I’m often asked about my creative process when setting a table, and honestly, that’s one of the biggest reasons I started this blog—to share the wild, winding path my brain takes when designing a tablescape. As a creative person, my mind tends to chase purple bunnies (a phrase from my teaching days that perfectly sums up my tendency to get delightfully distracted by inspiration). So, while I’ve done my best to outline a blueprint, I don’t always follow it in this exact order. Feel free to mix it up! I truly believe in adapting any creative process to fit your own style—there’s no one right way to set a beautiful table, just the way that feels right to you.
So here goes…
How I Create a Tablescape:
Find Your Inspiration – Every table begins with a spark! Whether it’s a tablecloth, a cherished china pattern, a stunning centerpiece, a festive holiday, or simply a mood, inspiration sets the stage for a beautifully curated tablescape.
♥ To showcase my process, I’m sharing two recent tables featured on social media.
For the Mardi Gras table, my inspiration was—you guessed it—Mardi Gras! 🎭💜💛💚
For the second table, my starting point was this beautiful tablecloth I found on Etsy. 😍
2. Select a Color Palette – Color sets the tone for your table! Whether you’re drawn to bold and vibrant hues, soft pastels, or classic neutrals, choosing a cohesive palette creates harmony and balance. Let your inspiration guide your color choices, layering shades that complement and enhance your overall design.
♥ Once I start with a color palette, I gather everything I have in those shades. And I mean EVERYTHING! Once, I took a metal piece from my office wall because I was searching for gold pieces. 😂
3. Make it All About the Patterns – The fun begins! Think about what patterns you have in your color palette.
♥ The key to mixing patterns is a cohesive color palette in a variety of scales. You can sign up for our newsletter and receive a free guide: The Pattern Playbook: Mixing Patterns Like a Pro!
For my recent Mardi Gras table, I started with the traditional festive trio—purple, green, and gold! Since I didn’t have many patterns in those colors, I leaned into texture to bring the table to life.
For this table I pulled out the red, pink, and green, then started gathering pieces that fit my color palette.
How do you feel about red and pink together? Back in the ‘80s, I wouldn’t have dared—but now, I absolutely love the bold and playful combo!
4. Pick Your Stack – The fun begins! Think about what dishes you will need for entertaining or just for fun!
♥ The charger as my foundation.
♥ The dinner, salad, and accent plates that will create a visually interesting mix.
♥ Any unique layering pieces to add depth and texture.
For my Mardi Gras table, I gathered all my green, purple, and yellow pieces. When I realized I didn’t have eight of certain patterns, I embraced the mix-and-match approach! I created these two stacks and alternated them at each place setting for a dynamic, festive look.
Since this meal only needed a single dinner plate, I added extra layers to the stack for depth and interest. I started with a gorgeous pink and red placemat from an Etsy shop, then layered in my favorite BP Cabbage plate. For the dinner plate, I chose my beloved Georgia Historical Plates—one day, I’ll share the story behind them, but for this Georgia girl, they’re absolutely perfect!
This plate is the UGA North Campus in the 1850s. Go Dawgs! There are 12 different designs in 2 different colors!
5. Select the Linens – Tablecloth, placemats, or runner? Napkins and napkin rings? These details bring softness and enhance the overall look.
♥ When selecting patterns, I make sure I mix a variety of scales. You want to make sure you have large-scale patterns, medium-scale patterns, and small-scale patterns.
♥ There are “rules” out here, such as using placemats and tablecloths, together. This is one of the rules I don’t mind breaking. Give me all the layers!
My tables usually start with patterned linens—that was the plan in my head for this one. The problem? I couldn’t find one that truly spoke to me. Either I loved the pattern but the colors weren’t vibrant enough, or the colors were perfect, but the pattern felt underwhelming. In the end, I went with a solid purple tablecloth and let texture do the talking. The napkins were a no-brainer—I’ve used them for years and still love them! They were an Etsy find, and these fun napkin rings came from Amazon. One day, I’ll get around to adding links, but for now, I’m sticking with the fun part—sharing the tables!
Now, this is the kind of tablecloth I naturally gravitate toward—give me all the patterns! I love them, and you’ll see plenty of them here. This Amazon find has been a staple for Valentine’s, Christmas, summer, and even just-because tables. To balance the bold print, I went with a solid napkin and added a ric rac trim for extra flair. I’ll share a tutorial on that soon—it’s super easy, whether you sew or not! The napkin ring brings in another layer of pattern and texture, which is always a win in my book!
6. Time for the Glassware & Flatware – I choose pieces that coordinate with the colors and add a touch of elegance or whimsy. Mixing metals? Yes, please! Colored goblets? Absolutely!
♥ Recently I learned a new “rule” regarding tables that I was unaware of. It’s not one I’m going to follow but had never heard it before. Do you make sure your water glass/goblet is the tallest piece if you’re using multiple glasses? I don’t. This is an area I go with what is aesthetically pleasing. My thought has always been, “You do you!”
For Mardi Gras, I used these playful Pier 1 glasses gifted to me, paired with my Jamestown Gold by Mikasa. For serving shrimp cocktail, I pulled out my Anchor Hocking Bubble Foot Green, a great Facebook Marketplace find! Of course, I completely forgot to snap food pics—story of my life! I can’t promise I’ll get better, but I’ll try!
For the other table, I went with my Antique Ruby Cristal D’Arques-Durand (they also come in Sapphire, Emerald, Amber, Amethyst, and Clear—😍). I paired them with Juniper Gold Trim by Libbey. Green and red are complementary colors (just like purple and yellow), so they always work beautifully together!
Of course, I had to go with gold flatware for my Mardi Gras table—nothing else would do! The rich purples, greens, and golds deserve a touch of elegance. But honestly, I have three gold sets, and none of them truly excite me. Do you have a favorite gold flatware pattern that you love? I’d love to hear your recommendations—drop them in the comments!
For my Colorfully Patterned table, I chose my Oneida Chandelier flatware. Doesn’t the handle design remind you of peacocks? This stainless set is one of my favorites—it always brings to mind the random peacocks you’ll spot while driving around Georgia. Such a fun little surprise, just like a well-set table!
7. Centerpiece Magic – This is where you can really have some fun! One of the great tablescape debates—how tall should the centerpiece be? If you want your guests to chat easily across the table, keep it low or be sure to create “viewing lanes.” But if you’d rather keep conversations more intimate (hello, formal dinners!), a taller centerpiece can subtly encourage guests to focus on those beside them. Back in the day, etiquette dictated that you only spoke to your neighbors, not across the table—but luckily, today’s rules are much more flexible!
♥ A floral arrangement (fresh, faux, or a mix). My favorite is to mix real and permanent botanicals.
♥ Candles or mini table lamps for ambiance.
♥ Seasonal or themed decorative elements.
What’s funny about this centerpiece is that you might not even notice there are flowers in it! I originally had three arrangements made to be the focal point, but as I kept layering—adding more and more elements—the flowers just blended right in. And honestly? I was totally okay with that! I started with a eucalyptus garland as the base and kept building, adding ornaments, stands, feathers, masks, and beads. It was such a fun centerpiece to put together, and trust me—pictures don’t do it justice!
This tablescape features one of my favorite vases from Mrs. Alice, filled with a mix of real red roses and faux pink hydrangeas (the real-feel ones from Amazon). Instead of traditional candles, I love using these mini table lamps from Amazon. I switch things up by adding a DIY paper shade—if you’re curious about how to make your own, stay tuned! I’ll be sharing a step-by-step tutorial on the blog soon.
Sadly, I didn’t get a great photo of the centerpiece for this table, but I did take a video I never shared. I need to post that soon!
8. The Final Touches – I step back and assess:
♥ Do I need height variation?
♥ Are the colors balanced?
♥ Is it inviting and functional for guests?
♥ Is there something unexpected?
9. Capture the Look – Before guests arrive (or just for fun!), I take photos to document and share my creation!
Let the Good Times Rolls
A Mardi Gras Table
Scroll through to see more images!
Colors and Patterns, Oh My!
Red, Pink, and Green Table
Scroll through to see more images!
From My Table to Yours,
Melissa
8 Responses
This blog is alot of useful information for your tablescaping community. Well done. Bravo.
Thank you so much!!! I’ve enjoyed creating the website (once I figured it out!) and writing the posts!
What a great idea to gather EVERYTHING you have in the colors. You never know what will spark inspiration. Thanks for the tip!
Thank you so much, Kathy!!! It’s funny how things stand out when you gather things together! You’re very welcome! Thanks for visiting!
The teacher is doing great here! Enjoyed all the thoughts you shared that made the tables so colorful and interesting to look at, as well as, functional for the occasion. The theory is easy to follow, too!
I’m so glad you find it easy to follow! Thank you!
Thank you for detailing the process, I have a plan now! Very helpful. Beautiful inspiration!
Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you find the plan helpful!