With Easter fast approaching and Spring in full force, it’s the perfect time to welcome guests into your home.
Rachel Binks, Style Coordinator at Hillarys, says:
Q) What should be the starting point when styling a table?
“When styling a table I start by considering the style and colour of the room where the table is positioned.
The first step is to find your inspiration and pick a theme. You can find these from a season, holiday or an event and this will then guide your colour scheme. Colour is a powerful element in a table, ideally, you should follow the 3-colour rule and have one or two main colours and a secondary colour that compliments.
Next consider the centrepiece taking into account the shape and size of the table, whether you want it central or off set and what will tell the story of your theme. Delicate flowers or branches add a hint of nature without being overpowering. For Easter, bright yellow tulips and mini floral arrangements make a vibrant table but keep in mind seasonality when choosing flowers to keep them relevant to your theme.
Other things to consider include choosing the base for your tablescape, either a tablecloth or runner and the style of the napkins and whether these match or compliment your colour theme. I often place napkins on top of the plates, tied in a casual knot with an accessory. Also decide on the style of your plates, cutlery and glasses.
Finally for the final touch, add a few small additions that will make your table feel extra personal! For example use a couple of small ceramic bunnies or mini eggs for your Easter table.”
Q) What colours would you recommend for an Easter table and why?
“For Easter I would recommend classic, spring colours which are always a big hit in Spring time, either pastel shades or vibrant. Also consider neutral colours with hints of pastel blue, green or yellow to make an amazing colour combination.
Rattan adds a natural element to the table and contrasts nicely especially with a patterned tablecloth.”
Q) Top tips for tablescaping on a budget?
“The key to tablescaping on a budget is planning, setting a budget and getting creative!
Begin with a plan of what you will use as this will help give you a steer of your budget and it also gives you time to be creative and maybe even consider having a go at making your own decorations.
It’s fun to think outside of the box for elements of your tablescape but this also helps to keep costs lower. For example in place of a runner or tablecloth, I have seen blankets and scarves used, which is a fun trick.
Flowers are a key element of any tablescape, but they do not need to be elaborate to make a statement. If you are trying to watch your budget just stick with just one type of flower, bunches of tulips or daffodils look as impactful as an arrangement of flowers. Another idea is to pop out into the garden and pick flowers or branches!”
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Q) How to avoid over-dressing your table?
“It's fun to set a table but the last thing you want is for it to be crowded or overdressed. I suggest keeping to the design rule of 3, use 2 / 3 key statement pieces on the table i.e centrepiece and place settings and leave enough space between them which will allow the natural eye to pause and the table not appear cluttered.
For larger tables it's said you should allow 24 inches between each place setting and for smaller spaces, only use delicate items like tea lights.”
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