Tablescapes....what is it?

Landscapes... Interiorscapes... Plantscapes... Tablescapes...

"Tablescape" is a relatively new term used in interior decorating. It is defined exactly as one would think- a landscape for your table. This, of course, encompasses a large area to play with. It could be as simple as a floral centerpiece, or as elaborate as a theatrical production for a buffet or photo shoot.


How many of us neglect the most focal piece of furniture that we have- the dining room table?
Has your table become a dumping ground for mail, homework, craft projects?
Do you push your everyday life aside, just to be able to sit and eat a meal together?

These are just a few reasons that we should treat our dining area, whether it's in a dining room, kitchen, patio, or other area with tender loving hands. Who knows- you may even find time to sit with your family again!

With these ideas, tips, and trends- you will be able to create tabletop masterpieces in minutes! Using what you have on hand, buying new, and reinventing the existing pieces you already own, puts a whole new spin on things. Decorate your table for special occasions, holidays, seasonally, or "just because", and reconnect with the most basic element in a household- the family meal.

So lets decorate...

Spring Pruning Party

It's a beautiful spring day, and I have a blank table in front of me. After pruning a few red and yellow twig dogwood bushes, I am inspired to re-arrange my table!
Pruning my shrubs always leads to a new look in my house!

I cover the table first - I love linens, and use them regularly. This time I am going to choose an antique quilt of my great grandmother's that is collecting dust in my linen closet. The soft yellow color and rosettes will work well for this theme. Mix it up from your own stash of linens. A tablecloth, lace curtains, bedding- all will work as a cover-up.
If you have an exceptional table, perhaps just a runner or table square will do the trick. I always use runners and/or placemats on the diagonal on my rectangular table. By setting up my "mini tablescape" on one end of the table, I do not have to remove it every time we sit down to eat.

Now, back to my pruning...
I gather the yellow twig dogwood (pussy willows or flowering branches would be great for this also) in a clear vase with river rock on the bottom. Certainly switch out the rocks with marbles, aquarium gravel, dried peas or lentils, anything that you have in your pantry or closet. No need to add water- they will stay intact as is. This is your tallest piece, so do not be afraid to let the twigs and vase soar to the ceiling, ideally 3' or more from the table top.

What else do I have in the house? A pretty cake plate in white ceramic will do the trick. If you do not own a cake plate, take a canning jar (I love the shape of these and use them for everything), turn it upside down and put a pretty plate on top of it. Instant cake plate at the height we need! What to put on the plate? Back to the garden- an empty bird's nest will work. Spray this for little creatures, or purchase one at the craft store. A soft "nest" of ribbon to set it on, or realistic eggs to scatter are part of the look. Remember- this is not Easter, so go Spring-like with the eggs.

Position this next to the vase with your "prunings". We now need a third item of a different height. I may fill a colander or bowl with Granny Smith Apples for the color pop, or scatter candles around the base of the cake plate. Using three objects of varying heights balances your main centerpiece on this tablescape.

Pull out that fine china, and use it! If it is not dishwasher safe, and a real drag to wash- use the large plates as a charger plate underneath your everyday china. The table will always appear set, since the charger can stay in place, while you wash the other plates. If you have multiple sets of dishes, mix up the patterns and stay in soft tones of color for our Spring- like feel. Now is the time to use that floral pattern from Grandma, the fiesta ware in multiple colors, or the all-white palette.

If this is a special occasion tablescape, and you are using party favors, think terra cotta pots from in the garage. They have been sitting there all winter, screaming to be filled and used at each place setting! A pretty fresh primrose plant purchased at the garden center will kick the table up a notch.

For everyday tablescapes- you can still utilize the primroses, or small flowering plant in your centerpiece. I am a firm believer that fresh flowers make everything special, and these can be planted outside when the weather is right.

With this theme in hand- think fun!
Some ideas to try out:


Utensils can be tied together with raffia
Serve pink lemonade with a frozen strawberry as the ice cube
Gardening tools scattered on the table
Sun hats tied to the back of chairs
A wheelbarrow filled with ice for a makeshift bar
A picnic basket filled with help-yourself snacks(this is great for everyday with young children- their own after school snack station!).

Remember, Happy Spring and enjoy decorating your table!

Tracey Schabel is the editor of http://www.GirlzDealz.com a website "for women by women", where you can find ideas, tips, and deals about home and lifestyle trends. Be sure to check out our website for the latest in interior decorating, green living, lifestyle trends, handpicked shopping deals, entertaining, book reviews, and much more.