On May 20, Homes with Hope presents its annual Gather ‘Round the Table luncheon, an event benefitting Susie’s House, Homes with Hope’s supportive housing program for young women building stable futures. At the lunch, held at Shorehaven Golf Club, local home and design experts put together stunning tablescapes, which are raffled off to attendees. In celebration of this beautiful tradition, Westport Lifestyle (the exclusive media sponsor of the event) asked some of the participants for their top tips to create a table guests will remember forever—and want to take home.
“Adding trinkets, treats, and take-aways for my guests makes for a memorable tablescape and sets the stage before and while the food is served.” -Yvonne O’Kane of Yvonne O’Kane Design
“Setting a large table can be challenging, as it can feel lonely and hard to converse. For that reason, I create variations on a theme to invite discussion and comparison.” -Patricia Scanlan of Patricia Scanlan Interiors
“The best approach depends on the season and the venue. We spend a lot of time focusing on materials: last year, we used naturals. A beautiful stone centerpiece layered with earth-hued linens, leather placemats or coasters, and a hand-tied flower arrangement.” -Karen Frome, principal and founder of Rise Projects
“Don’t be afraid of a bold tablecloth—it brings instant energy and a sense of occasion your guests will feel the moment they sit down.” -Audrey Margarite of Scalamandré
“Always: beautiful flowers or greens, candles, pretty linens, place cards, and silverware.” -Nicole Bond of Coco & Company
“When designing a tablescape, we like to start with a central concept or focal point and build around that. For the last tablescape we created, we were inspired by the concept of home feeling like a sanctuary. We incorporated a textured blue and green fabric with tons of plants and greens to evoke the sense of calm and peace that we feel everyone's home deserves.” -Tusk Home + Design
“Don’t restrict yourself to matching sets! I love layering different patterns and colors that complement one another. It makes the table unique and more playful. “ -Danielle Perdue of DK Home
“My tables are rooted in the concept of Karam, the art of boundless generosity. I love to create a sense of discovery by layering fine linens with vintage finds, family heirlooms, and mementos from my travels, like Syrian textiles or Colombian napkin rings. To fully capture the spirit of abundance, I make the decor edible, weaving small dishes of nuts and baklava directly into the tablescape. Guests feel constantly surprised, delighted, and utterly cared for.” -Neva Alsheik of Maison Sheik
“Begin with a clear mood or narrative. Whether you’re channeling a relaxed garden brunch or a dramatic candlelit dinner, holding that vision in your mind helps every decision feel intentional. When the palette, textures, and silhouettes speak the same language, the table reads as elevated rather than overdone. And just as important, resist buying everything new. The most compelling tables feel collected and personal. Shop your own home first and pull from the china cabinet, the bar, or other rooms, so that the final setting feels warm, layered, and uniquely yours!” -Diane Rath of The Rath Project
"Tablescapes are all about the living centerpiece—I can’t imagine one without lush greenery. Layer in warm lighting with candles and play with different heights to add depth and a touch of magic." -Gaelle L. Dudley of GLDESIGN
"Our advice for an interesting, layered tablescape, is to always start with flowers and color. Mix patterns, embrace a little mismatch and let it feel collected rather than coordinated. Lastly, having an unexpected element that turns your table into an experience is where the magic truly lives." -Nicole Lacey and Lori Potutschnig of Lolli Sutton
“Use the good stuff! I view setting the table like putting an outfit together. It's way more fun when you layer things, and mix your grandmother’s good china with a trendy piece.” -Zac Mathias of Zac Mathias Interiors
“Just like the design of a room can start with a single stroke of inspiration—like the colors of a carpet, a piece of furniture, or even a swatch of wallpaper—the best tablescapes do too. This year we are partnering with Matt Bier, who used all natural branch material for our centerpiece. That is our starting point and will dictate everything else!” -Deb Placey of The Post
"Vary your heights. Mixing tall, medium, and low elements instantly makes a table feel layered and interesting instead of flat." -Stephanie Purzycki of The Finish Design
For tickets and more information about Gather 'Round the Table, visit hwhct.org