Afro-inspired Tablescapes

10 Steps to Creating Great Africa Themed Tablescapes

When designing interiors or creating ambience, little things can be as important as the big things. Styling is one of those very important ‘little’ things that have a big impact on any space. You’d think that this knowledge would have informed how I went about my every day dining and hosting, but it wasn’t until I got introduced to and understood Tablescaping that it finally clicked! Until then hosting to me involved throwing a checkered tablecloth over my dining table; assembling glasses, water, drinks and place mats at the center; while the serving dishes, bowls, plates and spoons went onto a nearby buffet table – that was as much thought as I put into my presentation. 

Tablescaping is the overall styling of the dining table, encompassing the centerpiece and table setting. It’s an opportunity to bring in the beautiful color, vibe and culture of our lives and surroundings onto our table. It shouldn’t obstruct or get in the way of the meal but elevate the dining experience. Creating one requires understanding the various elements that make up a tablescape, identifying items that align with a theme, and then making the arrangement. It’s a very fluid process that involves adding, removing or moving elements around until the table best reflects a theme or vision. There really is no one correct way of execution.

How would one create an Afro-inspired tablescape? Let’s walk through it.

TABLECLOTH

First things first! Start with a clean sturdy table. You do not want an unstable table that ends up collapsing on your family or guests. Cover your table with a table cloth – a fabric spread. Although this is purely optional, it is a game changer and will give an instant facelift to any table. It can be used to cover up dents and scratches, protect it from spills and stains as well as be purely ornamental. This makes them great for dressing up furniture as well as introducing color and pattern to a room. If I were to describe Africa in one word, it would be “Vibrant!” This vibrancy is captured in the patterns and colors found on fabrics such as the Kikoi, Kanga, Maasai Shuka, Kitenge, Kente, Ankara, Mud cloth and many others. This is a great way to bring in the Afro-inspired mood into your tablescape as the fabric can easily be made into tablecloths or other elements. Check out some custom tablecloths, runners and napkins that you can use at https://mytablesa.co.za/collections/all. You can also create more interest by layering different colors and textures.

TABLE RUNNER

A table runner is a long, narrow strip laid on a table, running its’ length or width. It is used to protect the surface as well as for decorative purposes. Unlike a tablecloth it only covers sections of the table and can be made of different material other than fabric. This makes it perfect for adding texture and extra color. It can be used without a tablecloth, layered on it or several runners used to create an intended effect. A dramatic table runner is a great way to make a big impact and draw attention away from underwhelming tableware or setting and can more than make up for lack of a centerpiece.

PLACE MATS

These are arranged on top of the tablecloth and underneath the plates primarily to protect the table and define each guests’ spot on the table. They come as rectangles, circles or other organic shapes and because they can be made from a variety of materials are excellent for decorating as they bring in texture and color to the table. Charger plates are large decorative plates that go underneath dinnerware and perform the same function as the mats. They can be used in addition to or instead of place mats, but tend to be more formal and give the dinner table a more dressed-up feel compared to the place mats.

CENTERPIECE

As the name suggests this item will occupy a central position on your table. You can literally use anything to create a centerpiece – a bowl of flowers, lantern, feathers, pots, calabashes, leaves – you can be as creative as you want. It may be centered or extend the entire length of the table however the scale should be in proportion to the dining table. A huge center piece may hamper instead of encouraging conversation, while a tiny one may not have the required impact. This is a good place to use items that resonate with your Afro-inspired theme. Think of this piece as a complement to the whole tablescape and not in isolation so that your arrangement can feel cohesive. If you are planning on having an elaborate centerpiece, tone down the other elements so that your creation can shine through.

TABLEWARE

Tableware refers to the cutlery, crockery and glassware that we use when setting a table for a meal. It is another way to bring the Africa theme into your tablescape. Buying theme-specific tableware – e.g. Africa branded plates or wine glasses – can be costly. An alternative is to settle for a pattern, color or a part purchase of the same – maybe the glassware. However if you’ve identified a set that you love, go ahead and acquire it because surrounding yourself with things that you love will make it a worthwhile investment.

CANDLES

Candles are not a necessity but will add to the whole ambience. They bring intimacy, a focus that has a calming effect and one that encourages great conversation at a dinner table. They add height giving more depth to the dinner table. The choice of candles and the type of holder used is another opportunity to introduce the Afro-inspired theme. A word of caution though, think about safety, use firm holders to avoid candles tipping over or foliage catching fire.

DECORATIVE ELEMENTS

When it comes to crafts and hand-made items that we can use in our tablescapes, Africa is spoilt for choice. Open your mind and rethink how some of these items can be used or reused. Napkins, napkin holders, baskets, pot holders, vases are opportunities where they can come in. Think of ways to personalize the experience for each guest e.g. place a little name card, set a flower stem on little earthenware vases for each guest etc.

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

Plants, fresh flowers, foliage, fruits, nuts etc. have an amazing ability to bring color and life to any space. They are also perfect for an Afro-inspired theme. Find a way to incorporate them in your arrangement e.g. arrange them on a basket or wooden bowl.

DRESS THE CHAIRS

Using slip covers on your dining chairs will add to the drama of the occasion. They are easy to put and the quick facelift that the chairs get will signal to all that this is a special occasion. Investing in slip covers for your dining chairs need not be expensive the best ideas sometimes use the simplest of materials.

LAYER

Layering is definitely a good way to add depth and interest to a tablescape so as to produce a captivating arrangement. Layers are added by: placing elements at varying heights thus allowing the eye to travel from one level to the next; using different textures; as well as considering all the senses such as smell, touch and hearing in the execution of your vision.  

Successful tablescapes usually involve thought and planning. When hurriedly put together, Afro-inspired arrangements can sometimes come off as busy and confused because of the richness of color, pattern and print found in our background. It’s important to be aware of this, know when to pare back and work to ensure that they are balanced and harmonious.