No matter the event — a formal Thanksgiving dinner or a simple lunch among friends — your table is your venue, and how it’s styled can determine how your event is remembered.

With the fall and winter holidays approaching, we want to share a few tips on creating the perfect tablescape for your event.

Start With the Needs

How many people will you be seating? What will be served? Is it casual, formal, or somewhere in between? Think through your event needs to determine your serving choices and botanical elements.

For example, a more casual “Friendsgiving” may call for some organic greenery and bright gourds and pumpkins, while a traditional Thanksgiving dinner may call for more formal arrangements in neutral or fall colors. As well, the size and number of floral arrangements will be determined on whether you plan to serve a plated meal versus family-style.

Set the Tone

Next, you’ll want to decide on the tone. This will be partially decided by your theme, guest list, and chosen botanicals, but there are other things to consider.

For example, if you’re hosting the casual Friendsgiving gathering, should there be a fun playlist in the background or a signature drink to complement the event? Or if you’re hosting a formal Thanksgiving, maybe you need place cards at the table.

Whatever the case may be, choose the elements you need for your dinner in a way that complements your chosen event and theme.

Develop Visual Interest

Lastly, you’ll want to add some visual interest. This can be done with some things already mentioned, like lighting and botanicals, but consider adding a few more touches as well, such as:

• Individualized mini arrangements at each seat

• Runners or placemats that compliment your centerpieces

• Candles in the center of the table to give more ambient lighting

• Greenery and garlands that make it a festive occasion

A visually memorable table is one that appears curated, not cluttered. This is achieved through the layering of patterns, textures, shapes and the balanced placement of elements — florals, candles, linens, dishes, etc.