Micah Ryan Designs

How To: Simple and Stunning Tablescape Formula

I have found a simple and cost effective way to decorate rectangular tables for the events that I throw for friends and family that is formulated well enough that I don’t have to re-invent the wheel for every event and can sometimes re-use material, while being different enough for each event that they keep their own color scheme, personality, and theme.

Step one is a long cheesecloth runner in a bold color to match the occasion. Cheesecloth runners are gorgeous, cost effective, and make a huge impact.

Alternative to a cheesecloth is a bright or neutral tablecloth. The trick is to always use a fabric tablecloth and avoid plastic for an elevated look.

In many, but not all, cases I like to add another element on the runner such as moss (above) or greenery that runs along the entire runner (below). It is in this moss and greenery that you can add flowers for visual interest and to tie in the theme colors of the event.

In the right setting, both a tablecloth and a runner pair well (as seen above). In my go-to formula the next step is deciding on the right decorative objects for the table. I almost always include tall candle holders & candlesticks and short tealight candles & candle holders. I have included books many times as well as vases, both large and small.

I really have two directions I lean, one (as seen above) is placing one large object as a focal point in the middle and then repeating smaller decor patterns on either side of it. Alternatively I use no large object, but repeat patters with the smaller objects by including variety in color and height to provide the visual appeal (as seen below).

What you’ll notice either way is a pattern across the entire length of the table. In the photo above it’s 1 vase, tall candle, 3 different color vases, short candle, 3 different color vases, tall candle, 3 different color vases, short candle, 2 different color vases. In the example below it’s more simple, pink candle, clear candle, pink candle– this on either side of the centerpiece.

As you can see above and below you can use alternative objects as runners with the same concept. The above is mirror honeycomb tiles that I arranged as long thin runners, the below is garland strung across the length of the table.

A key is to create a difference in height of the objects placed within the center-length of the table. It’s also important to have a variety of color, and to ensure that there is visual interest on either side of the table that someone might be sitting. I sometimes do this by creating a line in the center with spaced objects (in the case below it was the large bottlebrush trees and large nutcrackers), then when placing smaller objects think one on the left side of the line, next on the right, next on the left- spaced, but alternating.

For simpler, less elegant and serious events- it works to just keep it super simple and stick just to the center line with objects and let the visual interest come from the height and color variety of the objects (as seen below).

For visual interest of the runner itself- it can be weaved throughout the decor (as seen above) or twisted to reveal additional color or look “wavier” (as seen below).

The final consideration when using a runner is whether or not it should drape the ground. In a case such as the above, there is a chair at the ends of the table, since a runner should NOT drape in this case, I create an elegant knot and usually put a decorate napkin ring over the knot as a decorative touch. In a case where the ends of the table do not have chairs placed, I love the look of the cheesecloth draping (as seen below).

Many of the tables above re-used the same bud vases, runners, tablecloths, candlestick holders, votive holders, etc., but each table looks completely unique to the event it was created for. I like to create a primary pattern using those objects and then add in other decor unique to just that event (such as butterflies, lamps, bottle brush trees, or nutcrackers). Having a formula for the primary decor and changing up colors and “extra” objects takes away all the stress from planning your tablescapes. I have linked all the objects that I frequently use below: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Vases:

Candles & Candle Holders:

Tablecloths & Runners:

I hope you gleaned some insight from my words, or even just took inspiration from my photos- either way happy decorating!

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