Tablescaping top tips with Sophie Allport

We asked our friends at Sophie Allport for their top tips on how to tablescape at home. Here’s what they had to say…
Tablescaping doesn’t have to be complicated or take a lot of time – once you have invested in good table linens, some lovely crockery, and a few vases, then it’s super easy to change up the mood or style depending on what you are hosting. Here, founder and artistic director, Sophie Allport, shares her top tips.
1. Dress the table
The easiest way to transform your dining space is to switch up your table linens. A good quality tablecloth will act as the canvas for your whole tablescape, so it’s worth the investment. Personally, I love our Gingham 100% linen tablecloths, which can be used all year around. If tablecloths aren’t for you or if you have a tabletop that is worthy of showing off, then a simple table runner is also a great way to create a base.
2. Napkins, placemats and crockery
Now that you’ve got the foundation of your tablescape set, you need to think about what you will layer on top of this. If you like to keep things uniform then you could coordinate your placemats and napkins in the same print. For those who like more of a contrast, why not choose some seagrass placemats which not only add texture to the table, but offer a break in pattern if you’re coordinating your tablecloth with your napkins.

When it comes to crockery, you can never go wrong with simple and classic white like our bees dinner plates. If you’re working with a colour theme, you could pick some that have subtle hints of colour to complement your table linens and flowers.
3. Bring the outside in
I adore being outside in my garden and adding fresh flowers to your table is a great way to add the ‘wow’ factor. I love using seasonal flowers, freshly cut from my garden but you could also mix fresh and dried together for added texture. I also love blending some faux florals in here too, this is a great way to build up depth and something you can keep to re-use again and again. For spring I try to mix tulips, hyacinths, bluebells and snowdrops.

When it comes to displaying the flowers on the table, try not to make your floral displays too tall - there’s nothing worse than straining to see your guests over gigantic blooms! Our bees stoneware jug is a great vase for the table and I also like to dot bud vases around the tabletop with single stems. So chic!
4. Mix and match
While all of our designs are available to buy as a set, we’ve deliberately ensured that they all pair together effortlessly, so that you can create your own bespoke, eclectic and colourful tablescape. Layering your tablecloth with a contrasting table runner is a great way to add some interest. Likewise, why not contrast your napkins with your placemats?
5. Keep your guests comfortable
Sitting back and catching up with friends and family around the table is one of my favourite past times. If you have wooden chairs, then don’t forget to add a seat pad for extra cushioning, or perhaps add a stylish cushion to their seat to support their back.