Claytongrayology: Tablescapes 101

“Tablescaping” is an art and a sci­ence. It explores (on a mini-​​level) the impor­tance of scale and com­po­si­tion. The best tablescapes are enter­taining yet seem effort­less. And tablescapes are not just about set­ting a fab­u­lous dining room table. Tablescaping refers to any kind of table.

Clayton Gray offers a wide variety of items for stylish tablescapes. Below are a few “rules of thumb”(courtesy Becky Harris of Hatch) and photos of inspi­ra­tion (cour­tesy Houzz) no matter what your expe­ri­ence with this fun art.

Con­sole:

Can­dles, busts, coral, plants, lamps, per­haps a tea ser­vice. Sym­metry is great on a long console.

Mantle:

Vase col­lec­tions, can­dle­sticks, a bust or sculp­ture. Pic­tures in dif­ferent arrangements.

Bed­side Table:

Reading lamp. Small pile of pretty books. Small tray for jew­elry or reading glasses. Cute little clock and maybe a flower in a small vase.

Coffee Table:

Coffee table books, a box, an over­sized retro ashtray.

Desk:

Try to keep desk as clear as pos­sible. A good light is key. Maybe some flowers to cheer you up.

Tell us…how do you tablescape?