What is tablescaping?
This craft craze - 'tablescaping' is simply the act of creatively decorating your tabletop.
Traditionally, you’d have seen these beautiful table settings at events and weddings but these days, even a casual meal with your family can be reason enough to dress the table to impress.
You’ll see lots of celebrities like Laura Jackson and Fiona Leahy adding charm to their dinner parties by adding creative touches to their tables. But with a bit of imagination and a touch of DIY, you can get the look at home for a fraction of the cost.
How to create stunning tablescapes on a budget
Make the most of what you have
Find new ways to repurpose things you already have in your home; such as giving your old white tablecloth a new lease of life by dying it with tumeric, or adding some iron-on vinyl to napkins for personalised name settings.
You could go on a nature walk to collect pinecones or pick flowers from your garden. The best things in life are free, after all. Even a few painted eggs can add some easy decorative fun.
Things you might need:
Level 1 - the basics: Dishes, silverware, glasses, napkins and a tablecloth
Level 2 – the décor: Candlesticks, flowers and garlands
Level 3 – the extra touches: Anything from eggs and fruits to mirrors or trinkets
Upcycle or recycle
Grab some empty jars and pots, some paint, wool or vinyl, and start decorating. Or, if you find your table is still missing something, head to a charity shop. They’re filled with all sorts of treasure that could be perfect for your table but won’t break the bank.
Pick a theme / Find your inspo
This is not necessarily budget-related but is a fundamental tablescaping step. Are you aiming for casual chic, spring awakening, Easter fest or some late winter sparkle? There are lots of ways to be inspired, whether it’s a colour, an occasion, a season or a place. There are loads of ideas that have been shared on Pinterest, so checking here is a great place to get started.
Little touches like cake toppers and garlands can really elevate your theme and we have found a few that are perfect for an Easter get together.
Easter Tablescaping touches:
1 of 4Pink and Rose Gold Pattern Party Straws
Add some fun and sparkle to everyone's drink with these straws.
2 of 4Easter Bunny Cupcake Toppers
Add some Easter magic to your table with these pink cake toppers.
3 of 4Wooden Easter Sign Tabletop Decoration
Set the scene for your Easter themed dinner party with this colourful table decoration.
4 of 4Colourful Easter Bunny Bunting
The whole room can be part of your theme with this colourful Easter bunting.
£7.79
Get started with a Cricut machine
One way to really personalise your table is to invest in a machine like a Cricut, with which you can design and cut your own paper, vinyl and fabric decorations.
Here at WhatsTheBest, we've fallen slightly in love with the Cricut Joy machine - read our full review of it here - and Editor Sophie Knight has been sticking vinyl lettering and smiley faces on anything that sits still.
AmazonCricut has recently launched its new Cricut Joy u2013 its most portable machine to date, perfect for customising table settings.
Here, Cricut has shared some top tips for exciting tablescaping that won't bust your budget.
Add some height
The best decorations don’t always have to be on the table. Create decorations to hang from the ceiling for that extra wow factor. Rosette fans and banners are a perfect choice and all you’d need is your Cricut, some card, glue and string.
Give your old table runner a new lease of life
Transform your table runner from drab to fab by adding iron-on elements that match your theme.
Get crafty with your table settings
The devil's in the detail, and the finishing touch makes everything extra. Everyone loves a personalised keepsake - and they're not just for weddings. Turn napkins into a personalised masterpiece using iron-on vinyl.
Not enough placemats? No problem
Download the free Cricut app, Design Space, and you'll find hundreds of images. When you have the app, you have the choice to pay as you go, or sign up for a monthly subscription and find thousands of designs to choose from. Choose some coloured card and cut out your own placemats - completely unique.
The finishing touches
Add some feature points to your display, such as a papercraft basket or bunny themed jug made with removable vinyl.
Cricut essentials for Tablescaping
1 of 4Cricut Joy Cutting and Writing Machine
This clever piece of kit helps you create cards and labels from your phone - perfect for anyone who loves paper crafts for vinyl designs.
£159.99
- Rrp: £189.99
2 of 4Cricut Joy Starter Bundle with Tool Set and Tote Bag
Invest in the Starter Bundle to get the Cricut Joy plus a storage bag and three tools.
3 of 4Cricut Transfer Tape
A must if you're creating vinyl stickers - use this transfer tape to properly attach your sticker on to whatever surface you're decorating.
4 of 4Cricut Smart Vinyl, Permanent Shimmer Purple
The Smart Vinyl for stickers comes in a wide range of colours, and you can choose from permanent or removable, if you want to be able to change things up at a later date.
Have you created your own tablescape? Share it with us on Instagram for your chance to be featured in our article.