Jump into the social season early by hosting your family, friends, and neighbors for an old-fashioned dinner party. You don’t need a special occasion to open up your home to those you love— send out some invites (digital invites are huge and easy to do now) and get working on planning the details! Shaunna Cooper gave us all the insights on creating a beautiful table, “it sets the tone for the experience,” Cooper says.
PREP:
To start on your tablescape, you'll need:
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Charger Plates
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Napkins (assorted colors)
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Napkin rings (consider a variety of textures)
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Silverware
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Plates / Bowls / Appetizer Plates
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Centerpiece Decor
DECIDE ON A THEME:
There are the obvious themes that center around holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentines’s day, even birthdays. You could go with seasonal themes—like spring or fall. If you aren’t inspired by holiday or seasonal themes, pick a color that you love, are enjoying or is inspiring you. Once you pick your main season or color, pick complimentary colors to use for accents.
PICK A CENTERPIECE:
The focal point of your table—the centerpiece draws your eye and becomes the piece that everything else stems from. You can go simple with some fresh flowers or even use artificial flowers. You can repurpose beautiful pieces of decor for your centerpiece too. Just be sure to keep your centerpiece on theme or in your primary color.
HEIGHT & TEXTURE
This is what makes your tablescape a knockout. Pick the accent pieces in varying heights and textures. This creates visual interest and adds layers to your design.
Step One:
Pick a good theme that centers around holidays, seasons, or a favorite color.
Step Two:
Choose a centerpiece that draws the eye, it’s your focal point.
Step Three:
Create a dynamic tablescape by using a variety of textures and different heights with the pieces used.
Shaunna Cooper is an interior designer living in Mesa, Arizona. She owns Three & Me Designs where she gets to work with clients to personalize their space in a way that reflects their individuality, boosts creativity and lifestyle through practical design solutions.