Table setting is its own form of artwork. From designing a beautiful place setting and onto selecting fresh flowers for stunning floral arrangements, it all comes back to the little details. There are 7 key things that go into setting a beautiful table and this guide on how to create a magazine worthy tablescape covers them all.
Needing more tablescape inspiration? Learn how to set a whimsical Christmas tablescape or how to set a spring Instagram-worthy tablescape in a few of my other posts.
Southern Living Magazine Inclusion
I am so happy to share that these tips I am sharing with you today come from first-hand experience. I was recently chosen to be featured in Southern Living Magazine for my own personal magazine-worthy table settings.
Thank you so much Southern Living Magazine. I am so grateful for the opportunity you presented.
To see my feature, click here.
Now, before we dive into how to put together a beautifully set table, you will first need to evaluate what type of tablescape you need. For instance, do you need a smaller setting for an intimate dinner party? Or do you need to create something for a larger event such as a holiday meal with family members?
Once you have decided on how big your table needs to be, you can go ahead and flip through the following tips for setting a beautiful table.
How to Create a Magazine-Worthy Tablescape
1. Put Together Stand Out Tiny Details
When we had guests over, I always make it a point to create a lovely atmosphere. My key tip is pretty simple: pay attention to the small details.
One of the first things that will stand out about your table is the effort you put into the table. Your guests will absolutely be able to tell how much work you put in via noticing the tiny details round the table.
It’s the little things, like a posy of flowers on a plate or a handwritten place card, that make it feel personal.
2. Mix Old and New
Mix old and new pieces for a charming setting. This doesn’t have to strictly involve tableware, either. Incorporate antique larger items, such as a silver water pitcher, to really stand out.
For this tablescape, I used a D’Ascoli tablecloth with cheery blue stripes that was then complemented by Herend dessert plates, vintage milk glass goblets, tortoiseshell flatware, wicker placemats, and rattan-wrapped tumblers. The goal is to add whimsy to the setting, avoiding a stuffy feel.
3. Make it Personal
Incorporate name cards with calligraphy similar to these ones by J.Noel Design. I love using name cards to make each place setting personal because it is such an easy way to do so.
Rather than waiting until the departure moment to distribute favors, I also prepare by placing a small gift box at each guest’s spot.
Here I adorned them with sprigs of greenery and glamorous ribbons and they worked seamlessly to become a part of the overall decor, adding a festive touch to each place setting.
It’s a thoughtful way to engage guests and integrate the gift-giving experience into the aesthetics of the event.
4. Lean Into Your Theme
I love fully leaning into the theme of my table. I often use a variety of textures to enliven the color palette and have so much fun doing so. I always aim to evoke a sense of softness to really make that magazine-worthy tablescape pop.
Using the featured table as an example, you can see that I did so by adorning each feathered place mat with a pair of white plates adorned with lace-like designs and an embroidered napkin secured with satin ribbon.
To counterbalance the white-on-white scheme and prevent it from feeling stark or cold, delicate flowers such as anemones, tulips, and paperwhites were thoughtfully included, adding a touch of sweetness to the overall setting.
Keep similar ideas in mind when piecing together your own centerpiece.
5. Create a Statement Centerpiece
Create a captivating centerpiece that serves as the focal point. This could be a floral arrangement, a collection of candles, or an artful display that aligns with your theme.
Personally, I adore a floral visual interest such as dried Limelight hydrageas for fall tablescapes or deep red roses for a holiday tablescape.
You can, however, create simple centerpieces using taper candles in beautiful candle stick holders.
6. Incorporate Natural Elements
Bring in natural elements such as greenery, flowers, or seasonal foliage. These elements not only add freshness but also contribute to the overall aesthetic.
Natural items can be used all around your tablescape. For example, some small pinecones might look lovely when tied into the napkin ring for a winter feel.
7. Layer Your Textures
Introduce a variety of textures through linens, dinnerware, and decorative elements. Layering textures adds depth and sophistication to the table.
You can see in my example that I brought this tip to life by layering each place setting with decorative elements that helped each one of them stand out.
Remember to stick to your color scheme so that everything meshes well together.
Other Hosting Tips for a Magazine-Worthy Dinner
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, the table is not the only thing you should focus on when putting together a dinner party or similar event. You must keep in mind the entirety of the atmosphere.
Let’s start with the ambiance. How is your event going to be lit? Are you using overhead lighting, lamps, or candles? I always suggest soft light for dinner parties.
If you are holding the event strictly in your dining area, you can easily bring in an assortment of lamps and decorate the table with candles to provide that soft glow.
Now for the food. Where will you be serving food from? Will there be anything on the table, such as bread plates? Or will everything remain on the kitchen island?
What about smell? If you are wanting to centralize the smell of your home/event space for the occasion, consider fragrances that match the theme or season.
For example, something that evokes the crisp smell of fall might be perfect for the autumn season or a Thanksgiving themed table where as some fresh lavender throughout the room would be perfect for a spring tablescape.
I hope you enjoyed reading through this list of simple tips on how to create a magazine-worthy tablescape!
Remember these are my top tips to keep your mind at ease when planning and hosting your next event. If you take one thing from this post, I hope it’s that keeping the small details front of mind will lead to a beautiful, magazine-worthy tablescape every time.