The Ultimate Guide to Tablescaping

The idea of tablescaping has recently become a popular trend, with people looking to create beautiful, show-stopping tables for all occasions. Parties have evolved from the classic "pin the tail on the donkey" and "ice cream & jelly" into the highlight of the social calendar.

Whilst the idea of tablescaping may seem daunting to most, we are here to give you all the tips, tricks and hints to create fabulous events at home. The biggest secret is... it can be done with very little effort, money and time - it really couldn't be simpler (shhh don't tell anyone!).

If you are not the DIY type why not allow The Bell Tent Experience to do all the work for you? We provide all of the tableware (plates, cutlery, glassware), napkins, candles, centrepieces and lots of themed decor. The best bit is you don't have to do any of the tidying up, we take care of it all.

Sit back, relax and entertain!

Step 1:

Collect all of your equipment to create a beautiful table scape. See below our go to list for a simple but beautifully designed table:

• chiffon table runner

• eucalyptus or foliage garland

• candle sticks with taper candles

• pillar candles

• small vases with seasonal flowers or pampas grass (if boho is more your style)

• rattan place mats

• white plates (starter and main)

• gold cutlery

• beautifully coloured goblet glasses

• linen napkins

Our Favourite Products

1. The White Company: Pure Dinner Candles - Set of 6

2. Rinkit: Bormioli Rocco Romantic Wine Glasses - Pack of 6

3. H&M: Linen Napkins - Pack of 2

The best part of tablescaping is allowing your imagination to run free. You can make it as intricate or simplistic as you like, colour schemes are endless and the more texture you have, the more beautiful it will look!

“ Parties have evolved from the classic "pin the tail on the donkey" and "ice cream & jelly" into the highlight of the social calendar.”

Step 2:

It's time for the fun part! It's time to arrange all of your decor!

We always begin by placing the chiffon runner down the centre of the table, it acts as a good base and brings a level of dimension, making the table look fuller and more put together. Next, lay the eucalyptus or foliage garland on top of the runner - we love eucalyptus as it is effortlessly relaxing and beautiful all at the same time.

Arrange your candles throughout the foliage, these will not only look romantic and make the set-up more intimate but provides warm, ambient lighting; this is crucial for any experience but make sure you don't light the candles until the very last moment, avoiding wax spillage!

Now its time for place settings, we love to layer pure white plates and linen napkins on top of a rattan placemat. The natural materials are so chic and give a relaxed vibe, whilst looking oh so classic, pair this with shiny gold cutlery to really make the table scape pop.

Step 3:

Finally and arguably the most important step is personalised name cards - this step shouldn't be missed. It doesn't need to be anything fancy, simply write each guests name on white card, create unique designs on canva or order online.

There are so many reasons why this is important, see our thoughts below:

• creates the perfect seating arrangement to ensure the chatting never stops

• shows guests you have considered them

• easier to serve dishes if there are more than one dietary requirement

• is the perfect finishing touch

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