Elevate Your Dining Experience

9 steps to a great Tablescape

It’s that time of the year again – the Christmas Holidays! Andy Williams the singer, declared it, “the happiest season of all and the most wonderful time of the year!” in the popular song. As the 25th day of December approaches, businesses wind down and prepare to close for the season. This period also marks the end of one calendar year and the beginning of another so a seriously festive mood checks-in, in many parts of the world. This time in my part of the world is usually hot and sunny not wintery, cold and snowy – like in the song. Schools are closed and businesses take a break. People travel away for the holidays or gather around family and friends – all the right ingredients for parties, hosting and good cheer.

Food no doubt is an essential component and a huge highlight of the festivities. So, the dining table becomes the center of attraction. Sure, you can wipe the table, stack the plates on it and let everyone take their portion, but after going to great length to prepare a wonderful spread for your guests, why not go the extra mile and put some thought into both the presentation and how it is served. The overall decoration of the dining table that combines the center piece and table setting is known as a table-scape. It’s an arrangement of different elements to create a unique and memorable experience. This elevates the look of the table, heightens the festive drama and the message to your guests is that they are important and there is a great meal ahead.

“I like that…but where do I start!” you may exclaim with dread. Not to worry, having a great looking table to complement your great cooking is easier than you think. So let us make your table.…

1. RELAX

Don’t be stressed out. You don’t have to be perfect, remember why you are doing this – people, family, being together – that is what it’s all about. You want your guests to enjoy the dining experience but you also want to enjoy hosting them.

2. PLAN AHEAD

A great looking table is rarely an accident, you have to plan for it. The questions you want to ask yourself are:

• What’s in the menu? – This will help you determine how much space you will need to display the food, the tableware required and how the food will be served. Will your dining table be big enough or will you need a separate serving station? An overcrowded dining table decreases in functionality and increases the likelihood of accidents.
• What is the seating arrangement? Who is coming; family, friends or business associates? How will you seat your guests? Will the adults, teens and children seat together? Do you have enough chairs or tables?
• How will your guests get their food? Decide on your preferred serving style, buffet, family style or will someone be serving your guests? Do you want a basic, casual or formal table setting? – feel free to be as formal or informal as you want.
• Where will you setup? – Do you have enough space to host your guests? Will it be in or outdoors? Do you need to move furniture around or hire more to accommodate guests?

3. DECIDE ON A THEME

This is basically choosing a topic or subject that you want your table scape to portray. A theme can be inspiration from an image, color, sunset, beach, etc. It gives direction to the table-scape and makes selecting the different elements that need to come together to create the mood you want easier.

4. RESEARCH

I can’t overemphasize the importance of this step. We are so fortunate to live at a time where so much knowledge and information is easily available through the World Wide Web, it would be a shame not to use it. Browsing through magazines and ‘window shopping’ is also very useful research. If you couldn’t make up your mind on the theme of your table-scape or have no idea the proper way to set a table, this will help. As you carry out your research your mind will go to work identifying from your surroundings what you can use and how, to execute your vision.  Now you are ready for the next step.

5. LIST DOWN

Make a list of all the different elements that you need for your setup. Keep in mind your theme, number of guests, your menu and make it as specific as possible, but allow yourself room for change. The more comprehensive this list is, the more efficient your process will be.

6. TAKE STOCK OF YOUR HOME

Look around your house, what do you own – tableware, decorative items – that can be used as part of the table-scape? Look at every little thing with ‘new eyes’ you may be surprised at what you find. You want to check the quantities – are they enough to cover the number of guests? – do they align with the theme you have chosen? Some items such as white tableware, are versatile and can easily fit in with many different themes, so investing in quality white crockery is a very good idea.

7. COLLECT

It’s now time to gather the things you need to execute your vision. Start with the items that you identified from the stock-take of your current tableware and decorative items. Then decide if you want to rent, buy or borrow the rest of the items on your list. Event management companies hire out a variety of crockery, glassware, hotpots, serving spoons and other items. Cross each item off the list as you acquire it until you have everything that you need for your setup.

8. SET UP

It is recommended that you do the setting up early – even a day before – and allocate enough time for it, so that you have enough room to make changes without being under pressure. Take your time, nothing is set in stone. If an idea that you thought was going to work just doesn’t seem right anymore or you feel like there are too many elements in your arrangement, go ahead and edit until you feel happy.  

9. ALL THE SENSES

It is easy to focus only on the visual aspect of the table-scape and ignore the other senses. Plan to stimulating your guests’ other senses as well. Let them be welcomed into your home by a subtle scent (remember there will also be the aroma from the food and you do not want it to be overpowering) allow beautiful music to be playing in the in the background as they talk and dine. The idea will be to further enrich their experience with the different layers.

Taking time to creating a table-scape is a sure way to heighten your experience whether you are dining alone, with family or hosting. It will take an investment of time, planning, effort and finances but is well worth it if you are keen on creating a great ambience in your home, especially during the holiday season. Start small, continually evaluate what worked, what didn’t and improve on your skills.