As Easter approaches, many of us eagerly anticipate the joyous tradition of gathering with family and friends for a festive dinner celebration. Whether it's a cozy gathering with close relatives or a lively affair with extended family, hosting Easter dinner at home brings warmth, laughter, and cherished memories.
Central to this experience is the art of table setting—a crucial element that sets the stage for the entire dining experience. A beautifully set table not only elevates the ambiance but also enhances the enjoyment of the delicious food and meaningful conversations shared around it. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of tablescaping and explore how to create a stunning spring-themed tablescape for Easter dinner. With practical tips and creative inspiration, we'll guide you through the process of incorporating pastel colors, delicate floral patterns, and charming accents to craft a tablescape that exudes elegance and welcomes the spirit of the season. While many of our tips & tricks can be applied to square and round tables, we are going to focus on design techniques for rectangular tables. Whether you're a seasoned hostess or new to the art of table setting, join us on this journey as we transform your dining table into a captivating centerpiece of Easter festivities.
Essential Elements for Your Spring Tablescape:
Table Runner
The table runner is the the base of your table design. Whether you opt to use a tablecloth, or work with the natural beauty of your table, the table runner is the element that will pull your eye to the center of the table. It also establishes the boundaries of where your decor pieces can be places. Generally, you want between 24"-30" inches in width and 16"-18" inches in depth for each place setting so that your guests have plenty of room for their plates, cups, and silverware without feeling crowded. The table runner will often run through what is called the "shared space". In this shared space, you can place salt and pepper shakers, bread baskets, salad bowls, and decor. The size of this shared space will vary depending on the depth of your table. We always recommend investing in neutral table runners that can be used year round, we do love the option to use paper table runners to add a seasonal pop to your design! Paper table runners are very affordable and there's no stress of spilling something or staining them (especially great if you have little ones at your Easter table!)
[product=pltbr173-carrots-paper-table-runner]
Make setting the table simple with this Carrots table runner. Featuring a cream backdrop and pastel Carrots, this runner is the perfect accent for your table top for your upcoming event.
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Matching Paper Napkins
Napkins are an easy way to take a table set up from drab to fab. If you don't want the hassle of washing fabric napkins, opt for paper napkins that can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes and patterns! We love to place a stack of smaller cocktail napkins next to our appetizers so that guests can take one when they need it. For the table, we love our spring floral dinner napkins from My Mind's Eye! There are so many cute patterns, but I'll link our favorite one for spring below:
[product=plnp244-daisies-paper-dinner-napkin]
Add a playful touch to your spring decor with our cute Daisies Napkin. Perfect for your spring parties, this napkin will have your guests hopping with delight. A must-have for any spring event!
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The Right Serveware
Some people have serveware for each holiday, but I prefer to buy pieces that can flow seamlessly from one occasion to the next with small adjustments. That is why the Formoso Collection is my favorite line of serveware. Rather than seasonal colors and patterns, these pieces feature a solid white coloring with an organic, handmade feel to the shapes. Their scalloped edges make them feel more elevated than a standard white dish without becoming too busy in the overall table design. The Formoso Deviled Egg Platter is a must-have for Easter, but I also love the various serving bowls this collection has to offer. The shallow, wide serving bowl is great for salads. The tall sided entertaining bowl is perfect for bread rolls!
These bowls can also be used for more than just serving food– place a green block of floral foam in the center of your bowl and use it to hold a beautiful fresh flower arrangement! The benefit of placing your flower arrangement into shallow bowls, rather than tall vases, is that they don't disrupt your eyeline across the table! I hate trying to hold a conversation across a table where the center piece is in the way, so I love finding creative ways to make low profile centerpieces.
[product=tag-formoso-oval-entertaining-bowl]
This entertaining bowl is a timeless classic within any dish collection, thanks to its year-round design. Made from durable stoneware, it's both dishwasher and oven safe. Perfect for serving salads, soups, and so much more!
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Decorative Centerpieces
When considering decorative centerpieces for your Easter table, there are numerous options that can add charm, elegance, and a touch of seasonal flair to your table. One classic choice is a vase filled with fresh spring flowers, such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, or Easter lilies. These vibrant blooms not only infuse the table with natural beauty and fragrance but also symbolize renewal and new beginnings, aligning perfectly with the spirit of Easter. For a whimsical and playful touch, consider incorporating Easter-themed figurines or ornaments, such as flocked bunnies, painted eggs, or decorative nests filled with pastel-colored eggs. These elements can add a sense of festivity and childlike wonder to your tablescape.
Another option is to embrace a rustic or natural theme by incorporating elements like woven baskets, greenery, and wooden accents. A centerpiece composed of a rustic wooden tray filled with moss, mini succulents, and small floral arrangements can create a charming and organic focal point. Additionally, consider adding candles to your centerpiece arrangement, whether they're traditional tapered candles, tea lights in decorative holders, or pillar candles adorned with spring motifs. The soft glow of candlelight can enhance the ambiance and create a cozy atmosphere for your Easter dinner gathering. Ultimately, the key is to choose a centerpiece that reflects your personal style, complements the overall theme of your tablescape, and adds a delightful touch of Easter-inspired charm to the dining experience.
How to Use Each Element to Create Your Dream Tablescape:
Start From The Center
Lay the table runner along the center of your dining table. Fold the paper napkins in an elegant manner, such as a simple rectangle fold or a decorative fold that complements the table settings. Place the serving platters strategically around the table, ensuring they are easily accessible to guests. Arrange them in a visually appealing manner, keeping in mind the overall aesthetic of the tablescape.
Place Your Centerpiece
Choose a focal point for your centerpiece, such as a vase filled with fresh flowers or a collection of bunny figurines. Arrange the centerpiece in the center of the table, making sure it doesn't obstruct guests' views or interfere with conversation. I like to turn my centerpiece so that the most attractive part faces the side of the table where my guests will be. If you're using multiple smaller pieces of decor, like bunny figurines, you can turn them in a variety of directions so that everyone can enjoy them.
Set The Table
Set each place setting with your napkin, silverware, and glassware. Consider adding personal touches, such as name cards or small Easter-themed decorations, to each place setting. You can adjust your place setting to be as formal or casual as you want to, just make sure each person has the appropriate utensils for the meal you are serving.
Now that you have your gameplan, it's time to go shopping! Browse our Easter collection online at brownskitchen.com/collections/easter-24 or in store where our wonderful team can help you pick out the perfect combination of items to create the perfect easter tablescape!