The Art of Tablescaping: How to Create a Beautiful Table for Entertaining at Home

May 13, 2025

At La Table, we believe that a well-set table is more than just functional — it’s a form of expression. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party, a casual brunch with friends, or a festive long lunch, tablescaping is your chance to set the tone and create a moment your guests will remember.

But what exactly is tablescaping? Simply put, it’s the art of styling your table with intention — layering colour, texture, and shape to craft a visually pleasing scene. It’s not about perfection or rigid rules. In fact, the best modern tablescapes feel relaxed, inviting, and personal — just like the best hosts.

Here’s our guide to creating a memorable tablescape for entertaining guests, using some of our favourite La Table styling tips and must-have pieces.

1. Start with a Mood, Not a Menu

Before you bring out the plates, think about the mood you want to create. Is it an alfresco lunch with a coastal breeze? A candlelit dinner with earthy tones? A festive Christmas table with subtle nods to nature?

At La Table, we love drawing inspiration from the Australian coastal lifestyle — think driftwood tones, soft linens, rattan textures, and ceramic centrepieces. Choosing a theme or palette helps guide your choices and makes your table feel curated, not cluttered.

2. Layer the Foundation

Your base sets the scene. Start with a beautiful tablecloth, runner, or natural seagrass placemats. We often opt for linen or cotton napery in soft, neutral tones like Coastal Sage or Driftwood Beige. These hues feel calming and work in every season.

Mix in contrasting textures — like pairing smooth ceramic plates with timber chargers, or crisp white napkins with a clay-toned backdrop. The contrast adds depth and visual interest to your modern tablescape.

3. Mix and Match Your Tableware

Gone are the days of matching everything to perfection. Modern tableware for entertaining is all about effortless mixing — combining ceramic dinner plates, wicker cheese knives, or timber serving boards to add character and soul.

At La Table, we stock curated bundles so you can style with confidence. These sets are designed to take the guesswork out of entertaining and make your table feel instantly styled — but never overdone.

4. Add Personal and Seasonal Touches

Whether it’s a sprig of rosemary on a linen napkin or a small ceramic bowl of olives at each place setting, thoughtful details go a long way.

In warmer months, we love styling with shells, dried grasses, or citrus fruits. In cooler weather, we bring in textured throws, earthy candles, or for Christmas, just a whisper of Banksia Pine. These elements add warmth and help reflect the season without resorting to clichés.

5. Keep It Casual — and Enjoy the Moment

The best hosts are present. They’re not fussing over a centrepiece while the food goes cold. That’s why we design our coastal tableware to be both stylish and functional — easy to layer, easy to clean, and made to bring people together.

So once your table is styled, step back, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the moment. That’s the heart of everything we do at La Table — helping you create a space where people feel welcome, relaxed, and inspired.

Final Thoughts

Tablescaping for guests doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive. It’s about elevating the everyday with simple, beautiful pieces and a little bit of intention. Whether you’re hosting a birthday lunch, a sunset dinner, or just celebrating the small things, your table has the power to bring people together — and tell a story while you’re at it.

Explore our range of modern tableware, napery, and entertaining bundles to start building your own La Table look. We ship Australia-wide, and every piece is chosen to reflect the ease and elegance of modern Australian living.

Let’s set the scene — not just the table.

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