler temperatures and shorter days.

Over recent years, I’ve really embraced the changing of the seasons. I’m very much a summer baby, but the transition from summer into autumn, and even autumn into winter (especially as I love Christmas), I really do cherish. However, the longer the summer months can last, the easier it is to cope with the winter months. Sadly this year the summer has been extremely short, even for us Brits!

Anyhow, I’ve digressed slightly….

This weekend we will be hosting our annual Pre-Birthday Summer Party. It’s a small soirée, of around 25 guests, although in reality, it’s just an excuse to consume copious amounts of alcohol and more likely than not, result in a random selection of drinking games into the early hours!

So, I’m sure you can appreciate for these kind of occasions a tablescape isn’t really appropriate.

Popping a pot of chilli on the table, alongside any delights my other half has rustled up on the BBQ with a bowl of salad and allowing everyone to just help themselves is more the case.

Before I share my simple tips in creating the perfect tablescape to impress your guests, I really enjoyed reading a post last week by

Sally Hurman

on Excellent Entertaining. Sally’s summary of there being two types of people when it comes to tablescaping is spot on!

I think the world is made up of two types of person with a slight crossover in between.
The person who takes HOURS planning and laying a table and takes huge joy in the whole creative process
The person who doesn’t. The table is merely a surface to put a plate on and the cutlery lives in the drawer.

I’m completely with Sally on this one. For 360 days of the year I am definitely person 2. However, if we’re hosting a more intimate occasion, having a small group of friends round for dinner, I can’t wait to get polishing the fancy wine glasses and spending hours arranging the table layout.

For more intimate occasions, I do like to make more of an effort and find these simple tips really helpful to follow:

01: Setting the scene

Decide on your colour theme. Choosing a timeless theme means you can re-use throughout the year, whatever the occasion. Adding accessories is a more cost-effective way to add a seasonal twist to your tablescape, rather than going all out on a theme you may not use again.

Once you’ve decided on your colour theme, it’s time to layer up your table. Start with the table linen, which will become the backdrop for your display, followed by tableware and then finish with the decorative elements.

The general rule is to follow the “rule of three” for each place setting.

1: Start with your placemat.

2: Add the dinner plate.

3: Finish with the top plate.

The decorative elements of your napkins and cutlery can then be added alongside the glassware, and any other accessories you chose to add.

Top tip: If you prefer a neutral colour theme, you can add elements of colour with your choice of accessories such as napkins, candles and flowers.

Adding a personal touch such as handwritten place cards or a personalised menu, is a thoughtful touch that your guests will love.

a table set for a formal dinner with place settings — Photo by Silvia Mara on Unsplash

02: Add a seasonal touch

Seasonal hand-cut flowers, foliage or sprigs of herbs are perfect ways to add a seasonal touch.

Displaying flowers on the table as a centre piece for that real “wow” factor to a more simplistic approach with placing jam jars with hand-cut flowers from the garden, to tucking a rosemary spring into your napkins are perfect, simple seasonal touches that can be added to your tablescape.

Share your appreciation for as little as £3.50 a month or subscribe to an annual membership for just £35 for the year.

Become a paid member

03: Mix and match

You’re tablescape doesn’t have to be all matching with your best china. A fabulous way to add an element of fun is to combine old with new.

Pop over to your local charity or vintage shops, dig out your car boot finds. You’ll be amazed at what bargains you can pick up. It’s a great way to add character to your table, as well as bringing some love back to those old vintage finds.

assorted-color ceramic plates and saucers — Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

04: Keep it simple

Final tip; don’t overcrowd your table!

The last thing you want is for your guests to be worried about knocking something over as they’re reaching out to top up their glass.

As they say, less is more.

white ceramic plates — Photo by Nadia Valko on Unsplash

Do you have any plans for hosting this weekend? If you do, I’d love to hear if you’ve found any of my tips useful.

Impress your guests with some simple tips for the perfect tablescape

Are you the person that spends hours preparing the table to wow guests, or do you simply not see what the fuss is all about?

Discussion about this post