A beautiful tablescape for the holiday season that you can DIY

Before guests even notice the food, the tone and experience of the entire dinner are set by a beautifully decorated table. It demonstrates thoughtfulness, making guests feel valued and appreciated.

Natural elements like flowers are especially impactful, boosting the mood with their calming and joyful presence, helping guests feel more relaxed and welcome. Han Huan, who’s an expert in floral artistry shares insights on the types of flowers that can create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Bessie Ye, who is well respected in the local fashion industry for her clothing label Rye hones her creative eye in not just fashion design but interior design (just take a look at her concept-driven fashion boutiques) as well.

Here she explains how a well-thought-out table decor can serve as a great conversation starter and transform a simple meal into an unforgettable experience.

Bessie’s table decor ideas

How do you begin envisioning a table setup?

Bessie Ye: It’s important to understand the purpose of your table setup – is it for a dinner party, a champagne brunch or a dessert table? For us, we wanted to create a grazing table that incorporated seasonal ingredients, combining art with a beautiful, relaxed, and casual dining experience.

Can you share some tips on how to stack dinner plates, dessert plates, and bowls?

Bessie: Stacking plates, bowls, or other objects is all about creating elevation and visual interest. I recommend selecting a set of plates that are either identical or complementary in colour but vary in size and height, enabling you to stack them cohesively.

Are you a fan of tablecloths?

Bessie: There’s no hard and fast rule, honestly. If the table you’re working with is beautiful, then don’t cover it. If the table isn’t as appealing, opt for a patterned cloth or a simple textured white one – white always makes a great canvas.

How can we make table decorations subtle and chic?

Bessie: I love incorporating unexpected objects and ingredients, replacing traditional festive decorations with seasonal market finds. Even the food itself can play a crucial role. For instance, I’m drawn to the striking appearance of red endives, the creamy texture of cream cheese, and the indulgent allure of pavlova dripping with raspberry coulis.

What are some small decorative elements that can be useful?

Bessie: I love pewter pieces – beautiful tableware that can be both functional and decorative. Items like tiny fruit forks, wooden salt spoons, rectangular dessert plates, and candleholders add a touch of charm. Incorporating scallop and oyster shells into the arrangement can also bring everything together beautifully.

BESSIE’S LAST MINUTE SETUP TIPS

For last-minute gatherings, avoid panic-buying everything from the decor section. My go-to setup always features tableware and objects I’ve collected over the years. I rely on a few staples – candles (in various heights, colours, and styles), fresh flowers, and pewter pieces – to create a cohesive yet effortless look. Having beautiful, high-quality tableware elevates the dining experience – I never underestimate its impact.

Han Huan’s shows you how to whip up some floral magic

What flowers are best for a dinner party?

Huan: The flowers you select should complement the theme and colour palette of the dinner party to create a cohesive atmosphere. For a Christmas dinner, consider red roses, burgundy dahlias, dark green foliage, and accents like gold-painted leaves, pinecones, or black taper candles for a dramatic touch. It’s also important to consider the size and shape of your table. For long tables, opt for a series of smaller, uniform arrangements. For round tables, a central arrangement works beautifully.

How can I make a simple floral arrangement?

Huan: Choose blooms in a single colour family to maintain an elegant and harmonious look. Add greenery like eucalyptus or ruscus to create texture and balance. Use the crisscross technique to arrange the flowers in a vase: place the stems at an angle so they support each other and looks fuller.

How can we create a centrepiece that is stunning yet unobtrusive?

Huan: Focus on simplicity and balance. Leave space between the blooms to create a lighter, more elegant arrangement. Opt for compact vase designs that allow guests to converse easily across the table. For contrast, pair soft blooms like roses with structured greenery or branches.

How do I display greens to make it look festive and chic?

Huan: Greens are no longer just fillers – they’re the statement! Start by mixing textures and shades – ferns, monstera, eucalyptus, and succulents add depth and contrast. Then, incorporate accents like metallic elements, fairy lights, or frosted pinecones for a festive touch. For a chic holiday look, create a monochromatic green arrangement with varied textures – adding subtle pops of colour with ribbons, berries, or ornaments.

HUAN’S FLORAL ARRANGEMENT DO’S AND DON’TS

Nature is the best florist! Take inspiration from local flora or the changing seasons to guide your arrangements. Trim stems at an angle to maximise water absorption – and remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline – to keep your arrangement fresh for longer. Avoid overly fragrant flowers – their scent, like the strong aroma of lilies, might overpower the food. Instead, choose blooms with a subtle fragrance or none at all.