Social media used to be full of the latest clothing and footwear but now it’s the dinner table that’s dressed and photographed in different styles and colours. So, what’s the fuss about tablescaping? We investigate…
In a post-lockdown world, as people are spending more time indoors, entertaining at home has become a serious business. After months spent with family and friends virtually on Zoom and playing Kahoot quizzes, people are socialising more at home. Going out to fancy restaurants has been replaced by hosting dinner parties. But it’s not just the food on the table that’s the highlight at these shindigs. It’s all about the table setting – or ‘tablescaping’.
Social media pages are flooded with images of tablescapes. Eye-catching tables heaving with crockery in the shape of fruits and vegetables. Glasses in every shade of the rainbow. Candlesticks decorated with tropical birds. Animals set against a backdrop of gorgeous tablecloths with exotic floral centrepieces. That’s why we’re here to talk about how to create the perfect tablescape for any mood, season or place.
What’s the hype behind tablescaping?
In bleak times like these, this trend can be considered frivolous. But there’s no denying it provides us with a sense of escapism. We might not have the lovely view of a beach or a mountain outside our window, but our table can look like a million dollars!
Whether it’s drinks for two, a casual Sunday lunch with the kids or a stylish dinner party for friends, dinner tables have never looked so beautiful. We don’t need a special occasion to set the table – every mealtime can be special. Tablescaping has become a new outlet for anyone to unleash their creativity and show off their personal style.
We’ve got plenty of online shops that cater to all your needs so you can make your tables look Insta-worthy. Many are small local businesses run by women entrepreneurs. Here are a few that caught our eye…
Tablescaping 101: Everything you need for your next dinner party
1. Planter’s Bungalow
The brainchild of Neha Gulati, this Singapore-based online boutique sells hand block printed table linen and more. Designed in Singapore and made in India, the lovely and summery cotton-printed tablecloths, runners, placemats and napkins will give any table that special touch. Patterns in similar colourways can be mixed and matched to suit your individual style and create a slightly different table setting each time. We particularly love the Santorini range of table linen with soothing turquoise and blue colours that’ll transport you to the Mediterranean seaside.
Planter’s Bungalow, available online
2. Knotty by Nature
Started by two friends Karina Koshy Sharma and Nidhi Adhia, Knotty by Nature provides sustainable choices for your table and home. The conscious label uses natural fabrics like cotton and linen with natural dyes and hand block prints to create unique, environmentally-friendly pieces. The table linen comes in fun and vibrant colours.
Take the Garden of Versailles runner, for example. The limited edition table runner is inspired by the 17th century gardens of Versailles. Its bold colours with exotic flower and peacock patterns make it a statement piece. The classic blue and white Corsica tablecloth is made of 100% cotton with interlacing floral motifs and comes in two sizes for a six- or eight- seater dining table. It’s the perfect choice to style your table for an alfresco lunch or a formal dinner with friends!
Knotty by Nature, available online
3. The Jungle Emporium
Juliane Bailey is the woman behind this brand. The Jungle Emporium is a treasure trove of homeware inspired by the tropics. Juliane personally handpicks products from all over the world. Think rattan placemats and coasters, handblown glassware, Spanish crockery as well as vintage vases and candleholders. All the products are handmade by mostly family-owned producers using traditional methods and materials. Some are often available in limited quantities. Our pick? Bamboo cutlery. Made of natural bamboo and stainless steel, each piece is handcrafted so no two pieces are alike. Paired with rattan accessories, they’re a sure win to dress your table island-style.
The Jungle Emporium, available online
4. Hankie Pankie Tables
Owner Emma Brookes has an eye for all things pretty and playful. From colourful candles to quirky napkin rings, Hankie Pankie Tables is a one-stop-shop for all your tablescaping needs. Emma sources unique pieces from all over Europe to provide a tastefully curated selection to her growing number of customers in Singapore. It’s hard to choose between the gilded candlestick holders with cockatoos and leopards, the zebra and tiger shaped flower vases or the cabbage-ware inspired pottery. Plus, the printed tablecloths are cheekily named after various neighbourhoods of Singapore. The delightful multicoloured handmade Murano glasses get our vote for adding eye candy to our table setting!
Hankie Pankie Tables, available online
So go on, make your next mealtime extra special with some tablescaping action. Don’t forget to take a photo for the ‘gram!
