Simple & Chic Spring Tablescapes Made Easy with The Designed Table by Tara O’Connor

A step-by-step to setting the perfect tablescape for Easter
A tablescape is meant to elevate an entertaining experience. It is a way to show your guests that you care about them and that the meal is special. This does not have to be something that you spend a lot of money on or even any money at all! Some of the prettiest tablescapes I have ever seen have included flowers picked from the garden and everyday dishes. Your homeware will show your style so make sure to impress with your table setting and add an element of theatre to your entertaining this Spring. You can go the traditional route of pastels and bunny motifs, mix it up with lots of colour or keep it minimalist with white.

Tablescaping is an art so don’t be afraid to be creative! Sometimes, busy patterns actually look great alongside one another, whilst flower arrangements can look particularly beautiful. Step outside of your comfort zone and you’ll create a beautiful table setting.

• The first step is to find your inspiration! This can be something around you, a season, the food you are serving or a colour you love. You do not need to go out and buy new things every time you entertain.

• Add your tablecloth, this creates a great foundation and base for your table. If tablecloths are not for you add a runner down the centre.

• I normally decide on flowers first and match them to the tablescape. There are so many Spring flowers around us in nature so Easter is the perfect time for a pretty tablescape. Your flowers will create your centrepiece as they normally run down the centre of your table. Always test each seat to make sure you can see your guests and place larger candelabras at the end of the table.We love adding little pots of spring bulbs in flower to tables this time of year and lots of tea lights.

• Add depth to your table with placemats. And then we add a charger plate for more formal occasions to add another layer. Wrap a napkin in a napkin ring or tie with a piece of ribbon for the perfect finishing touch to your setting. To create visual interest and add some extra vibrancy and colour, add a side plate that is a different & contrasting print.

• Next move on to cutlery and glasses. There is great coloured glassware available in all high street stores. Tea lights and tapered candles are great for Spring entertaining.

•If you are having an evening dinner lighting in key so candlelight really adds atmosphere to your table. I love to finish of my tablescape by adding a sprig of rosemary or spring flower to each setting. 

Spring Tablescaping Tips
Keep it low key & simple – incorporate pastel palette through seasonal blooms. 

• Create a storyline – look for inspiration around you in your garden. Bring in seasonal flowers to provide colour to an all-white tablescape. Cut them at different heights to create a table meadow. 
• Embrace the unexpected – it’s a family gathering so don’t be afraid to mix lots of colours and make it festive. Introduce bold and colourful linens and don’t be afraid to mix & match colours & patterns. 
• Embrace a runner – they are a great alternative to using a full tablecloth on your table. Layer in complementary placemats & napkins you can create a beautiful look. 
• Keep it low – one of my pet peeves with regards to tablescapes is having to twist & turn to see the guest sitting opposite you, which is why when it comes to centrepieces & florals to keep it low. Just add height to your table with tapered candles. 
• Bring the outdoors in – this time of year I love to use potted spring florals on my table in little pots. They can be planted in the garden after for you to enjoy next year by adding a sprig of rosemary or spring flower to each setting.

Win A Tablescape in a Box!
We’ve teamed up with the @thedesignedtable to give away the ultimate Spring prize! Follow us on @idealhomedublin for more details on how you could win their stunning Tablescape in a Box worth €299!

The PTSB Ideal Home Show runs from 11^th – 13^th April, RDS Dublin. 

Plan your visit and register for your discounted tickets HERE!