Making a memorable table design is an art in its own right. Every detail is an opportunity to reflect the guests, the occasion and the environment. Think: personalized details, fresh flowers and just-right lighting -- plus a few playful surprises. While no two tablescapes need to be the same, there’s a formula for achieving the expert aesthetic. We tapped some of the best in the biz for their three tips to create the perfect tablescape. 

Bronson van Wyck, Co-Founder, Van Wyck & Van Wyck


Aquazurra, Courtesy of BFA

Guests love to see themselves – whether it’s their photo tagged on social media, their reflection in a mirror, or even just their own name beautifully written on an elegant place card. In an age of personalization think about how you can take this to the next level. Sometimes I embroider the initials of my guests onto napkins, which I then use as place cards. Guests can take them home as well.

I love greenery and I especially love magnolia. It’s a traditional symbol of hospitality in the South, and the leaves look just as great dried as they do freshly cut, so it’s not a one-and-done purchase. The combination of deep green and brown and gold is a perfect palette for holiday decorating. You get a lot of bang for your buck, because they work for Thanksgiving as well as Christmas.


Holiday Table, Courtesy of Van Wyck & Van Wyck

The easiest least expensive way to add drama to the dinner table is to light some candles. You can never have too many. For a warm inviting glow, at least triple what you think you’ll need. Everything and everyone looks amazing by firelight. For the most flattering light, aim for a mix of tapers and votives scattered the length of the table.


Jessica Latham & Amy Griffin, Co-Founders, Social Studies 



Pull from your environment. If you’re hosting an autumnal dinner upstate, decorate with wildflowers or dry tumbleweeds. If you’re throwing a brunch in Palm Springs, gather fresh grapefruits from the garden. Get creative with what you already have.

Mixing high and low is a really good thing in tablescapes. We love to mix high-end brands with lesser-known ones. The mixture helps keep the tablescape from looking too uniform or fussy. 



Work in clusters and odd numbers. A grouping of three votive candles feels more effortless than two symmetrically placed candles. Play with flower arrangements in varying varieties and height so that everything isn’t uniform. This will help create the “I just threw this together” feel that is relaxed and welcoming.


Anne Kuo Hyun, Founder & CEO, BLACK TWINE 
Start with a pattern to bring nuance and depth. Select an interesting patterned runner or tablecloth as the starting point. We love this blue table runner because it has an earthy feel that instantly transports us to the sea. 



Bring in neutrals to balance the pattern. Fill out the table with neutral place settings and dinnerware in white, black, gold or silver in order to balance out the strong pattern and maintain a fresh, modern look. 



Finally, add in fun, unexpected accents. Whimsical accents like these pineapple cups add an element of surprise to the table, making the table design memorable for guests.


Lucinda Rose Constable, Founder, The Table New York



A colour theme is central to any table design. I opt for either a completely monochrome palette, or crazy contrast. It really depends on the venue. If a space can take colour, then I say more is more! I love using printed napkins in bright hues to add fun pops. 

Layering in different textures will give a tablescape depth. Linen choice is an easy way to achieve this. I personally prefer a washed variety that looks super relaxed and informal, layered with a textured napkin, a heavy weight menu card and varieties of florals. It's the details the count, a tassel on a placecard, or an embossed menu. People remember the details. 



Proportion is everything when looking at a well thought out table. Varying heights can be created with elegant long tapered candles, shorter florals and a floor grazing table cloth. The main rule for me is you must be able to see your guest across the table!


Gill Hockett, Founder, Gill Hockett Design



Try a hanging garden above the table, with a minimal tablescape reflecting the elements above, along with candle lighting and a runner or table cloth. The candles can be tapers and votives, I like to use both. If outdoors, put the candle in a hurricane. 

I like to do a mixture of seasonal fruits or vegetables, with a few objects that are meaningful to either myself or my clients, along with fresh florals in a favorite container. Again, always accompanied with candle lighting. 



Always use a nice linen napkin, and have some fun with your colors and textures. A great napkin goes a long way.