Seasonal Table Styling, Table Setting & Tablescape Tips

Learn 5 simple and effective steps for creating the perfect seasonal table setting or tablescape.

 

The Meaning of Table Setting

''Gather Around, feast and be merry''

Setting a table is like cooking... Usually, it's something that we do as an everyday task, but occasionally, it is much, much more than that. 

A table-setting, if done correctly, can be an entire main event; shaping the atmosphere, experience and memories taken away from your gathering of friends and family.

So read on to get all the tips, tools, and inspiration that you need to make stellar tablescapes! 

 

Seasonal Table Styling

1: 'Shop' Around Your Home

While it's always exciting buying new things for your tabletop, it's also good to have a quick look around with a fresh eye to see what you already have to put to use. 

You never know, maybe some unused candlesticks or faux leaf garlands are hiding - just out of sight, in one of your cupboards!

2: Use Natural Accents & Decor

Whether it's for detailing, choosing the main feature-pieces, or placing the underlying surfaces - using natural materials when table setting will give your entire home an authentic seasonal feel. 

Select the three sections below to expand the details for each:

 

+ Detailing (Click to expand)

For detailing, experiment with:

• Leaves & greenery
• Seasonal flowers
• Branches & pinecones
• Fruit & vegetables
• Nuts & grains

Placing your details: You can either stick to one particular colour-scheme and place all the details symmetrically, or you can choose to go for a more natural style in your arrangement, by scattering your details randomly.

Top Tip: 
No matter which approach you take for arranging your details (symmetric & colour co-ordinated, or natural & random), try to place your details more closely together near the centre of the table, and more sparsely going out towards the edges.

 

 

+ Features & Centrepieces (Click to expand)

When it comes to setting the table, we know a thing or two about striking wooden centrepieces.

While many types of wood can be used, acacia wood is very popular for its vibrant colours and patterns, as well as its incredible durability and ability to be grown sustainably.

Wooden plates can be used as charger plates, to tie a centrepiece together, or even to serve and frame delicious foods and treats. The same goes for bowls and boards.

If you really want to drink in nature, there's nothing quite like drinking, hot or cold, out of a wooden cup!

Finally, you could tie your natural tablescape together with some sleek acacia wood coasters or salt & pepper grinders.

Using wooden tableware will not only impress you and your guests, it's also incredibly practical - which makes it all the more beautiful, in our books.

+ Surfaces (Click to expand)

 

Autumn is arguably the cosiest season, it just seems that way, despite the fact that winter is colder... To that point, it's usually good to go for warmer, more rustic surfaces when deciding on the materials for your table, tablecloth or runner.

Think: antique wooden tables with rustic charm, textured plaid blankets or even slate and other more interior-friendly stone.

3: Use Something Unexpected

We just can't seem to get enough of autumn. Part of this is because nature is full of character, colour and charm at this time of year.

Adding something a little different or unique to your spread, such as a plaid tartan blanket, or even a book with a vintage cover will reflect autumn's natural cosy character. This will make for a much less formal, more welcoming ambiance around your table

4: Mix Patterns & Textures

When you are keeping within a colour scheme, you can definitely combine different patterns to create an attractive spectacle. But...

...if you're going for a variety of colours (such a fruit, nut and leaves basket), try to stick to one pattern.

Or, at the very least, patterns that are very similar to one-another, so as not to create too much visual clutter. 

Using different textures will give your whole spread a lot of depth. Just be mindful, so that you don't over-do it if you don't want to take away from other elements.  

 

5: Master The Art of Hygge Interior Styling

If you have absolutely no idea what hygge is, don't worry... In many ways, hygge shares a lot of characteristics with Feng Shui, or just creating a cozy setting at home using some basic principles and the right materials and colours.

 

+ What is Hygge? (Click to expand)

Hygge is a Danish word used to describe the feeling you get in moments that are cosy, special, or have a unique charm to them.

These moments can be felt anywhere, whether you're inside or outside, alone or with others, at home or in a strange place...

Hygge is more of an overall feeling you get when certain elements work together, rather than being caused by any one particular element.

It's not created by something that one could necessarily point-out, at first glance. In many ways, hygge shares a lot of characteristics with Feng Shui and ASMR. .

+ Table Styling for Hygge (Click to expand)

Autumn is all about these charming, cosy, special (hygge!) moments. Styling your home, and especially setting your table, is all about creating those moments that are cozy, memorable and special.

This is what you want your fall tablescape to evoke. So, create a space where these moments can happen. Throw blankets across each of the chairs to invite your guests to stay and get comfortable...play a relaxing playlist...have lots of cushions!Above all, make sure that your space doesn't feel stuffy or too formal.

Step Up Your Game...

Now that you have some (hopefully) new tips for seasonal table stying, read on to discover 14 awesome centrepiece ideas and take your tablescapes to the next level in all seasons! (Article coming soon).