The Art of Dressing a Perfect Table: A How to Guide

Setting a beautiful table is an art form that we can all create at home and can elevate any occasion, be it an intimate dinner party or a grand celebration. In this guide, we explore various occasions and provide step-by-step instructions on how to style a perfect table using our stunning artisanal pieces.

Choose a theme that suits the occasion, such as a formal black-tie affair or a romantic candlelit dinner. Consider the season, personal preferences, and the atmosphere you want to create.

We like to design each of our tablecloths to be its own masterpiece - to be so beautiful that it could be hung up in a gallery. However, a closet will also do. Our stunning range of linen is varied enough to make sure that you can pick and choose your very own capsule - ranging from cool and contemporary to timeless and sophisticated. Opt for a neutral-coloured tablecloth to create a timeless and sophisticated look. Experiment with textures and patterns for a more unique and artistic touch. But most importantly, go with your heart. Pick the one that makes your heart sing - you really can’t go wrong with that.

Consider the colour palette of your table setting and choose complementary or contrasting hues. Mix and match different patterns and textures for added visual interest. There are so many options out there to match any, and all, your needs. 

The right glassware can elevate your table in an instant. Consider what the occasion calls for. Opt for crystal-clear glasses to showcase the colour and effervescence of your chosen beverages. Ensure you have enough glassware for each course, including water glasses and additional wine glasses & champagne coups, of course.

Napkins add some extra refinement to any tablescape. Fold the napkins creatively or use napkin rings to add a personalised touch. Consider using placemats to add texture and visual interest.

Illuminate the table with candles or candlesticks. Place votive candles in glass holders or use elegant glass candelabras for a dramatic effect. Adjust the lighting to create a warm and intimate atmosphere.

 

Choose a bright and airy colour palette to reflect the daytime ambiance.

Use charming plates and bowls in vibrant patterns. Mix and match colourful and patterned dinnerware to create a playful and eclectic look. Consider using colourful glassware for a casual touch.

Use fresh flowers or potted plants as centrepieces, placed in decorative vases. Incorporate natural elements like branches or small fruits for a whimsical touch.

Use colourful coasters or place cards to add individuality and charm. Consider using mismatched vintage cutlery for a quirky and relaxed feel.

The world slows down when you set a beautiful table, whether it’s simply done or a maximalist masterpiece for the senses. It’s a wonderful way of expressing ourselves and tapping into our creative side. Laying the table is an easy art form and it’s a landscape for families to reconnect with each other. You’ve brought people together for a reason, everything about the occasion is for you and them to enjoy, together. No matter how beautiful the table is though, if your guests aren’t sitting comfortably, you’re not going to achieve their full attention. Always use seat pads with ample cushioning and have blankets to hand as night falls, so that you and your guests can sit and talk for hours.

Just as you consider how you lay the table, placement of the table itself, is equally as crucial. Does gravel or grass cover your chosen spot? If the former, we would suggest laying down a rug or two. The idea is to create a setting where your guests will feel comfortable and content – a setting where they’ll feel encouraged to kick off their shoes, feel more relaxed and want to sit and talk together for hours. Sitting at the end of the garden and looking back at the house, arguably is the best spot.

Place your table beneath a favourite tree in the garden for a readymade, pretty leafy canopy. Watch the shadows dance across the table as the sun moves across the sky – they create the most beautiful effect and movement on an otherwise motionless table, perfect for languorous dining. A tree is perfect for hanging lights too, picture the gentle twinkling as dusk takes hold. 

The tablecloth is a must-have for any table, inside or out. It’s the canvas to the conversation. It’s such a simple thing, to unfurl the linen over your table but its effect is substantial – your guests will appreciate the effort. To combat gusts of wind too, invest in tablecloth weights.

There’s a preconceived notion that outdoor dining is instantly less formal, but it can be as special and as elevated as you like. Every meal with your family and friends should be an occasion so choose your favourite, most cherished pieces if that’s what you really want to do.

Whilst a beautiful tablecloth and linens set the tone for entire table, flowers bring the scene to life. Perhaps you prefer a statement centrepiece that’s bursting with blooms, or a series of smaller bud vases scattered happily down the middle of the table. That way, your view of the person opposite and vice versa, isn’t obscured.

As with flowers, fresh herbs placed last minute on the table, will create a layered, multi-sensory experience for your guests. Consider the cuisine you are serving and choose complementing herbs so that the table comes to live via sight and scent.

The table should be beautiful but it’s not necessarily about a big, stylised event, it’s about the moment. The table is about coming together and connection, its where life and all its big decisions and conversations happen. Put a playlist on, we prefer classical, and remember to enjoy it and to live every nuance of the occasion.

Put simply, to dress a perfect table, begin with quality linen as your foundation. Coordinate dinnerware and glassware with complementary colours and patterns. Enhance the atmosphere with the warm glow of candles and add a beautiful floral centrepiece. Prioritise guest comfort and savour every moment of joyous dining.