Cutlery to candles: Secrets for a stunning tablescape
I know I’m always banging on about how I don’t like too many things cluttering up my home, but I must say I love a well dressed dining table. I love how inviting it is, how elegant it can be. Setting out some stunning tableware can also make serving so much easier — nobody will care that you didn’t spend hours slaving in the kitchen when everything looks so good.
Still though, tableware takes up room and if you, like me, have a tiny (90cm diameter in my case) dining table then you must be judicious about what is allowed to take up precious space. And we are approaching silly season, where it’s tempting to over-purchase holiday-patterned crockery, but bear in mind you’ll have to store it for the following 11 months. I’m all for this if you have the storage but if you can’t, here are some great tips to lay a beautiful table without sacrificing space.
Before anything else, clear the surface completely and give it a quick polish. Tablecloths, table runners, and napkins are ideal for seasonal decor as they can be easily swapped around and require minimal decor.
Think about texture as much as colour — a soft washed linen or natural cotton will add an elegant warmth. A neutral colour will let the crockery and food take centre stage and allow you to go in heavy with a dramatic centrepiece and accessories. Alternatively, a bold colour or pattern can do a lot of the design heavy lifting if you prefer to use plain tableware. Assuming your table isn’t unsightly, a runner down the middle is often better than a full tablecloth. It draws the eye lengthways and doesn’t intrude on diners’ laps.
Check out the rich wintry-coloured linen tablecloths and table runners from Lana Dullaghan’s stunning linen collection, and the beautiful neutral linen tablecloths from Foxford Woollen Mills.
Setting out plates and serving dishes comes next — it will show you how much space you have left to create a centrepiece, if you want one, and you can check the colour scheme to see what additional tones you can layer in. You don’t need a variety of different sets of dishes — just one that you genuinely enjoy using. Plain white or neutral plates work on any table and show off food best. Patterns can work too — my own crockery is the classic blue willow pattern and I love it, though mostly because it belonged to my beloved grandmother. Just ensure that any patterns work cohesively with your tablecloth or runner — it’s better to keep at least one of these plain. You can’t go wrong with matching sets, but mismatched tableware has its own charm. The key is cohesion. Stick to a similar colour palette or material. If space is tight, stack plates and bowls instead of spreading them out — layering creates visual depth and looks elegant.
Serving dishes should complement the plates, though they don’t have to match. A core collection comprises one large platter for a roast or salad, two or three medium bowls for sides, and a small bowl or jug for sauces. You may choose to have a collection of small bowls instead depending on the type of food you are serving. In smaller homes, it’s smart to choose serving pieces that can go straight from oven to table, which reduces storage requirements and crucially saves on washing up.
Good cast-iron dishes such as Le Creuset or Staub go with literally everything. You may like to consider tiered serving dishes if you’re tight on space. I love silver or aluminium for this. I also have long obsessed over the Le Boule from Villeroy and Boch — it’s a beautifully designed sphere that comes apart into a full seven-piece set of serving dishes and plates for two people, and makes a perfect gift.
There are many contemporary styles of cutlery on trend right now, with brushed brass prongs and contrasting black handles, but my preference will always be a classic set of stainless steel cutlery (or silver but there’s upkeep). I love almost anything from Newbridge Silverware and have their Nova stainless steel set in my own home. I like to have matching serving spoons and forks, and was lucky enough to find a set in my local Oxfam for €15 a few years ago. I love the look of ivory cutlery too, but anything more colourful than that is a trend that’s not for me.
In your home you should have a set of tumblers, a set of white wine glasses, a set of red wine glasses, and ideally a set of champagne glasses. I like to have a decanter too, though this is not necessary. My favourite brand for glassware is Riedel — it’s slim and elegant, durable, and (crucially) dishwasher safe. I have also always found excellent glassware sets in Home Sense. If the mis-matched look is for you, I recommend looking in second-hand shops to pick up fabulous crystal for amazing prices. As long as you don’t need a matching set, you can accrue a stunning collection this way. Just please don’t get coloured glass — keep it clear!
Small accessories can make a huge difference. I have left this section to the end, but only because I wanted to save the best for last. My personal favourite table of all is a neutral coloured table runner with plain plates and cutlery, with some seasonal touches to finish it off. Consumable accessories are perfect for this as they require no storage in between seasons. In wintertime, holly and eucalyptus branches make gorgeous centrepieces, scattered with dried citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, and pinecones. They will last for weeks and can be thrown in the compost when you’re finished. Just ensure the centrepiece doesn’t rise so tall that it blocks the eyeline.
Sprigs of rosemary can be wrapped around plain napkins to create a gorgeous and temporary festive look. Candles are a winner all year round but are especially cosy in long dark evenings. The key to making them look great is to layer their heights: an easy trick is to group them in threes — one small, one medium, and one tall. Unscented is best.
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