We all know how much I LOVE words, so when I saw the word tablescape, the first thing I did was look it up in the dictionary. I mean, after all, what's the difference between tablescape and centerpiece?
Tablescape, it turns out, is a term that encompasses the table centerpiece or centerpieces with the table settings, including the plates, napkins, glasses, etc.
In other words, tablescape refers to the decorated table as a whole, not just whatever is placed in the center.
For those of you who are creatively challenged during the holidays, I probably just added a heap of stressing dressing to your holiday dinner. But creating the ambience you need for special dinners is not nearly so hard for creatively challenged people, nor on one's pocketbook.
So how can you go from centerpiece to tablescape extraordinaire? Below are five tips to help you create a great tablescape for the holidays.
Tip #1 - Plan ahead
You know what that means - it means not waiting until the last minute, right before the food or dishes get placed on the table, to create a tablescape.
Have at least an idea in mind of what you wish to accomplish or how you wish the table to look. Decide on flowers, candles, or maybe both for a centerpiece and/or side pieces. Think outside the box with greenery, ornaments, angels, and on and on. Don't forget to choose your colors ahead of time. Pinterest has lots of really great ideas.
Once you decide what you want to do, find what you have at home you can use. After that, make a trip to the store, or shop online, for what you need.
Most importantly, have everything gathered before the big day comes.
Tip #2 - Less is More
Less is always more when creating the perfect tablescape, so avoid overcrowding your table with decor. Adding height, dimension, and texture will keep the table elegant but simple.
Remember, you want the tablescape to add to the ambience, not get in the way of it.
It's not what's on the table that matters . . . it's who's around it. Author Unknown
Tip #3 - Check the dinnerware
If, like me, you enjoy using your real dishes for such gatherings, be sure to check that the plates and glasses are in good condition, especially if you have not used them in a while. Look for chips, cracks, and stains, and be sure you have enough dishes for the guests you will host.
Using Chinet or paper plates? It's your Christmas, so you do what makes you happy! But do be sure you have enough on hand for all your guests, and be sure the trash cans are ready so guests can throw away the paper goods when they finish eating that fabulous holiday meal.
Tip #4 - Pair and layer the linens
Similar to using depth and height, don't forget to layer the linens, especially tablecloths.
A great way to pair and layer is to start with a neutral tablecloth and then add colored accessories on top, such as table runners, napkins, placemats, or even a small tablecloth.
Using paper napkins? Again, it's your Christmas! But do be sure, again, to have trash cans ready for when the meal is finished. Nothing is more frustrating for guests than trying to locate a place to dispose of their paper goods when finished.
Tip #5 - The devil is in the details
The rest of the room is just as important as the tablescape, and small touches can go a long way to providing the right ambience for your Christmas meal.
Flowers add elegance to any decor. Poinsettias are a Christmas favorite, but red roses and white lilies, or even some sort of pairing with red, white, and/or green flowers or plants, works well with just about any tablescape.
Put flowers together on a table or in a corner, or place them together in groups around the room. For height you can place them on small wooden boxes or pedestals. Add some white lights and/or battery operated candles and/or tealights around the plants or within their midst and watch the magic come alive!
You could even gift your guests with flowers on their way out the door.
Don’t stress!
Whatever you do, remember it's YOUR house and YOUR story, so don't stress yourself over a tablescape to the point that you miss out on the joy of the holiday season. After all, a year from now you will remember the memories you shared with people and the warm feelings and mood of that day and/or night, but few people will remember the tablescape beyond the background it provided for the holiday joy of the season!
Donna Hechler Porter is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Elite Realty in Baytown, Texas. An educator, a published author, and the owner of The Inky Elephant, a real estate transaction coordinator business, Donna educates people in how to build future wealth through home ownership. Feel free to contact Donna at dhporter@kw.com.