Elegant Party Ideas & Hosting Tips

3 Questions Great Hosts Ask When Creating a Tablescape

When entertaining family and friends at home, there are many things to consider. From food and timing to venue and set-up, all these details need to come together to create the right ambience. Here are three questions to set you on the right path to creating beautiful tablescapes that will make any occasion feel special.


What will be on the menu?

Featured: Outdoor Spring Morning Potted Foliage | Photo Courtesy of Courtney of French Country Cottage

Part of entertaining involves serving food that delights and satisfies. The food may take the lead, but décor plays a great supporting role of making your spread look even more enticing and enjoyable. Your menu—whether it be breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or dinner—is the foundation for choosing your table décor and centerpiece. The type of meal determines what tableware is required. For example, steak knives, soup bowls, and wine glasses may be essential for dinner, and having these on the table will direct the placement of the rest of your décor.

While the food served will be one of the meal’s highlights, of course, you can choose a menu according to your available prep time as well. You can go for simpler yet tasty dishes that won’t take too much effort and time to prepare.

What’s the tablescape color scheme?

Featured: Outdoor Radiant Peony Garland | Photo Courtesy of Melonie Graves of Lifestyle with Melonie Graves

When setting the table, color ties your overall design theme together. A tablescape in an enticing blend of hues will set the stage for the rest of the meal. You can go for neutral and calm color palettes or bold and vibrant ones. Match your color scheme to the food you plan to serve.

If you’re still unsure of how to approach your theme, you can’t go wrong with this tip: complementary colors will always create a beautiful color display. Simply find a color you like and display items such as plates, glasses, and flower arrangements in that color. Then, use complementary shades as accents to add texture and depth.

Where will you entertain?

Location is another factor to consider when setting up your table. If you plan to host outdoors, make sure to have contingency plans for weather changes. Whether your meal will be held outdoors or indoors and depending on the time of day, you need ample lighting. Your tablescape will also depend on how many guests will be there and how formal or casual the gathering will be.


With everything ready for your party, you can relax and concentrate on being a gracious host. Do you have other great tablescape ideas? Share them in the comments below.

Check out Balsam Hill for premium home décor and lifelike greenery to spruce up your gatherings at home and beyond.

Be Inspired

Get your home ready for entertaining family and friends. Explore more decorating tips and ideas below:

Write A Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Balsam Hill Videos

View All Videos

Watch step-by-step decorating how-tos, product guides, designer stories, and more. Subscribe to our Youtube Channel today.

Follow us on Instagram Instagram Logo

Create moments you’ll cherish with our most realistic Christmas trees and premium home décor. Share your special memories with us on Instagram using #InspiredByBalsamHill