The most successful designers I know often share a surprising trait: they learned the art of design from their mothers. As children, setting the table was an almost instinctive chore. They’d grab whatever linens, plates, or silverware they could find and rush to get the meal served. Over time, though, this task transformed into something they grew to love — so much so, that it became their lifelong passion and career.
I wasn’t raised in a home where setting a beautiful table was a given. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for our family. My dad was often away as a pilot, and I spent my childhood pursuing a ballet career, which meant many of my meals were grabbed between rehearsals or during car rides. Family dinners? They were reserved for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, not an everyday occurrence. The linens were old, the plates mismatched, and splurging on dinnerware just wasn’t a priority when pointe shoes and football practices took precedence. As a result, I never really learned how to set a table properly — that is, until last year.
When the pandemic hit, my husband and I made the tough decision to postpone our wedding. We held a small civil ceremony in November 2020, but our celebration in Mexico was pushed to 2021. During this uncertain time, we bought our first home but held off on any major renovations, deciding to wait until things calmed down. We opted for minimal furniture and added a beautiful outdoor table to fill the space. And then, like so many others, I found myself turning to new hobbies.
My passion? Entertaining. What started as a way to bring joy to an uncertain world grew into a full-fledged love affair with tablescaping. I began hosting intimate dinners for close friends and family, using vibrant linens, bold centerpieces, and vintage tableware to create an atmosphere of joy and togetherness. Everything I know about tablescaping, I taught myself — and now, I want to share some of my favorite tips with you, all with the help of MacKenzie-Childs.
Build a Foundation with Timeless Pieces
When I began designing my tables, I realized that foundational pieces are essential. I started by collecting rattan and bamboo items — neutral, versatile, and textured enough to give my tables a bit of personality. These pieces work for any occasion and are a perfect base to build on. When I want to add a touch of sophistication, I pull out my MacKenzie-Childs Check Flatware. It’s elegant, heavy, and reflects candlelight beautifully.
The first collection you invest in will become your go-to, so choose wisely. Whether you prefer minimalist tonal pieces, intricate textures like mine, or something graphic and bold like black-and-white checks, the goal is to find items that will complement what you already have in your home.
Add with Intention
It’s tempting to buy new pieces for every event, but adding to your collection should be a thoughtful process. As a rule of thumb, I try to purchase vintage pieces in multiples — six vintage plates, for instance, will always look better than just three. When shopping for new accessories or tabletop additions, I also keep functionality in mind.
For example, Queen Bee Napkin Rings are not only beautiful, but I know they’ll be versatile, lasting through many different tablescapes. These thoughtful pieces help elevate a table without feeling overstuffed.
Candles: The Secret Ingredient
Candles can completely transform the atmosphere of a dinner. The flicker of tealights mixed with the glow of taller candlesticks creates a warm, inviting ambiance that elevates any gathering. I love using mini juice glasses from MacKenzie-Childs as candle holders; they’re small, charming, and when paired with colorful dinner candles, they add a pop of personality. Don’t shy away from mixing bold hues — green with blue, vintage with modern. The beauty of dinner candles is that they’re an easy and inexpensive way to introduce color into your tablescape, without breaking the bank on flowers.
Get Creative with Your Centerpieces
The centerpiece is the heart of the table, and I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to come from a florist to make a statement. One of my secrets? I buy my flowers at the supermarket. I simply ask the florists at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s to put together a seasonal bouquet, then I arrange them myself at home. The result? Beautiful, personalized arrangements without the premium price tag.
For added texture, I love incorporating elements from nature — whether it’s a few bunches of bougainvillea, a handful of palm fronds, or even a collection of coconuts and pineapples. I’ve found that it’s not about perfection, but about creating an impactful, natural look with what you have at hand.
Plates, Plates, Plates
No tablescape is complete without the perfect plates. Personally, I lean toward nature-inspired designs, floral prints, and anything handmade. My collection includes five different sets of plates, including the vintage dessert plates I used for our civil ceremony last year. The best part about plates is their versatility. For instance, I love using a subtle bamboo-rimmed charger paired with vintage dessert plates — it adds a touch of eclectic charm to the table. Layering different patterns and textures is a fun way to make your setup feel more dynamic.
MacKenzie-Childs’ black-and-white check chargers are another favorite of mine. They’re simple but add a graphic punch, and they work with nearly any combination of plates and linens.
Don’t Forget the Fun Part: Takeout!
Here’s a cheeky secret: you don’t always have to cook everything yourself. Some of my best tablescapes have been paired with takeout. Don’t feel pressured to slave away in the kitchen. The goal is to spend time with your guests, so order in from your favorite spot, and be playful about it. I love serving fried chicken on beautiful china — it’s all about embracing the fun and creating a memorable experience.
Whether it’s candles, vintage plates, supermarket flowers, or a fruit centerpiece, the secret to a great tablescape is creating an atmosphere that speaks to your personality. Don’t forget those final touches, like handwritten place cards, a curated playlist (I’ll happily share mine!), and a signature cocktail to set the tone. With a little creativity, you’ll soon find yourself hosting dinner parties like a seasoned pro.