E! illustration/AmazonIt’s our favorite time of the summer: when the tablescaping competition comes across our social media feeds. While we’re obsessively watching every judging video—and the inevitable drama that comes from it (that dragon was definitely AI). All of this content got us wondering… should we start tablescaping as a hobby?
Marc Sebastian is a TikTok content creator known for his viral travel series such as the Great American Gay Sidequest, his explorations of haunted hotels, and whose tablescaping judging videos go nuts every year when the OC Fair competition starts.
E! asked Marc to share the secret to an excellent tablescape, plus what he thinks it takes to get a perfect score.
Of course, tablescaping is a lot of work. But we gotta start somewhere! Curious about the art of setting an elaborate, themed table? We got you covered. Whether you’re planning to enter the competition next year, wanting to step up your hosting game, or completely starting from scratch, you’ll find something here for you.
We researched the history, talked to the viral content creator behind everyone’s favorite judging series, and picked product recommendations to start your table-setting journey.
- To build a tablescape, start with a tablecloth (and don’t forget to iron out the wrinkles): GLORY SEASON Velvet Tablecloth
- Mix and match dinnerware with different patterns and colors to create a unified vision: Williams Sonoma Gold Rim Glass Charger, Anthropologie Eden Stoneware Dinner Plates, & Terrain Autumnal Floral Stoneware Side Plate
- Delicate finishing touches are the cherry on top for your table: Green Row Lattice Floral Napkins & CB2 Kava Warm Toned Glass Taper Candle Holders
What Is Tablescaping?
Tablescaping, as a word, blends table and landscaping—and that’s exactly what it is. Tablescaping is elaborately setting up dining tables in an artful, decorative, or themed way for social events, competitions, and exhibitions. Don’t let it get confused with simply setting up a table for dinner. This is an art form that requires practice, creativity, and hard work.
Tablescaping, then known as “table-setting,” first became popular in the late 1700s, when the upper class used it as a creative practice and to show their wealth. Tablescaping in exhibitions and competitions can be traced back to the 1930s. The competitions are judged by the tables’ creativity, interpretation of theme, as well as glassware, cutlery, and plateware.
For Marc, an excellent tablescape has to SERV (Self-Awareness, Execution, Resourcefulness, and Visual Appeal).
“It’s an art,” Marc told E!. “I want to be drawn to your table, and every time I look at it I want to discover something new. I think sometimes the tablescapers think about the big picture too much. Focusing in on the details is just as important.”
How to Create a Tablescape:
Tablescaping can be incredibly daunting. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the elements: sourcing your dinnerware, choosing the linens, creating any art necessary, and so much more.
According to tabletop brand founder Louise Roe‘s blog, the first step is to start with a vision and a color palette. Then, choose your base with the right tablecloth, placemats, and other linen elements. Move on to your plates: charger, dinner, and smaller accent plates. For the cherry on top, finish it with candles, a centerpiece, and other decor elements.
The creativity comes with sourcing the elements on the table and building a balanced vision by mixing interesting colors, vibes, patterns, and art. It all requires a human touch; don’t cheat your way out of that—we can tell!
“I really love when anyone uses unconventional materials to create their work. An old watch as a clock tower, a child’s chew toy as a remote control,” Marc told E!.
“Some of these tablescapers search for the entire year leading up to the fair for their glassware. It’s that dedication that sets them apart. In the end, buy what you like because your POV is the one I’m interested in. Anyone can set a table; not everyone can scape one.”
Start Small With These Kitchenware & Dinnerware Picks:
Before you can tablescape, we recommend starting with setting a decorative (and themed) table to host your friends or family. We’ve picked out a few styles that are perfect for a summer-fall transition table.
GLORY SEASON Velvet Tablecloth
This smooth velvet tablecloth comes in a variety of colors, but our hearts were captured by this olive green shade. It fits a rectagular table and features ruffles at the bottom—just don’t forget to iron out any wrinkles.
Fall Terracotta Table Runner
There are so many elements you can add to your tablescape to give it an extra dimension, but you can’t go wrong with a runner. Especially when it’s a hand-dyed fabric in a dreamy terracotta shade that blends gauze and cheesecloth textures.
Williams Sonoma Gold Rim Glass Charger
A charger plate is an absolute essential for a good tablescape. This glass one by William features a starburst design and a hand-painted gold-tone rim that adds vibrant sparkle to your table.
Terrain Autumnal Floral Stoneware Side Plate
A gorgeous salad, appetizer, or dessert place is a must-have. For a tablescape that blends summer and fall vibes, this one by Terrain is perfect with its handcrafted details and whimsical floral design.
Anthropologie Eden Stoneware Dinner Plates (Set of 4)
The Eden stoneware collection features four dinner plates with hand-painted greenery and florals sprinkled with friendly little critters throughout.
Pierce & Ward Etched Glassware Collection
Glassware is the hidden gem of the tablescape—it might make or break the entire look. These glasses are crafted in Mexico from recycled glass and feature an etched design and smooth, soft edges.
Green Row Lattice Floral Napkins (Set of 4)
You simply need gorgeous napkins! Woven from a blend of linen and cotton, these napkins feature a delicate brand-exclusive floral design and a ruffle trim.
Williams Sonoma Fortessa Arezzo Flatware Set
Add a golden touch to your table with this stainless-steel flatware set, which includes a dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, dinner knife, and teaspoon.
CB2 Kava Warm Toned Glass Taper Candle Holders (Set Of 3)
The cherry on top for your table? Delicate taper candles and vintage-looking holders. This set of three includes exactly that: they’re made of borosilicate glass and mouth-blown to create chic geometric shapes in warm neutral tints.
Looking for more decor essentials? Shop the affordable dorm decor that looks designer!
