The Art of Tablescaping
An interior designer dishes on how to create a memorable table for your next dinner party
“Don’t just set the table. Set the stage.”
— Maggie Dillon
The next time you host a dinner party – or any gathering – consider not only setting the table, but setting the stage, too.
That’s advice from Maggie Dillon, designer and owner of Maggie Dillon Interiors in Raleigh, North Carolina. She said, “A pretty table sets the stage for the entire dining experience. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an atmosphere that makes guests feel welcome, celebrated and comfortable.”
What you serve your guests matters, too, of course. But they’ll see how you’ve styled your space before they taste anything. And they should be able to tell that you put thought into it. As Dillon said, “The right setting makes everything feel more intentional.”
“The table, when set right, is where the magic happens,” she added. “It’s where everyone gathers, shares and connects.”
Here are more of Dillon’s tips on creating a distinctive tablescape.
Say it with flowers
Floral arrangements are one way – and probably the most common one – to dress up your dining table. But those should be chosen and arranged with intention, as well.
A centerpiece that’s too high can block people sitting across from each other from having a conversation. And flowers that are overly fragrant (gardenias, for instance) may actually irritate people with scent sensitivities.
Dillon’s advice: “Aim for balance. Keep height in mind. Too tall, and it becomes a visual barrier that disrupts conversation. Ideally, the centerpiece should be low enough to allow people to make eye contact and talk across the table without obstruction. And if you’re using multiple small arrangements, varying the heights and shapes will keep things dynamic and visually interesting.”
Beyond selecting florals that are fresh and vibrant, she says florals should also be in season to “ensure the arrangement feels connected to the time of year.”
Stick to the theme
If your dinner party (or brunch or tailgate, etc.) has a theme, consider incorporating the theme into the centerpiece. And elsewhere.
“A theme is such a fun opportunity to be creative with your tablescape,” Dillon said. “For example, if you’re hosting a fall-themed dinner, I think incorporating seasonal elements like small pumpkins or gourds is a fun, out-of-the-ordinary idea. I typically strive to let a theme inform the color palette, materials and the overall mood I’m wanting to create, while still keeping the design balanced and cohesive.”
Go beyond the tabletop
The dining chairs surrounding your table give you another spot to get creative. “Chairs are an easy place to add a little personality,” Dillon said. “I love the idea of tying colorful ribbons or adding floral sprigs to the back of each chair to make it feel more festive. It’s fun to see personalized linens (think: hand towels) or other little gifts tied to the back of a chair that can double as a place card.”
Be intentional with seating
Speaking of place cards, Dillon is in favor of them. “I’m a big fan of assigned seating because it allows you to curate the experience more thoughtfully and keeps guests from awkwardly standing around not knowing where to sit,” she said. “By seating people who don’t know each other together, you give guests the opportunity to make new connections. However, with that said, it is smart to also balance personalities. Putting outgoing people next to those who are a bit more reserved – or pairing people who share common interests or friends – are important to keep in mind.”
Dillon, a consummate hostess herself, adds that her tips are suggestions only; they’re not rules that can’t be broken. “There’s no one ‘right’ way to design a table,” she said. “What’s most important is that you enjoy doing it, because that will be reflected in your event.”
“The table, when set right, is where the magic happens.”
— Maggie Dillon
Perhaps Dillon’s most important piece of advice to dinner party hosts is to relax and have fun. What really sets the tone for any gathering – more than the food, the florals, the music or the table décor – is the host. If you’re stressing over every detail to the point you’re not having fun, it may stress your guests out, too.
“Entertaining doesn’t have to be about perfection,” she said. “It’s about creating a space where people feel comfortable, happy and included. Whether you’re mixing high and low design elements or playing with color and pattern in unexpected ways, it’s the energy you bring to the table that makes all the difference.”
If you’d rather enjoy your dinner than stress the details, let us take it off your plate.