Hey there! Planning a catered event? It’s going to be awesome! Food, friends, fun times – what’s not to love? But have you thought about the tables?
They might seem like just a place to plop down your plate, but they can make a big difference in the whole vibe of your party. Yep, that’s right – a cool tablescape can turn a regular dinner into something special.
So, how do you create the perfect tablescape for your catered event? Keep reading, and we’ll spill the tea on all the must-have elements!
Essential Elements of a Tablescape
Now that we know tablescapes are very important, let’s dive into the stuff you need on those tables! Think of it like building a fort – you must have the right stuff to make it super awesome. Here are the key ingredients for a tablescape that’ll wow your guests:
1. Base Layer
First things first, dress up those tables! This is where tablecloths and runners come in. They’re like the kings and queens of the tablescape, setting the stage for everything else.
Tablecloths
These come in all sorts of fabrics, like fancy linen or comfy cotton, depending on how you want your party to feel. For a super fancy dinner, tablecloth linens are perfect. But if you’re having a backyard bash, cotton is a great choice, because it’s easy to clean up after all that fun!
Table Runners
Want to add a pop of color or a cool pattern without going overboard? Then a table runner is your friend! It’s like a mini tablecloth that goes down the center of the table, adding a little extra something special.
2. Dinnerware & Flatware
Next up, it’s time to think about the dishes and silverware your guests will use to chow down on that delicious catered food. This might seem easy, but there’s a little bit more to it than just grabbing whatever plates you have in the cupboard!
Dinnerware
You want to make sure you have the right plates, bowls, and cups for all the yummy food that’s being served. If there’s going to be soup, you’ll need bowls. For fancy parties with multiple courses, you might need a bunch of different plates – one for the appetizer, another for the main course, and maybe even a smaller plate for dessert.
Flatware
This is the fancy way of saying forks, knives, and spoons! Again, you want to have enough for everyone, and the kind you choose depends on what food is being served. Most of the time, a basic setting with a fork, knife, and spoon will do the trick. But if they’ll be fancy stuff like fish or pasta, you might need some extra utensils too.
3. Glassware
Now we’re getting to the fun part – the glasses! This is where your guests will sip on their drinks and toast to a good time. Just like with dinnerware, there are different types of glasses for different drinks.
Water Glasses
These are a must-have for any event. They should be clear and easy to hold, so everyone can stay hydrated throughout the party.
Wine Glasses
If you’re planning on serving wine, you’ll need different glasses for red and white wine. Red wine glasses are bigger and rounder, while white wine glasses are smaller and more slender.
Extra Glasses
Having some extra glasses on hand is always a good idea. Maybe you’ll be serving cocktails or champagne, and those require special glasses too. It’s better to have too many than not enough!
4. Table Setting & Etiquette
Now that you’ve got all the dishes and glasses, it’s time to arrange them on the table. This might seem tricky, but don’t worry – it’s not rocket science! There’s a basic way to set a table that looks nice and makes it easy for your guests to find everything they need.
Plate Placement
The main plate goes in the center, with the napkin folded nicely and placed on top.
Cutlery Crew
The fork goes to the left of the plate, tines facing up. The knife goes to the right of the plate, the blade facing inward. The spoon goes above the plate, right next to the knife.
Glass Act
Water glasses go right above the knife. Wine glasses go to the top right of the water glass, with the red wine glass on the outside (since it’s bigger). Extra glasses for other drinks can be placed diagonally above the wine glasses.
Being a Great Host
Lastly, even though there are some basic rules, don’t stress too much about being perfect. The most important thing is that your guests feel comfortable and welcome. If someone needs help finding something, be happy to show them!
5. Table Decorations
Once you have all the necessary glasses and tableware in place, it’s time to design your tables. A lovely table centerpiece will complete the overall design of your table and will take the decoration a notch up.
Furthermore, adding other decorations to your table can make your party more inviting and interesting and will be pleasing to the eyes of your guests.
Centerpiece
A centerpiece is like the star of the table – it’s the thing that catches everyone’s eye. You can go classic with a beautiful floral arrangement, or get creative with candles, sculptures, or even themed decorations that match your event. Just remember, keep it at a good height so people can still chat across the table without feeling like they’re yelling.
Other Decors
Centerpieces are great, but don’t forget about the rest of the table! Place cards with your guests’ names will help them find their seats, and menus can let everyone know what delicious food is coming their way. You can also add fun little touches like table favors, which are small gifts for your guests to take home as a memento of your awesome event.
Event Planning
Now you know all the essential elements for a rockin’ tablescape, but there’s still a little more to consider before you dive headfirst into decorating. Remember, a cohesive tablescape ties everything together and complements the overall vibe of your event.
1. Considering the Theme & Style
Is your event fancy and formal, or more relaxed and casual? The look of your tablescape should reflect that. For a fancy dinner, you might choose elegant tablecloths, sparkling glassware, and classic centerpieces like flower arrangements. But for a backyard bash, fun patterned runners, colorful plates, and quirky centerpieces would be more fitting!
2. Venue & Space
The size and layout of your venue will also play a role in your tablescape decisions. Here’s how to make it work:
Table Size & Shape
Round tables are great for conversation, while rectangular tables can seat more people. Make sure your tablecloths and runners fit the table size properly, and that there’s enough space for everyone’s plates, glasses, and elbows!
Lighting
Consider how the lighting in your venue will affect your tablescape. If it’s a brightly lit space, you can go with bolder colors and patterns. But for a more romantic setting with dimmed lights, softer colors, and textures might work better.
3. Catered Menu
Don’t forget, the food is the star of the show! Here’s how to make your tablescape complement the catered menu:
Matching the Dishes
The type of food being served can help you choose the right plates and cutlery. For a fancy meal with multiple courses, you might need a variety of plates and utensils. But for a casual gathering with finger foods, smaller plates, and napkins might be all you need.
You’re now armed with all the knowledge you need to create a show-stopping tablescape for your next catered event. Remember, the key is to have fun and be creative! Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your personal touch.