Tabletop design is sort of a passion at BHE. We obsess over even the tiniest details and believe it’s truly those elements that make guests feel so special when attending one of our events. While it might seem like a little too much for some, for those who are curious, here are the top things we consider when designing a tablescape, be it a wedding, dinner party, etc. include:
1 | Table shape & Size -including how it fits into the space. While we typically like the drama of a long table, sometimes rounds or squares (or a mix of all three) are a better fit.
2 | Textiles & materials – Will we have exposed wood or stone tables? Will we use linens? If so what fabrics should we consider? As destination designers, we are often leaning into regional materials. For instance, in Bali, we may want to use tables made from local wood. In Mexico, we love Otomi. In Spain, a Spanish lace and so on. The same can be true when working anywhere. Look at the venue you’re in. What materials will play well with the existing space? If it’s in your own back yard, maybe you want an eclectic mix of linens you’ve collected over the years, or maybe just crisp, white hemstitch fits your vibe. Whatever you choose, don’t skimp on the linens. They are the canvas that you’re creating your tablescape on.
3 | Florals – This is the obvious choice everyone immediately thinks of and while important, they are actually not the number one piece of a table for me. In fact, when designing a dinner party in my own backyard, I’ve been known to place a well appointed bud vase with one or two blooms next to a pretty tray of lemons and call it a day. Of course, I LOVE lots and lots of flowers, but keep in mind that it’s just a piece of the design and not necessarily the anchor.
4 | Lighting – candles are an obvious choice but table lamps can be a beautiful option as well as pendants. We often love to hang pendants super low to the table in a way that ultimately impacts the table design. And if you’re planning a wedding or more formal event, consider a tablewash or pinspotting to create a dramatic glow around your beautiful table.
5 | Place setting – including plates, flatware and glassware. With so many options for tabletop items, this is easily one of our favorite places to get creative.
6 | Napkins – separating this because it’s one of the few things guests touch, so we like to ensure it’s a beautiful fabric that feels good to the touch.
7 | Dinner menus – it builds excitement to let guests know what they’re eating and is a beautiful design detail to boot.
8 | Other paper products – place cards and table numbers are great ways to carry nods to your design. We often incorporate the guest’s name into the menu for less paper on the table but there’s no rule here.
9 | Serving vessels and utensils | if you’re taking the time to design each element of your table, take the time to talk about serving platters. Bread bowls (we prefer bowls over baskets) and salt and pepper shakers (opt for salt cellars when possible) can really detract from an otherwise beautiful table. Especially when serving a family style meal, we put extra thought into platters, serving forks, etc.
10 | Chairs – don’t skimp on the chair budget.They’re a large piece of furniture and you have one for every guest. They have the potential to fully make or break a design.
