Spring-Summer 2020 Tablescape Ideas & Dining Table Trends

Just like a well-coordinated outfit, a table that is decorated and put-together shows off personal style and provides inspiration. More importantly, it makes guests - whether extended family and friends, or simply immediate family and loved ones - feel special when they sit down to dine with you. Tablescaping trends ebb and flow with the years, but there are certain trends to keep in mind for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. 

Here are six tablescaping ideas for you to use to usher in your spring-summer get-togethers.

Featured: Palermo Dining Table

When styling your table, one of the first considerations to keep in mind is colour. Choose a colour palette of hues you like or that can be found in your dining room or other parts of your home. As well, if your dinnerware has a distinct colour scheme, use that to choose table runners, placemats, napkins and other décor in complementary hues. If, however, selecting a complementary palette proves tricky, considering choosing hues that can be found in nature and are seasonally appropriate. For spring, considering zinfandel red and vine brown, ocean blue and sandy white, or pineapple yellow and palm green. Once you've decided upon your palette, incorporate the colours into your selection of linens, florals, décor and place cards. If you'd like to add a few pops of visual interest, consider incorporating metallics into your colour scheme through flatware, vases, or place card-holders. 

It's no secret that we all look our best in light that's soft and subdued, which is likely why candlelight is so highly favoured for dinner parties. If your dining room has an overhead light fixture that gives off too harsh of a glow, you may consider swapping it out with pendant lighting that offers more subdued lighting. If not, consider installing light dimmers to your overhead fixtures to enable you to control the light levels of your space throughout the day, and through the course of your meal. If your dining room doesn't have overhead lighting, or you're looking for an alternative to overhead lighting, consider situating table or floor lamps throughout your space. Whether you decide to borrow a few lamps from other parts of your home, or buy new ones, lamps are a great alternative to hard, overhead lights. Consider a table lamp or two to place on your buffet or any console tables in your dining room, or even a floor lamp tucked away in a corner. For your table, you can never go wrong with sprinkling a few candle holders equipped with votives throughout your table to give the room a cozy and welcoming glow. 

Featured: Centenaire Dining Table

There's no centrepiece better suited to spring than flowers. Gorgeous blooms and other foliage are great options to herald in the spring (and soon summer!) season, and can be great conversation pieces amongst your guests. Be mindful, however, of choosing a suitable size of bouquet for your table, as choosing one that is too big can detract from interactions, and one that is too small can look unsuitable. To choose the right centrepiece, first consider the size of your table and choose an appropriate size. If you opt for flowers or other foliage, ensure the blooms don't reach eye level so as to block anyone's view. Finally, consider whether you like the look of one main centrepiece (for example, grouping flowers of one variety together), or creating smaller arrangements to place in bud vases along your table.

If flowers aren't your thing, there are a number of other centrepiece alternatives to consider. Pour decorative filler (consider sand, pebbles, or shells, amongst others) into glass bowls and add a tealight or taper candle to the middle of the bowl. Create miniature terrariums filled with succulents or other cacti in glass cloches, or arrange a collection of candles in varying sizes throughout the length of your table. The possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing a centrepiece for your table, and to go the extra mile, consider offering these arrangements to your guests as favours to take home. 

Featured: Bianca Rectangle Dining Table

Undoubtedly, linens play a huge role in the look, feel and functionality of your table and dining experience. Easily create a soft foundation for your flaterware, dinnerware, utensils and glassware with table runners, placemats and napkins. Textile elements such as these work wonders for injecting colour (and are a great way to weave your colour palette through your tablescaping) but they also create visual interest on your dining table through texture, contrast and pattern. Get creative with how you lay out your linens - whether it's playing around with the placement of your runner, or folding your napkins in creative ways, ensure you have some fun with it. Consider also adding decorative touches through napkin rings, or mixing and matching your linens. Contrast colours and patterns for a bold, playful look or opt for complementary hues to create a more elegant theme. For a rustic feel, opt for burlap, linen or textured cotton textiles and decorate them with natural elements reminiscent of the season.

Create visual interest on your table by playing around with height and dimensionality. This is easily done through the incorporation of cake stands, glass bowls with pedestals and platters. Refraining from keeping everything at your table at one height will make individual plates and platters easier to see, and will help your table look more satisfying. Of course, when setting your table, ensure you leave enough space to pick up and set down each dish with ease. As an added visual cue, consider adding metallic chargers below dinner plates or serving dishes to further dress up your table with a subtle shine.

While centrepieces, dining room furniture, linens and décor are all important aspects of creating the perfect tablescape, remember that your family and guests are ultimately there to enjoy a meal with you! By planning ahead, you'll ensure you get to enjoy this time spent with loved ones. Whether you're looking for any of the above, or a new dining room package for your home, explore our wide selection of dining tables and décor to create the perfect tablescape for your home.

A version of this article originally appeared in Homecrux.