The 2025 aesthetic trend towards maximalism is neither clutter nor chaos. It is a balanced mindset, both practical and stylish, that emphasizes creative resourcefulness and intentionality. One of the home’s most dynamic stages for maximalism and self-expression is the contemporary tablescape, a place where decorative art merges with practicality.
Historically, the formal dining table followed strict conventions with cohesive sets of porcelain, glassware and linens epitomizing order and sophistication, especially among the European aristocracy of the 18th and 19th centuries. Table linens pressed to perfection symbolized uniformity and cleanliness. These traditions have evolved to welcome unexpected combinations of exciting colors, intricate patterns and a range of textures mixed with heirloom porcelain for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Textured placemats provide a relaxed contrast to the smooth surfaces of formal dinnerware, and color-blocking techniques or mismatched linens are now part of a broader tendency to break rigid formalities by using fresh, personality-driven displays.
Brooks Terry is the owner of Babcock Gifts, a long-standing, local source for brides and grooms who enjoy the tradition of selecting tableware patterns. While this tradition continues, Brooks says he has seen an increase in customers who want to reimagine their collections, not reinvent.
At home, Brooks has been ahead of this trend for years. “We use our fine china every day. We add a piece of pottery to dress it down. We use our silver all the time. You’re going to save that for what?” Many of these cherished items were likely gifts from loved ones. “So, use it, enjoy it. Remember what happened; remember who gave it to you.”
If you are concerned about handwashing fine china, Brooks says that is not a concern with today's dishwashers, most of which have delicate cycles. Depending on your pattern, the heat cycle may be a step to avoid.
Recasting your collection for renewed enjoyment is gratifying and easy with bold new elements or pattern mixing. Brooks suggests asking yourself, “Can I put something with it that brings that color out? Maybe it's the salad plate, bread-and-butter plate or a charger." Colored glassware is another popular choice for modern table interpretations.
A host who entertains more than the customary 8 to 12 guests also benefits from editing an heirloom collection. In this context, solutions such as alternating place settings or using dissimilar combinations at the heads of the table demonstrate the value of maximalism’s intentional layering.
“Nobody at this stage of life is doing whole tables in one sweep unless they’ve just looked up and said, ‘Okay, I sent everything to the lake, and I’m starting over,’” Brooks jokes. “Well, great! Let’s do that.” He explains that most customers think, “I want something different. I want it to look new, and I want the same people—because it’s typically the same people at the table—to see something else.”
No matter the style of your home, your tablescape is an ideal source for inspiration and experimentation with this year’s shift towards creative reuse and complex décor. It is a contained but impactful, shared space where the weight of tradition meets the lightness of reinvention in a beautifully staged performance, and every piece, old and new, plays its part.
The Seasonal Edit: At a champagne luncheon hosted by Brooks Terry, owner of Babcock Gifts, the River City team matched our china patterns with new ones and mixed these with tablescape accessories. We left with fresh ideas for spring tables and were introduced to the occasion registry at Babcock Gifts. Customers list items to complement patterns they own, then friends and family can shop personalized gift lists for occasions. (Think “wedding registry” minus the wedding!) The Seasonal Edit is a River City concept inspired by sustainability, craftsmanship and community. We’re already planning the next one with Babcock for the 2025 holiday season—join us!
Captions:
Photo Page 1 - Amy Golden’s Philippe Deshoulières Arcades dinner plate in green paired with a Herend salad plate from their Livia collection demonstrates the charisma and versatility of intentional layering.
Bottom Photo Page 3 - To Jeannie Tabor’s dinner plate from her wedding pattern, Raynaud Limoges Jardin De Printemps, we added a charger, a Ginori salad plate and whimsical napkin.
Top Photo Page 4 - Ginori plates in a variety of colors, pictured here in pink, bring even the most traditional floral patterns forward.
Bottom Photo Page 4 - Morgan Zanone's Tiffany Gold Band dinner plate from her wedding pattern, combined with traditional blues in modern shapes, all topped with an Anna Weatherly botanical salad plate
“…enjoy it. Remember what happened; remember who gave it to you.”
Fresh ideas for our spring tables