HG Openhouse Blog

So, how long has that dusty faded old silk flower arrangement been sitting on your dining table ( I saw you cringe)?  Time for a change? Many of us have formal dining tables that don’t see much action except on holidays.  Don’t let that valuable piece of decorating, and impact-making, real estate go to waste.  If the table doesn’t get much use, design a terrific tablescape to energize the room. It can be themed or just a great collection of things you already own and want to display in a new way. You’ll be surprised what you come up with if you let go of the norm. A tablescape is not just a hodge-podge of stuff.  Principles and elements of design should guide you…balance, scale, proportion, rhythm to name a few. Follow a few of these tips and you’ll be decorating like a visual merchandizer.

Here’s a few tips for tastefully terrific tablescapes…(click on pictures to enlarge)

• Start with one large inspiration anchor piece …( look in your attic, basement, yard, or garage) Look for interesting and large scale pieces…tall branches, flowers, big vases, pots, urns, buckets, watering cans, architectural salvage pieces, big candlesticks, vintage birdcages, model sailboats, vintage picnic baskets, framed artwork, childs doll carriage or doll house, retro lamps, framed art, anything unique and interesting.  Set this piece fairly centered on the table. Raise it up high if it sits too low.
•  Next add some mid-level interest…bowl of fruit, green plants, stacked books, plates or trays on stands, a piece of sculpture, birdhouses, teapots, decorative boxes, vintage cameras or clocks, bottles, soup tureen,  etc. Arrange these around the centerpiece. Stack things on top of other things for interesting lifts and levels.
• Add some low level interest… natural pieces like shells, rocks, driftwood in small trays or on plates, a book opened to a pretty picture, a table runner or textile, straw hat, trinket boxes, low candles, stacked china or silverware. These pieces fill in and ground the vignette. Don’t overdo a good thing, use some restraint.
• The size of the table will dictate the size and shape of the arrangement. Leave at least 50% of the table clear.
• Make sure you display to all sides of the table if seen that way.
• Add lifts and levels to add balance , vary heights, and add rhythm to the display.
• Mix elements to add interest and variety.
• Use a theme if you want…beach, country, Asian, French, retro, vintage, garden, modern, romantic etc.
• “Color outside the lines”…let tall branches break through the chandelier above. Let plant vines hang over the edge of a table, arrange  a table runner or cloth off center or scrunched up. This gives a less “arranged” look and more of a collected /haphazard look.
• Know when to stop. Step back and assess your work. If it looks too cluttered, it probably is.

Most of all,  have fun with this project. Look for the unexpected to display (the tabletop police won’t come to arrest you if you display things other than flowers or candlesticks).  The best part, you’ll enjoy walking by your dining room and seeing  something fun, different and meaningful on the table…and it will convey your great style.

We love to hear your comments on what you’ve done to accent your home, or just stop by to chat.