How to create a dreamy tablescape to elevate your hosting (and the best tablewear to buy now)

If you were anything like me pre-Corona, after a long day in the office or a wine-fuelled post-work pub session, you’d get home, shove something quick and easy in the oven and eat dinner on your lap in front of Netflix.

The pandemic did, however, completely transform our daily existence. Whilst there’s no denying the negative connotations around Covid-19, one of the positive outcomes was having the time to conjure up a homemade meal to sit down and enjoy with your loved ones.

That’s exactly why Laura Jackson spearheaded the ‘Make A Meal Of It‘ movement, whereby she encourages her followers to shun dinner on the sofa in favour of an artfully laid table and sit-down dinner. “There is something just awful happening — but we still have to eat,” she explained. “Don’t get me wrong, I love sitting in front of the telly with a TV dinner, but more so I love laying the table — even when there is just me. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Have fun – cooking and eating is so ceremonious for me so even if you are just cooking for one, crack open a bottle of wine and #makeamealofit.”

I tried it out and can attest that it totally elevates mealtimes, plus, a decorative table is prefect ‘gram fodder. Now that hosting is firmly back on the cards, we asked some of the most inspiring creatives for their tips on how to create the perfect tablescape, plus the products to buy to emulate them at home.

The foundations of a good tablescape

“They say dressing well is a form of good manners, well I truly believe the same applies for your table,” declares Victoria Evans of Decorum Interior Design. Victoria maintains that if you can only buy one set of textiles, buy a simple tablecloth and good quality napkins. “Pick something which not only works with your interior, but also works really well as a base to most schemes – that doesn’t have to mean white or cream, it could be blush pink or even charcoal grey – just make sure it’s your vibe. H&M sell huge, great quality tablecloths which wash amazingly (and double up as the best bed throws so you can really get your money’s worth).”