How to create a tempting tablescape this Easter 

It starts by assessing what you have in the cupboards so you can be the host with the most

Yellows and blues are synonymous with Easter, left and above right, and the addition of a rattan charger or placemat adds extra texture to a table and works especially well as part of a garden tablescape, below right.

Is it true to say that all of us who live for interiors were tidy children, always bringing order to our surroundings? Arch declutterer Marie Kondo talks about her love of tidying from an early age, another is author An Bogaerts, according to her tablescaping book Table Stories, and yes, I’m one too.

This time of year, the tidy-upper in me is going full pelt, but come Easter weekend, the focus will move to potting up on the patio if weather permits and a play with tablescaping when colourways have a lighter touch and spring flowers make the perfect addition to a tabletop.

For inspiration, Table Stories offers ideas for all seasons, with spring suggestions offering a way of breaking out of the creative bubble we sometimes get trapped in when social media algorithms show us the same stuff over and over. “Follow your heart when selecting colour schemes and materials,” An Bogaerts says. “Don’t aim for perfection, aim for personality. 

A combination of natural materials and colourful wares makes a surprisingly calm and inviting tablescape design by Marie Michielssen, from 'Table Stories' by An Bogaerts.

"The good news [is] during springtime, setting an inviting table is pretty easy. All your guests are excited to see fresh flowers again when temperatures start rising. Just pick some nice vases, put some colourful flowers in there, and you’re done.

“The downside though: An overabundance of options. Self-control is key. Don’t lose yourself buying every attractive bloom you see at the florist. Pick a colour scheme and stick with it. Pastels are a safe option in spring and are easier to combine than bright hues.”

The addition of a rattan charger or placemat adds extra texture to a table and works especially well as part of a garden tablescape. Picture: Hedgeroe Home

Laura Nolan Horgan, owner of Irish tablescaping retailer LNH Edit, is seeing pastels, florals and bows having a big moment in tablescaping for spring, with a change as we progress to warmer days.

“As we move into summer, things take a bolder turn with richer, deeper tones making a statement,” she says. “At LNH, we love doing things our own way, always focusing on prints that stand the test of time; versatile enough to be used all year round, no matter the season. 

"Fresh flowers are also huge right now, and they’re such an easy way to switch up a table setting to match any occasion, adding that perfect finishing touch.”

Irish weather can sometimes surprise us with warm temperatures, which might warrant an Easter gathering on the patio. “Wouldn’t that be dreamy,” says Laura. “I still think I would keep the tones pastel. I might change up placemats for a wicker charger and introduce a little more colour in the glassware.

Yellow is synonymous with spring and Easter. 

“For me, it’s also the perfect occasion to bring out my favourite floral plates, ones that have been passed down through generations. I always call them the blue china, and they add such a sentimental and timeless touch to the table. 

"Easter feels like the ideal time to mix and match, to be a little eclectic with table settings, combining vintage pieces with fresh spring florals, pastel accents, and whatever feels right in the moment. It’s about creating an inviting, charming atmosphere without overcomplicating things.”

Having a selection of versatile items for your tablescape means they’re reusable and can offer a timelessness to work all year round and even year after year, including colour, according to Rebecca Roe, creative director at interiors retailer Hedgeroe Home, who sees a fresh and crisp look with greens and blues trending but also offering longevity.

“Not only are these colours very fresh and complement each other, they don’t just lend themselves to Easter, meaning you can be more versatile and reuse your tablescaping elements more often,” she says. 

“Bringing the outside in and varying tones and materials prevent the design from looking too repetitive, with velvet, linen, faux shagreen and glass putting tactile twists on the hue.”

Spring colours might typically be yellow and green, but come summer, it’s yellow and blue for a colourway with a burst of sunshine and sea. Picture: Hedgeroe Home

This Easter, Rebecca is spending Easter at home, having just moved back in with her family following a renovation. “I am very excited to be spending Easter at home, though it will still be a semi-building site. Easter is my favourite time of year as we see longer days and some colour back in the garden. 

"My table will be complementing earthy tones with subtle pops of yellow bringing a springtime feel, with my table lamps and little bunnies adding some seasonal charm. I always encourage you to repeat colours at least once to ensure a cohesive palette, but that doesn’t mean those chosen hues need to be the most prominent.”

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