How to set a gorgeous tablescape, details, details!

We LOVE gorgeous tablescapes! Here's how they are created! 

Every great tablescape starts with a vision. You want your guests to experience a specific feeling when they sit down at your table. All the little details on the table is what makes that experience happen. Linens, flatware, glassware, plates and chargers, placecards, centerpieces, candles, pretty little sprigs of greenery or herbs, a menu, and table numbers are just some of the top-of-table things you should think of. 
 

Pic Cred HERE!

The first thing to think of when setting a table is layout! Here is a diagram that outlines the parts of a place setting. Some tablescapes have all these elements (and potentially more!) and some have fewer. Often at a wedding we see a wine glass and a champagne flute, rather than a red and a white wine option. We often see lots of napkin folds, tucks, and wraps, instead of the napkin on the table to the left. Use this great pic as a starting point to setting your formal tablescape! Don't be afraid to change things up - just make sure if you do, you're doing it intentionally for experience or aesthetics! 

​Don't break the rules just to break them.... have a reason! 

Chargers! Lets talk about what they're for, why we use them, and when to not use them! 

• They are supposed to stay on the table throughout the meal. They keep any spills or crumbs off the linen (in a perfect world) and protect the linen. They also are a design element that remains between courses for the guests, so they're not staring at a bare table linen. 
• They should be larger than your dinner plate - usually 12" - so that they peek out from under the dinner plate. 
• They add a decorative element that stays throughout the meal. 

Flatware - Commonly mis-named silverware. This should only be called silverware if it exactly that - silver (not the color... the metal!). 

• Basic items include - salad fork, dinner fork and dinner knife. Common add-ons are dessert spoons and forks, teaspoons for coffee service, soup spoons for soup service. 
• Check out that diagram above for proper layout of flatware on a table. 

Glassware should be set for the meal service. Don't have superfluous glassware on the table that you won't need. 

• If you're having wine service at dinner, add a wine glass to the place setting. 
• Champagne toast? You have some options. You can pre-set the champagne glass and have the servers pour champagne, you can have the servers pass champagne that's pre-poured, or you can have a drink-in-hand toast. 

We have a love affair with linens! 

• Think about contrast with linens. You don't want bridesmaids' dresses to match the table linens! 
  
• Napkins are very important - if you can choose between getting a little higher-end napkin, or a table linen - go for the napkin for guest experience. They'll have it in their hands and on their faces! 
• Don't be afraid of patter, or pop in strategic places, but don't go overboard! A whole room full of hot pink may be great - for a 16th birthday party! 
• Choose your linens carefully. They make a huge difference to a table, and to your guests experience. Remember - they touch those linens, where they may not notice a few extra roses in the centerpiece, they will notice amazing fabric. . 

Photo credits - Ashley Kidder, Rebecca Marie Photography, Nicole Noel photography
Rentals - Event Rents Denver and La Tavola