Your must-follow guide to festive tablescaping

Tablecloth in Olive, Napkin set in Olive Stripes

A feast should be for the eyes as much as for the delicious food and drink. That’s why it’s important to create an inviting, abundant looking table for optimal festive cheer this season.

We've gathered a few key tablescaping rules and ideas below that'll help you with ambiance-setting as you host this season.

Colour is key

Choose a simple colour scheme (no more than three main colours) and select a guiding theme. Then you can build from there. Some thought starters: whimsical, clean & modern, Mediterranean, earthly, maximalist/colour chaos, modern-beachy. The list goes on.

Extra large placemats sets in Sangria, Napkin set in Ochre

Inviting table settings

Nothing says “be our guest” more than a beautiful place setting. Use your napkin as the main accessory here — knot, drape, fold it into a fun shape… play with contrasting or complimentary colours.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, opt for monogramming, to really personalise the event. Or instead of using a tablecloth layer-up napkins of different, complimentary colours on your bare table. Basically, the world is your napkin.

Tablecloth in Olive, Custom Napkin set in Olive

Themed tableware

Use your crockery and glassware to lean into your theme (eg earthy, colourful, clean) or provide a statement with key pieces that will draw the eye. The point here is to not overwhelm but use key pieces to draw the eye or to create groupings to help with visual cohesion.

A hot tip when arranging objects: think about creating different heights on the table, like a cityscape (just be careful that you're not blocking the line of sight across the table). When grouping it’s also about creating colour contrast or tonal moments too, so keep this in mind when building out your dream table.

Tablecloth in Ochre, Napkin set in Rice

Bloomin’ beautiful

Flowers, foliage or a combination of both are a must for a festive and abundant looking table.

Pick up a colour from your napery and make that your key floral theme or provide a vibrant contrast with your blooms. Play around with your flowers and foliage—vases don’t always have to be your go-to—think of ways of incorporating the foliage into any key pieces or create fun sculptural moments.

Tablecloth in Tobacco, Napkin set in Natural

Mix it up!

Here at C+G, we love a mix and match moment. Pairing a pattern with a cool colour and bright styling elements will make for a modern take on festive feasting. Start with your tablecloth and work up from there.

Don’t be afraid to play with pattern and colour, but a hot tip: if the napery is busy, keep the rest of your tableware (glassware, crockery, flowers) clean and simple or in block colours to help provide relief and contrast.

Placemats in Ochre, Napkin set in Olive, Tea Towel set in Navy