We asked stylist, maker and all-around cool cat Andrea Ford of Re:Style Studio for her tips on creating a beautiful tablescape without breaking the bank (or pulling your hair out).
No one said you had to be [insert fancy home decor influencer here]. But if you think setting a souped-up table for the holiday season (or any special occasion, really) might make you happy (we basically try not to do things that don’t make us happy, FYI), give it a shot. It doesn’t have to be perfect, or cost a lot of money. Don’t believe us? Read on for tips and tricks you can totally handle (but only if you want to!).
Big picture
Establish a theme and carry it through. It could be as simple as a two- to three-colour combo to complement your room decor, or go iconic with key items of the season: pumpkins for fall, snowflakes for winter or nutcrackers for holiday.
Linen layers
Does anyone own traditional tablecloths anymore? Grab some fun textiles at the fabric store and hem them up with fusible (iron-on) hem tape. Add a runner for a centre of the table focus and add texture to each place setting with woven placemats.
Be centred
Before you crowd out your food, have an idea how you’ll serve your meal: family-style dishes on the table? Or will plates be served from the kitchen or a side buffet? If space is an issue, hang lightweight greenery or ornaments from your overhead light fixture and elevate the focus. Think outside the usual floral to objects and colours that represent your occasion.
Another space saver is multiple small centrepieces gathered together in varying heights for a curated look. Combine puff-style, single-bloom mums in glass yogurt and jam jars and nestle with some cedar branches. Accent with tea lights—either battery-powered or real flames—for a little warmth.
Light levels
From tapers to pillar candles, tea lights or vases of led fairy lights, adding a glow to your table makes it special. Battery operated versions can read orange, so do some homework if you opt for a flameless light.
Guest list
Everyone feels special when they arrive to a place card (when we're allowed to have guests again!). Have fun with painted kids’ figurines holding a name tag, or use gift tags tied to a napkin. Washi tape folded over a toothpick makes a stand up place card popped into an appy.
Post image: Elly Fairytale/Pexels