Lay your cards on the table!

Sukhmani

It’s that time of the year again— festivity and full of cheer! Impress your family and friends with not just delicious food, but a beautifully laid table. Tablescapes are design plans of an overall look that addresses the table as well as its surroundings. Every item should be chosen, specifically, to complement not only the other items on the table, but also other elements of the space. A tablescape should incorporate elements of the season or occasion. A breath-taking tablescape display can set the mood for the entire event.

The key to creating a fabulous tablescape is the sense of balance. This is not to say the display must be perfectly symmetrical. It is more about repeating scale, colour, and texture, throughout, although not necessarily in direct proportion.

Setting the table is like creating a painting. Just like an artist choosing a piece of canvas, type of paint or other mediums for creating artwork, your choice of table top, centrepieces, and place setting is where you create your tablescape art. There are no rules to making artworks. There are, however, a few things that you must know before you start.

Theme it right

Pick a theme you wish to work on. It can be as simple as your favourite flower. If you can’t think of a theme, pick a colour. Focusing on one colour can help you streamline your tabletop décor.

For a rustic theme, use wood and mixed metals. The combination of textures and raw fabric and materials make a rustic tablescape seem effortless.

For organic theme, you may use a lot of twigs, fresh flowers, lemons, and fruits for decor. If you are thinking of a modern theme, use black and white accented with metallic colours. It’s minimalistic, yet elegant.

Over the top!

Your table top is the canvas and framework for your tablescape style and creation. They could be very simple, basic, minimal or textured, or bold and colourful.

When it come to centrepieces, which are the focal point of your tablescape, set the mood for the type of dining festivity you have. The height of the centrepiece should be such that it makes it easy for the guests to connect, converse and share experiences. So, the centrepiece should be below or above the eye level.

Also, place settings honour and celebrate you and your guests.

(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)