A gingham tablecloth, José Franco terra cotta cups, and wildflowers provide a beautiful backdrop for a summer soup and fresh focaccia.

As a prop and floral stylist one of my favorite scenes to create on set was a tablescape. In real life, I like my tablescapes to prioritise comfort for guests, nature, and food-the entire reason we are gathering! Of course I like things to be pretty but if it feels too much like a photo shoot, people feel uncomfortable. The energy should feel flowing, casual, and provide a beautiful setting to connect. I feel ok if the linen or cotton tablecloth is a bit wrinkled, and I like the flowers to be small and an accent to the food rather than the focus. Here are a few of my favorite casual tablescapes from some of our past events.

A pale hued table with a painter’s canvas cloth provides the perfect backdrop for a plant~based meals of parchment bags filled with ricotta, avocado spread with fresh veggies, seeded crackers, and summer salads.

Tablescape sources featured in these photos:

Mustard and gingham tablecloths: El Corte Ingles

Green striped napkins from European linen: JauJa Linen

Terra cotta mugs, plates, and pitchers: José Franco Museum

Checked napkins sewn from Portuguese linen fabric from: Rosa Pomar

Terra cotta bowls: Fábrica de Louça

Wildflowers including native scabiosa, Queen Anne’s lace, and wild oat grass  adorn the space.

A few more tablescape ideas:

Consider a painter’s cloth for a casual and inexpensive tablecloth.

Buy fabric and have it sewn into tablecloths or napkins.

Use a plain tablecloth and mix and match your cloth napkins for a dash of pattern.

Think about your setting and how the colors and mood of your table contrast or expand from the scene.

Consider how your tablescape will make guests feel.

Mix and match vintage candle holders.

For a large group, keeping things simple and bright makes the meal a seamless experience.

José Franco pottery adds a touch of sweetness and pattern play with the green and white striped cloth.

Baskets add warmth and whimsy.

A pale mustard gingham cloth contrasts beautifully with the lush green hillsides.

Centerpieces created by guests mix and match with checked tablecloths and a casual canvas cloth.

Gathering around the table for a meal during our Flower and Garden Retreat. Photos by Rachel Carter Swan.

Join us around the table next May (or earlier) for one of our flower retreats!