Getting creative with your spring table setting is one of the many perks of this joyous season. And, anyone who lives in a cooler climate knows the incredible feeling of those first few weeks of spring: the snow is starting to melt, the sun has started to set a little later each day, and the slightly warmer breeze offers promise of the summer days on the horizon.
Naturally, the onset of spring weather also means emerging from winter hibernation and spending more time catching up with friends over good food and drinks – making it the perfect cue to set a gorgeous table, celebrate the start of the warmer weather, and all those spring decor trends too, of course.
But – how should you dress your spring table to evoke a sense of sunshine and cheerfulness? Below, we spoke to a handful of decor and entertaining experts to get their insights on exactly what makes a spring tablescape so special. From opting for light colors, sunny yellow home decor buys and natural elements to adding cheeky textiles and seasonal florals, here’s how to wow your guests at your next springtime lunch date or dinner party.
1. Go for light colors and natural elements
'Creating a classic spring tablescape means setting happiness on your table,' says Margo Kane, co-founder of Tableday. Winter months are characterized by candle-lit dinner parties with rich food but as the sun begins to shine we start to crave being outdoors and lighter meals, so our tables should reflect this shift.” Kane suggests brightening up your table’s look by incorporating lighter color schemes and natural elements like jute placemats you can find on Amazon.
2. Consider adding fresh and seasonal florals
'Choose fresh seasonal flowers like daffodils, tulips and bluebells,' says Kane. 'The classic look for spring is pastels – but don’t be afraid to add pops of bright color as well. Tie the whole look together by coordinating your centerpiece colors with each place setting.'
Bunches of daffodils or tulips add a beautiful happy color to your table and can be bought inexpensively at the supermarket. 'Dot bunches all over your table and bask in their sunshine! Later in the season, tulips are also affordable and available in an enormous range of colors,' says Kane. 'We love to gather our favorite bud vases and place three tulips in each. Scatter them around the table to create a wonderfully whimsical spring centerpiece from only a single bunch of flowers.'
3. Incorporate happy colors and cheery textiles
According to Kane, spring is the best season to experiment with color and pattern! 'Blow away the cobwebs and welcome in the warmer months by introducing bright, happy colors to your table through cloth napkins, candles and foliage,' she suggests. 'Echo spring sunshine with cheery yellows and copy newly blooming flowers with pinks, purples and blues. Mix stripes and polka dots for a fun, striking look. Celebrate nature by pairing with natural materials like rope and wood.'
Decorating with blush pink in surrounding areas is a nice way to accentuate your tablescape also.
4. Consider monochromatic serving pieces
Looking for a way to foster a sense of spring without relying on florals alone? Consider stacking monochromatic pieces. 'Instead of the traditional floral arrangement as a centerpiece, I like to cluster monochromatic serving pieces at different heights,' says Anastasia Casey of The Identitè Collective and IDCO Studio.
5. Invest in non-iron napkins
'I’m all about easy, effortless style—especially for large spring gatherings, so I loosely toss striped napkins across place settings and lay a piece of wheat on top in lieu of a napkin ring,' says Casey. 'This makes it easy for guests to grab their napkins and there’s no wasted space on the table. Even better—I love a rumpled napkin, so no need to iron.'
6. Opt for a fresh take on candlelight
'I love to layer in our favorite Beeswax Pillar Candles from The Beeswax Co. in a mix of sizes for visual interest,' shares Casey. 'These candles are an all-natural, renewable resource that has a slower burn time than other waxes. They give off a very subtle honey scent and add a feeling of effortless warmth in neutral earth tones.'
7. Consider rustic elements
'To prevent things from feeling too casual, I use a seagrass pitcher for water, for example' says Casey. 'It’s tall and narrow, easy to pass, and adds another level to the table setting. When everything is at one level, the table can feel kind of static. By adding elements at varying heights, it creates more visual interest, allowing the eyes to move around the table.'
8. Mix heirloom pieces with more modern decor
'Another element that makes a table special is the addition of heirloom pieces, for example my flatware that once belonged to my grandmother,' says Casey. 'The flatware pairs beautifully with our CB2 Eve Coupe glasses and brings so much meaning to the setting.'
9. Use what you have
Lisa Cloughen, interior designer and founder of Melone Cloughen Interiors, suggests using what you have rather than running out and purchasing single-use decor items. 'Anything and everything will work and the choices really only matter based on whether it is a formal or casual event,' she says. This includes: candle holders, votive and larger, vases, bud vases, julep cups, porcelain or pottery because, why not! An added color, texture or contrasting style via the container is just the right pop!'
Gather your favorite candles from around the house and put them to good use!
10. Go foraging for focal items
Think about adding an assortment of objects to your tablescape. 'Natural elements such as rocks, fruit, crystals and even branches mixed with decorative items such as boxes, small sculptures, crystal or metal objects, small containers of nuts or candy, enhances the dynamics and mood of the table,' says Cloughen. Play around with color contrasts, juxtaposing hues like the turquoise from the plates with the dark green from the branch for unexpected glamour and authenticity.