Talking Tables

Tablescaping has become the new homeware hashtag of choice where entertaining meets interior design. Whether it’s a mad hatters tea party or candle-lit piece of theatre, Natalie Flaum speaks to top British brands to bring you a showstopping table for any sense of occasion

Setting the table for dinner is a routine we are all familiar with. However, the art of tablescaping requires a different level of creativity – a curated design at its finest. A buzzword that sprung from social media platforms, tablescaping is an interior trend that has rocketed since lockdown, serving creative therapy direct to our dining table. From sumptuous wedding table settings to rustic outdoor garden arrangements, beautiful tablescapes images are whimsical, dream-like and inspiring to all.

Carolyn Dorrian, founder of tableware brand Mrs Tablescape comments; “The table used to beunder appreciated but COVID has made us realise what a workhorse it is. It’s where kids do homework, it doubles as an office desk, it’s a place to relax over a glass of wine, and it’s also a huge fashion statement for dinner parties big and small. The table is a focal point of the house and embodies cherished moments to create a joyous atmosphere with friends, family or guests. No wonder the tablescaping phenomenon has well and truly taken off. As we all become used to the new normal of a post-pandemic world, the trend of using dining tables and food as a fun form of escapism remains. It’s highly desirable to transform dining tables into entire destinations. Think Amalfi in the summer with its crystal blue waters and lemon scented air brought to life viarustic painted crockery and richly-dyed linens, or whisk yourself off to Marrakech with boldly printed napkins, tall candles and delicate cups of mint tea.”

“This year is set to see a continuation of nostalgic trend as memories of loved ones are evoked through use of Granny’s best crockery,” adds Carolyn. “This wistful return to the pastis super comforting and best of all vintage and vintage-style tablewares are affordable, eco-friendly, and if looked after, will last a lifetime.”

With the daffodils in bloom and Easter bunnies on the horizon, Abode2 explores the latest new luxury UK table and homeware brands who offer pre-curated sets ready to buy or rent to bring catwalk-inspired seasonal style straight to your table…

Maison Margaux

Maison Margaux offer a treasure trove of china, glass, cutlery and linens from high-end designers to hire at a snip of the cost of the actual items. “People want to create and capture that perfect memory or Instagram moment and tablescapes play a huge part in that,” explains Louisa Preskett, co-founder of Maison Margaux.

www.maisonmargauxltd.com

LAY London

LAY London celebrates the art of dining as a truly magical experince for host and guest alike. Their mission is to re-imagine a host with an emphasis on more fun, less fuss and no waste. “We’ve done the leg work to save you precious time, cost and storage space – it’s what dinner party dreams are made of.”

www.laylondon.com

Alice Naylor-Leyland

Alice Naylor-Leyland (Mrs Alice) queen of entertaining for beautifully colour-coordinated and seasonally themed tablescapes in boxes. “My customers love that they no longer have to think about the table,” says Alice. “They can just relax and enjoy the occasion.”

www.mrsalice.com

Dress For Dinner

Dress For Dinner for beautiful table décor and gift-boxed tablescapes to keep delivered to your door. All boxes come with handy tips on how to lay out your decorated spread.

www.dressfordinner.co.uk

The Sette

The Sette for fine craftsmanship relaxed table and kitchenware, colourful cutlery, printed linens, scalloped-edge plates, and favourite pieces for every.

www.occasionthesette.com