A couple of years ago I gave a tablescaping workshop for one of my garden clubs. I thought it would be fun to revisit my notes and handout and share these with you. This is the time of year when we start thinking about the holidays, gathering closer our families, more entertaining, and heightening of our home decorating.

First, think about the basics of tablescaping. Second, don’t be afraid to mix faux and real. Third, use what you love. Fourth, when decorating, choose objects and pieces that can easily transition from fall to holiday (see some ideas below). Fifth, can I use the “beauty and function” principle, will it be beautiful as well as useful in my space.

Here are some of my ideas and suggestions to get you started.

Tablescaping Ideas

 

“Simplicity is the best elegance.” Tablescaping is the art of decorating your table with your personal signature, and for the pleasure of sharing and bring joy to others.

 

Basics:

Know and start with your style. Classic, Country, Eclectic, Modern, Rustic, Traditional, etc.

 

Find your theme. What do you collect, what do you love.

What types of pieces can bring interest to your table and hold materials.  Baskets, Brass, Ceramics, Copper, Crystal, Ironstone, Mercury Glass, Pewter, Silver, Transferware, Wood Pieces, etc.

 

Use pieces that can do double duty and easily transition autumn into holiday.  Antlers, Burlap and Burlap Ribbon is your best friend, Magnolia Leaves, Whole Nuts, Moss, Tabletop Topiaries, Pomegranates, Pinecones, Silver, White Pumpkins.

 

What is your color palette, and color accents?  Blue, Brown, Green, Grey, Gold, Neutral, Pastels, Red, etc.

 

Use what you have. What is in your garden and on your property? What might your neighbor share with you? What have you collected over the years? What do you have which can be re-purposed?

 

Include an element for a pleasant surprise. Something unexpected that might evoke a smile.

 

Keep in mind your intention, menu and presentation of food. Buffet style, formal sit down, or simply a pretty vignette that creates a mood. Elevate serving pieces when using buffet style.

 

Step-by-Step Flow

1)    Place your tablecloth, table runner, antique shawl, etc. on your flat surface. Select neutrals easily carry into different seasons.

2)    Place your desired theme or objects in place.

3)    Start layering your tablescape by filling your theme.

4)    Continue to layer with smaller objects.

5)    Add accent color, glitter, and glow.

6)    Remember simplicity, and less is sometimes more.

7)    Transitioning from autumn to holiday is as simple as using neutral table runners, tablecloths, and pieces that double duty. Take out autumn pieces that don’t, and add in your favorite holiday choices.

Autumn Suggestions

 

Setting the Mood. Carolyn Roehm says “Texture is the preeminent design feature in fall.” Fall is all about abundance and warm tones.

 

Branches

Eucalyptus branches and berries, Dried Kiwi Vines, Lemon leaves, Grapevines, Magnolia Branches and Leaves, Olive Tree Branches, Smoke Tree Burgundy, Pink Pepperberry Stems, Pyracanthus Branches and Berries.

 

Foliage

Acacia, Cypress, Dried Leaves, Juniper, Privet and Berries.

 

Flowers

Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, Ornamental Millet, Roses and Rose Hips, Sunflowers.

 

Dried

Bark Pieces, Indian Ornamental Corn, Ornamental Grasses, Hydrangeas, Seedpods, Wheat. 

 

Fruit

Apples, Clementine, Figs, Kumquats, Oranges, Pears, Passion Fruit, Persimmons, Pomegranates.

 

Nuts

Chestnuts, Hazelnuts, Walnuts, Macadamia Nuts.

 

Gourds, Pumpkins, Squash

All kinds, colors, and shapes.

 

Miscellaneous

Antlers, Baskets, Burlap Material & Ribbon, Candles, Copper Pieces, Feathers, Plaid Material & Ribbon, Pine Cones, Silver.

 

 

 

Holiday Suggestions

 

Setting the Mood. Holidays are about anticipation, celebration, glow, glitter, heartfelt giving, and joy.

 

Foliage

Boxwood, Juniper, Magnolia Branches, Tabletop Topiaries, Pine Branches, Privet Branches,

 

 

Flowers & Bulbs

Amaryllis, Dusty Miller, Paper whites, Poinsettias, Star Hydrangeas, White Chrysanthemums.

 

Fruits

Whole Cranberries, Dried Pomegranates, Oranges.

 

Nuts

Chestnuts, Hazelnuts, Walnuts.

 

Objects:

Beeswax Candles and Figurines, Candles, Crowns, Ornaments, Santos, Strands of Pearls.

 

Pine Cones

Natural, Colored, Glittered.

I would love to hear how you decorate for fall into the holidays, and your favorite tablescaping ideas. Please share.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie