When dining out in restaurants and cafes became a distant memory in lockdown, people started looking at different ways to brighten up the prospect of yet another meal at home.
Some created their own lavish dinner parties, dressing up as if they were dining out at a high-end establishment.
Others took inspiration from one of Instagram’s fastest growing trends of 2020 – tablescaping – to create beautiful settings for their home suppers. It seemed making a meal out of a meal was one way of making us feel better about not being able to go anywhere.
The trend of sharing photographs of lavishly decorated tables exploded in popularity during lockdown, attracting millions of views. Formerly reserved only for parties and weddings, picture-perfect tables were suddenly groaning with flowers, candles, gorgeous glasses and layer upon layer of beautiful crockery.
Our new-found love of tablescaping shows no sign of waning, either – these days, you can even buy an entire tablescape in a box!
So, with entertaining once more back on the table and our friends and family able to enjoy our elaborate creations in person rather than on Instagram, here are some tips on how to create the perfect tablescape for autumn.
1 - Start with a colour scheme
It’s autumn, so think oranges, reds, golds and rich browns. Try to avoid mixing too many clashing patterns, unless you keep everything in the same colour palette, when it can make a dramatic impression.
2 - Set the tone
Table linen is the backdrop for everything that sits on top of it! If your china is white, a fabulous, patterned tablecloth and napkins will make a strong style statement - or clean white cotton or linen will set off a vibrant colour scheme. If you have a beautiful wood or concrete table you don’t want to cover up, consider rattan placemats or a striking table runner.
3 - Think about lighting
Candles are a great way to add soft light at different heights. From flickering tea lights to elegant tall, tapered candles and statement church candles in a hurricane lantern, candles are an easy way to help your tablescape shine.
4 - It doesn’t have to be expensive
Yes, you can splash out on designer china or crystal glasses, but you can also create a beautiful autumnal table using objects found all around you. Rummage through hedgerows for seasonal foliage, incorporate fruits like figs, pears and pomegranates, and add herbs like rosemary to make the table feel fresh. Dig out the plates granny left you that you haven’t found a use for – layering up pretty, old-fashioned china with more modern pieces can make a gorgeous style statement.
5 - Have fun!
Creating a beautiful table is not only fun for you, it’s also a real treat for your guests and shows them you have gone the extra mile to make them feel special. And don’t forget to take lots of pictures for Instagram!
