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No matter what the occasion, we’re suckers for a good old social gathering. But, when it comes to planning a Pinterest-worthy event, it can be pretty bloomin’ daunting. Whether you want to achieve a simple scandi-inspired tablescape, or throw a themed shindig, today I’m sharing six simple table styling tips for any celebration, in partnership with Galaxy.
Life is but a theme
First tip on the list is deciding on a theme for your table décor. This can range from simple seasonal styling, to something more trend-led like a rustic aesthetic or a character-focused children’s party. Sure, a party always sounds like a good idea, but as the host(ess), we undoubtedly want to impress and consequently pile on the (self-inflicted) pressure. And when that pressure has been piled on, it’s easy enough to feel overwhelmed.
Whether you’re planning a summer soirée, styling a festive focussed table or throwing a big birthday bonanza, having a clear theme will make it so much easier when it comes to finding ways of injecting personality and a bit of pizazz into your table styling. Once you’ve got the theme ticked off your list, you’re on to a winner.
Pop ‘ya colour
One of my favourite things when it comes to table styling is the colour scheme consideration stage. Choosing the right colours for your tablescape is an easy way to not only embody your theme, but enhance it too, bringing your vision to life.
If you’re a pure and simple kinda guy or gal, you may prefer an all-white, Scandinavian inspired table style, with hints of foliage to add that pop of colour and extra layer of texture to the table. Keeping your colours neutral is the easiest way to achieve a minimal, modern look, allowing you to let your accessories do the talking – like flowers, for example.
Personally, I can’t keep away from colour. While I do find a more minimal aesthetic to be simply mesmerising, I tend to find that I’m drawn to using statement colours in my table styling.
When styling my table for this post, I decided that my theme was ‘Spring Garden Party’ and built my tablescape around the beautiful dusky pink tablecloth. When envisaging your finished look, try to think about the kind of aesthetic that makes your jaw drop, and what colours would work to compliment your theme.
It’s all in the details
Once you’ve got the nitty gritty bits out of the way, the faffing fun can really begin. When it comes to styling, it’s all in the details. Now, the question is, are you team ‘less is more’ or ‘more is more’?
Whether you favour a paired back, minimal look, with a few pops of colour for good measure, or, you like to let your maximalist side run free when creating your jaw-dropping display, when it comes to building your tablescape, there is no right or wrong – it’s completely based on personal preference. The important thing is to ensure that you make your mark.
For me, nothing says ‘spring’ quite like a pretty posy or two (there ain’t no party like a posy party) and so I decided that I wanted to go for a soft, feminine aesthetic with hints of gold to add a bit of warmth. I must confess that I do live more on the maximalist side of life, but I always make sure that nothing is added that doesn’t fit my theme or compliment my colour scheme.
When thinking about adding those all-important details, try to focus on the things that you need first and foremost, such as your crockery and glassware. Once you have those in place, you can move on to your ‘fillers’, whose main purpose is to simply look pretty. Your ‘dust collectors’ as Joe likes to call them. These can range from signs and birthday banners, to bunches of blooms or table props like place settings and ornaments.
All your need is love (and flowers)
As I mentioned earlier, a big part of bringing my tablescape to life was through the use of flowers. Personally, I think a table setting is never complete without some flowers or foliage (I’ll make an exception for any character themed parties though). I know, putting together an epic centrepiece can be intimidating, but making smaller floral arrangements and pretty posies is a great way to spread life and a bit of love over the table, without having to go all out. And, this doesn’t have to make your table feel feminine; foliage such as eucalyptus is a great way to add a perfect pop of colour in a more simplistic way, while still stopping your scene from falling flat.
Let there be height
When styling your table and thinking about the details that you want to add, it’s important to consider not only where they will be placed, but also whether they vary in height.
Varying the height and width of your accessories is a great way to draw in your guests and move their attention across the table. Whenever I style anything, I prefer to work in odd numbers, usually placing products in groups of 3 or 5, but I do also work from eye depending on what I think looks best for the setting. You can do this by using small glass vessels alongside your vases for your flowers or foliage, stacking plates and using various sized bottles for any drinks, for example. You also want to ensure that you have spaced your accessories out evenly, even if you are going for the more maximalist approach. You want your tablescape to be eye-catching, without feeling cluttered, overwhelming or unbalanced.
The main attraction
Finally, the pièce de résistance – your centrepiece. This could be a show-stopping floral arrangement, or a big balloon banner, but in my eyes, nothing says ‘celebration’ quite like a slice of cake. The kind of cake that you just need to look at and it instantly makes your mouth water.
Now, when it comes to chocolate, I don’t like playing favourites, but I have to say, Galaxy is right up there (forever a fan of the humble Minstrel over here). So, when I found out that Galaxy had released their new Galaxy Ripple Celebration cake, I had to bust it out for my little spring-themed soirée. Picture this: a moist chocolate sponge teamed with a ganache frosting that is that ‘just right’ kind of sweet, topped with an array of chocolate treats (hello white chocolate curls and Galaxy Ripples).
If you’re having a little celebration of your own, you can pick up this chocolate gem of goodness from either Morrisons or Asda to add the ultimate bit of indulgence to your table. I can confirm that it is an absolute taste sensation, perfect for any occasion.
What are your top tips when it comes to table styling?
~ This post is part of a paid collaboration with Galaxy and as always, all views, photos and love for minstrels are entirely my own. This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of a sale if you click the links and purchase a product. ~
