Spring Style: How to Create the Perfect Spring Table-scape
With the weather warming up and the social calendar calling, it’s time to dust off your favourite dinnerware and maybe even an outdoor table and get ready for a springtime dinner (or lunch) party.
Many trees now have flowers aplenty, so let’s make the most of nature’s bounty and utilise what spring has sprung to decorate our seasonal table.
Creating a magazine-worthy table setting doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. When I’m entertaining at home, my own garden offers simple spring styling options such as native blooms and foliage, green runners like turkey rhubarb and jasmine, plus pretty flowers, some of which are even edible, like violets, dandelions, and magnolias.
Here I’ve shared some of my top tips to help you dress your table for a dreamy gathering your guests will rave about.
Start with the Tablecloth
I love the drama of a tablecloth that pools on the floor at either end, yet good quality, extra-long linen tablecloths can be expensive. I use a near-new linen blend curtain that I found in an op shop for 10 bucks, and no one has ever guessed it's actually a curtain. Look out for linen or cotton with pastel colours or floral patterns for springtime flair.
Up-cycle
Like my ‘curtain’ tablecloth, I often find that another man’s trash can be my table top treasure. Instead of buying expensive and often boring napkins, I use old fabric sample squares or fabric pieces. Coming in all sorts of bold patterns and colours, I wash and dry the fabric, cut it to size (usually 25 x 25 cm square), then hem them. Second-hand shops often have off cuts, and if you find some vintage tea towels, you can cut them in half and hem them as well. They work wonderfully as one-of-a-kind napkins. Some of my favourite Sydney go to stores are The Bower in both Marrickville and Summer Hill, The legendary Reverse Garbage Marrickville, Salvos stores, Vinnies, your local tip shop etc, etc.
Get Creative
I do love to get a little bit Alice in Wonderland when throwing a dinner party. It creates a sense of fun and interest. Try using teacups as entrée bowls to serve a cold soup or even dips. Or how about teapot vases to display your fragrant blooms as a centrepiece?
Vases and Bottles
You canalways find lovely old glass bottles or jars and whimsical teapots at markets & second-hand stores. Collecting wildflowers and displaying them in small jars or bottles down the middle of the table is also an easy and inexpensive way to brighten your setting, and they make a lovely gift for guests to take home after the meal.
Use What You Have or Raid Nanna's Garage
Glassware, plates, and cutlery DO NOT have to match. My design rule is that there just needs to be a common thread connecting them. For example, you might have ten glasses of different shapes and sizes, but the commonality is that they might all be of the same vintage or in the same colour. Plates should just be of a similar size for the course. I generally lay a large main course plate first, then a smaller entrée plate on top. Once again, second-hand shops and garage sales are a great place to find quirky tableware.
The Finishing Touches
If you want to really impress your guests, you could try making your own menus. I print mine on kraft paper with my home printer, but handmade menus are also a nice personal touch. To add a rustic, yet refined vibe, try tying a sprig of rosemary or a small bloom around each napkin with twine or ribbon. This looks so lovely and also offers guests a sensory treat.
Setting a beautiful spring table doesn’t need to be complicated. By using elements from your garden, upcycling second-hand treasures, and getting creative with your presentation, you can create a stunning setting that feels both personal and magical. The goal is not to impress with expensive items but to showcase your creativity and love for the season. A spring tablescape is all about embracing nature, having fun with your decor, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for your guests to enjoy.
So gather your blooms, set the menu and get creative so your spring gathering is one to remember!
As a bonus, because sharing makes the flavours taste sweeter, here’s my recipe for a deliciously floral cocktail syrup. Sooooo yummy with a drop of gin and a dash of soda water.
