How to Build Creative Tablescapes

Time for Tablescapes. What is that? Spell check does not even recognize the word. It basically means decorating the table or arranging objects on a table for interest or décor.

Let start small with KIDS TABLES. Every family seems to have one. Make their table fun for them. It can tie into your theme or colors, but be all about them. Some ideas to consider:

1_Cover the table in brown craft paper and put markers out. Get them started by drawing shapes for them to color in, or draw frames on the paper for them to make a picture in.

2_Do a gingerbread table, or a small wrapped actual gift in front of each place setting.

For the BIG KIDS TABLES there are some great ways to get the wow. Think beyond your china and regular place settings, but don’t forget to incorporate them into the look. You don’t have to have a theme, but you at least need to at least go for a “look”. In other words, plan ahead.

For my recent Lee Douglas Party, I decided I wanted to use our colors of black, gold and white. I wanted to make it about the employees and about the holiday. I wanted a rich festive fun look, but I didn’t do a “theme” other than Christmas. If you decide you want a theme, here are some fun ones to get you thinking:

• White Christmas Tablescape: Tables with white candles, fake snow or mini marshmallows, white floral, cut out snowflakes or to really get the wow- an ice sculpture.
• Black and White Tablescape: There are so many options here. If you want formal black and white you could do crystal ornaments, white feathers and black candles in elegant candlesticks. If you want a fun black and white, you could do vintage messages on chalkboards, black and white plaid ribbon, Black top hats, miniature trees flocked and loaded with black ornaments, stripe clay pots with black and white strips and put green trees, wreaths and topiaries.
• Modern or Graphic Tablescape: Grab your favorite bold color(s) like royal blue or emerald green or teal and go to town. Modern tablescapes can be bold and bright. Grab anything you like it the Holiday aisle of any craft store and paint them. Nutcrackers, wooden ornaments, vases, pinecones, wings, etc. Line them up on the table and wrap boxes in the same color paper to get some highs and lows. For chargers use lacquered black, throw in a splash of fresh greens and you’re in!
• Rustic Country Christmas Tablescape: Wrap burlap ribbon one way on the table, securing under and then go the other way in an over under fashion and you’ve just created your country canvas. Add big, aluminum cans with burlap or plaid fabric or ribbon and fill them with pine cones and greens and run them down the table. Add a giant rusted Christmas bell or sleigh bells. Mason jars filled with fake snow, cranberries and topped off with greens always work. For chargers use trunk splices and you’re cozy and country.

There is no limit to themes, colors, or tablescapes ideas.

My Rules for Tablescapes:

1_ Decide what you want your table to say and make sure your menu is matches.

2_ Don’t wait until the day of your party to start the hunt. Begin by gathering and setting up days or weeks in advance. As you lay it out you will see where you need height, interest, filler etc. These lion heads are actually lifts for outdoor pots, but they make a great base for the wood splice and candle.

3_Make sure you keep the line of sight for your guests in consideration. In other words, don’t get too tall with your tablescape, people still like to see each other while talking and eating.

4_Layer with texture, pattern and height.

5_Don’t be scared of size. Large objects can really grab attention if they are balanced correctly.

6_Relax. You got this!