Temperatures are starting to rise. We’ve thawed out. Friends and family are feeling that familiar pull to gather together, share a meal, and enjoy the new season sprouting outside. Spring is in full bloom, so let’s kick off your next dinner party with a flourish! If you’re looking for a little inspiration for your next get-together, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for a stylish spring tablescape that will wow your guests…
What You’ll Need…
- Runner
- Plates
- Bowls
- Napkins
- Flatware
- Fun Glassware
- Tall Candlesticks
- Tea Lights
- Greenery
- Flowers
- Scissors
- Lighter
Setting the Scene…
We’ll start with the runner, a fun set of plates, bowls, and cloth napkins. Place your runner down the centerline of the table, and set your plates accordingly. Then add a (neatly) folded cloth napkin on top of the plate—cotton and linen napkins have a light quality that echoes our spring theme. Follow with a matching bowl on top of your napkins. I like to use a matching set of plates and bowls with a contrasting napkin so the setting really pops!
Next, add your flatware…
I’ve gone with a gold set of forks, knives, and spoons. When you think about your tablescape you want to incorporate pieces that compliment and exaggerate your theme. Because we’re doing a spring look, I’ve gone with greens, golds, and neutrals. The gold flatware pulls the gold undertones in the plates and bowls, while the neutral linens provide a canvas to display the pieces on!
Set your glassware…
I LOVE this stemware. Glassware often gets overlooked, but there are a lot of fun options out there if you know where to look—and you don’t have to break the bank! Check out local flea markets, vintage, and antique stores for fun glassware sets to enhance your settings.
Pro-Tip: stay away from anything opaque. Color glass is great, so long as you can see through it!
Let there be light…
Tall candlesticks add much-needed height. This is where your drama comes from. You can cluster 2 sets of three on either end or place one set of three down the center of the table. Match your candle holders to your flatware for continuity, and stay away from anything too chunky. You want to make sure you don’t block your line of sight so you can see your guests!
Now scatter tea lights and votives throughout for some added twinkle! Feel free to mix and match your holders. I’ve used mercury glass and a petal style.
Time for the Centerpiece…
Use a low-profile vase to feature a floral arrangement that ties in your color scheme. Try avoiding anything too tall, so you can still see everyone! I like to use seasonal fresh-cut flowers, but a faux arrangement will work as well.
Go Green…
Scatter fresh eucalyptus between the candles and centerpiece. I like to use several kinds—Silver Dollar (big round leaves), Baby Blue (many small blue leaves), & Willow (long narrow leaves) eucalyptus all work nicely and add depth and dimension. Don’t worry about getting it perfect, you’ll be layering other greens and flowers on top.
Layer in Florals…
Start with White Stock, these are delicate white ruffled flowers on a long leafy stalk. They add an element of romance and whimsy to your table. Who doesn’t love whimsy?!
Then add in Baby’s Breath for a delicate accent.
Finish with an array of flowers. You can cut the stems fairly close to the head (2-3 inches) so they tuck into the greenery easily. Feature different colors, textures, and scents to add intrigue. I went with Magnum Chrysanthemums, Santini Maverick Chrysanthemums, and La Perla Peach Roses, but have fun and play around with it!
Final Touches…
Light the candles about 10 minutes before your guests arrive so they don’t get too drippy.
Take one final look! Trim any loose ends, tuck in any wayward greenery, then pour yourself a glass and admire your beautiful work! Seriously, you’re a tablescape prodigy.
Thanks for joining me on my hosting journey. Make sure to tag @mybobs or #mybobs on social with your beautiful masterpieces, and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!