How to Change Tablescapes

When used effectively, a creative tablescape can set the mood for your meal, decorate your home and express your sense of style. With a few simple changes, you can adjust a single arrangement to suit different seasons, occasions, moods and guests.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Develop a central tablescape with basic elements such as plain candles, vases or baskets that can remain the same while you change the embellishments around them. Try new flowers, trinkets, monograms, themed accents or kids' crafts to adjust the look from time to time.
2. Vary the height to create more visual interest and emphasize different items. Use inverted plates, stacked books or paper-covered boxes as risers.
3. Change the scent to suit the event or season. Use flowers to create a romantic feel for Valentine's Day, cinnamon sticks and fragrant pinecones for Christmas or fresh herbs to coordinate with the meal you're having.
4. Adjust the colors to create new moods. If you're hosting an elegant event, use metallic and deeper shades, while pastels or primary colors are ideal for children's parties. Purchase different shades of candles, flowers or linens that be changed easily. Create custom accents by spray-painting simple objects such as leaves or woven wood balls you can find at the discount store.
5. Refill containers with seasonal items. Fill a simple hurricane-style candle holder or glass bowl with vibrant cranberries at Christmas, confetti for birthdays or dried leaves in the fall.
6. Look around the house for new items to include in your arrangements. A scarf can contribute vibrant color, small photos can add meaning or a child's wood block can lend a playful touch, for example.

Tips & Warnings

• Expand your options and decorating area by expanding your tablescape and displaying coordinating decorations on a neighboring china cabinet, side table or kitchen counter.
• If you have small children or if toddlers will be eating at the table, avoid using small objects in the tablescape that might pose a choking hazard.

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