10 unusual tablescapes and how to recreate them at home

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Feast your eyes on our 10 tablescaping trends that make every meal feel like a special occasion

Words Kirsty Feerick

Life’s a party, so why not dress your table? Whether you are planning a casual brunch or a formal dinner, the right tablescape can leave your guests feeling satisfied before they sit in their chair.

From minimalist monochrome styles to bold metallics, a well dressed table can anchor a room, balancing texture and colour to create a focal point. Here is our list of 10 ways to express yourself through tablescaping.

Ribbons

Ribbons add texture, charm and easy colour coordination. Tie them around napkins, chairs or glass stems to add soft movement. Consider silk or grosgrain in contrasting widths to add dimension.

Ribbons can tie your table together as centrepieces or accents
IMAGE | Nicki Sebastian. Ribbons can tie your table together as centrepieces or accents

Where to buy

Edinburgh Fabrics is a long-standing, family-run fabric and haberdashery shop with floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with ribbons of all colours and sizes. You won’t be stuck for choice.

Follow Edinburgh Fabrics on Instagram


Metallics

Metal tablescapes can add a glam urban edge. Use polished metal charger plates, flatware or candle holders to bounce natural or ambient light throughout the room. This reflection breaks up heavy matte textures and can make a smaller or darker dining area feel noticeably brighter.

Metallic tablescape
IMAGE | Pinterest. This setup features a premium stainless steel and aluminum tableware collection designed by Berlin-based conceptual curator Idan Gilony.

Where to buy

Westwing’s dinnerware collaboration with Victoria Beckham is the epitome of this metallic tablescape trend. To find metallic accents in Scotland, head to antique spots like Retrovintage in Stewarton or Rag & Bone in Glasgow.

Follow Westwing on Instagram


Spherical lamps

Spherical lamps bring a contemporary yet cosy feel to a table. They work as incredible sculptural focal points while introducing ambient light. Using globe lamps or round lanterns nurtures intimacy and creates a unique sightline between guests. Use frosted glass for softer light diffusion.

Spherical lamps make a tablescape feel intimate and romantic
IMAGE | Sharon López. Lighting can dramatically influence your tablescape

Where to buy 

Cotterell & Co is an independent, family-run lighting business founded in Glasgow in 1952. They specialise in handcrafted, bespoke lampshades and lighting fixtures. Or, good old Habitat has the XL sphere lamp, which feels like the moon has landed right on your table.

Follow Cotterell & Co on Instagram


Fruit centrepieces

Fruit centrepieces make a table feel alive and abundant. Fresh fragrances come with natural tablescapes, and edible décor can make a fun novelty. They also bring colour, texture and seasonality to the table — perfect for the festive months.

Fruit tablescape with seasonal flowers
IMAGE | Schentell Nunn. Fruit makes a tablescape feel alive and immersive

Where to buy

Find fresh fruit, vegetables and specialist wholefoods at Roots Fruits & Flowers in Glasgow. Speak to the florist in store about how to create striking seasonal displays.

Follow Roots Fruits & Flowers on Instagram


Sculptures

Sculptures can be a great conversation piece. Use small ceramic or metal forms as centrepieces, or place one striking piece at the table midpoint. This is a great way to add charm without relying on flowers or candles.

Hand-shaped candle holders used in this viral tablescape are vintage
IMAGE | Darcy Ward. These white, lifelike hand-shaped candle holders used in this viral tablescape are vintage/antique items.

Where to buy

Head to Bard Scotland to find Glasgow-based ceramicist Viv Lee’s coil-built stoneware vessels. They have an otherworldly, anthropomorphic beauty — perfectly at home in this tablescape trend.

Follow Bard Scotland on Instagram


Moss 

Turn your table into a lush meadow because, well, why not? Moss runners add rich greenery without blocking conversation across the table. Though full of impact, a moss runner requires very little upkeep as it doesn’t need water, soil or sunlight to thrive. That means no wilting, dropping debris, or ongoing care during a meal.

Moss adds nature to your tablescape
IMAGE | Ann Peters. Moss puts nature at the centre of your tablescape

Where to buy

Highland Moss is a family-run plant shop with a big love for moss and nature. From plants to terrarium kits, the Aberdeen shop has a huge selection to suit this tablescape trend.

Follow Highland Moss on Instagram


Attention grabbing tablecloths

Tablecloths with oversized prints and unexpected materials (like velvet or rattan) can demand attention in a very tasteful way. Balance vivid fabrics with neutral tableware to avoid it looking cluttered and overwhelming.

Bright tablecloth on tablescape
IMAGE | Abby Jiu Photography. Let your tablecloth be the perfect backdrop for your tablescape

Where to buy

Mairi Helena has bold pattern runners inspired by Scotland’s rich landscapes. Mrs Alice’s curated tablescape and tableware features luxurious patterned linen by Alice Naylor-Leyland. Bluebellgray are a good shout, too. As is TBCo.

Follow Mairi Helena on Instagram

Follow TBCo on Instagram

Follow Bluebellgray on Instagram


Seasonal florals

Matching your florals for the season can be ground-breaking (Miranda Priestly, hear us out!). Flowers are a timeless classic for a reason. They let colours bloom, introduce texture and feel effortlessly grounding. Make sure to use seasonal florals to maintain peak fragrance and colour.

Seasonal florals on tablescape
IMAGE | Shutterstock. Seasonal florals make the tablescape feel fresh and current

Where to buy

Contemporary fine art florist, Aspen Florals, has seasonal bespoke bouquets, fresh cut flowers and natural dried designs using 100% plastic and foam-free practices.

Follow Aspen Florals on Instagram


Coloured glassware

Coloured glassware can sparkle like jewels when under ambient light. We recommend using different colours for your tinted wine glasses, vases and candle holders to add character and whimsy to your tablescape.

Colour glassware glows on the table
IMAGE | Alex Maguire. Add tinted glassware to let colour sparkle all over your tablescape

Where to buy

John Moncrieff Ltd offers a bespoke glassmaking service, letting you design your own pieces. Based in Kinross, the business has been around since 1865 and is widely considered a pioneer in borosilicate glass development. They can help you dig through a huge range of vibrant colours and styles.

Follow John Moncrieff Ltd on Instagram


Monochrome palettes

For chic elegance, why not try a monochrome palette? To built depth, layer different hues of the same colour through linens, ceramics and glassware. This tablescape trend makes a space feel sophisticated and deliberate. Add contrasting napkins or candles to avoid flatness and maintain what is ultimately a cool, minimal look.

Red monochrome table with fruit and metallic plates
IMAGE | Mira Wickman. Make monochrome feel elaborate by experimenting with textures on the tablescape

Where to buy

Westwing have luxury tablecloths that balance colour with design, like this striking red fabric with a wintry motif. You can also visit Scottish fabric stores like Forth Fabrics who can create custom pieces.

Follow Forth Fabrics on Instagram


Liked learning about tablescape trends? Take a look at these last-minute spellbinding alternatives to spooky tat for Halloween.

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