Do you ever struggle setting a pretty table? Have you lost your mojo and mood when it comes to entertaining? I think we’ve all been there, BUT have no fear, I am here to help you bring back the pizzazz you’re missing and the fun back into hosting a dinner party, family gathering or even a romantic meal for two… Let’s get started!
I don’t know about you, but sitting down at a fancy table has always been a ‘thing’ for me! What about you? Don’t you love going out to dinner and checking out the tablescape and place setting? Lols – maybe it’s just me! But, here’s the thing, I know it isn’t! When we sit and admire and then participate in a beautiful table setting, our experience is totally elevated! We feel so good, don’t we? It is so nice to have the linens, and the sparkling cutlery and the clean and shiny glassware and the pretty florals envelop us, and make us feel special. I’m here to tell you it is always appreciated.
First off, a high-low tablescape is one that fuses both an experience of fine dining and of casual dining. It mixes the elements in your setting to create a more collected and often more personal dining experience. A high-low tablescape will draw you in, and will emote feelings of contentment, pleasure and joy.
While I’m not an ‘Etiquette Expert’, I do follow some general guidelines and convention when it comes to creating a high-low place setting. Customarily, one would use either a tablecloth or a placemat, as the base on the table. Other items like table runners placed width-wise and large plant leaves are also used in the base. Blending can start right from using a Crushed Velvet placemat, to adding a chunky wood disk Charger or a Gold Damask Tablecloth with a natural woven placemat! Chargers are great for hot dishes and also for layering and texture. Don’t forget to change up your napkins and napkin ring holders – you can even add place cards, if you like to go formal! The trick is also to pop in something unexpected. So use your creativity here. 
Mixing a high-low set of dishes, glassware and cutlery are where the magic and fun begin. This is when you can take out the fine bone china and mix it with the modern, matte black cutlery! It’s where you look at mixing patterns like floral and check, making sure they’re in the same colour palette and also making sure that you have either one large print and small print, a pattern and a solid, a stripe and a print and so on! You are blending your every day with the unique and special. Take a set of heirloom silver cutlery, and you place it with your rustic buffalo check salad plate, and your collected vintage stemware! Price point is part of the equation – but only you need to know! Just this past weekend, I sourced some gorgeous, English, antique salad plates 🙂 
One last thing: Don’t forget your florals! When in doubt, dress your space with greenery, candles, and sparkle. Visit your local florist and get them to help you come up with a centerpiece or maybe even individual place holders! Your tablescapes are intimate, and often tell a story of where something unique and special originated. They evolve from memory and conversation becomes an extension of your story. Designer Tip: if you don’t know how to mix a high-low tablescape, then reach out! I am here to help– and layering and collecting is my jam! I also just want you to feel less pressure when hosting, to enjoy your beautiful environment, and feel confident that you got this!!!
