apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


Inspiration for Entertaining: Chelsea's Tablescapes

Stylist Chelsea Fuss' blog, Frolic!, is one of our favorite daily reads, and lately we've been raptly following the series of lovely tablescapes she's designed for Project Wedding. Each design follows a two-color scheme, like the lilac and khaki table pictured above. Choosing two colors you love as a foundation for your décor is a great idea for any party, not just a wedding. Click through for some more tips we gleaned from Chelsea's posts...
 
 

Chelsea's table settings all have a warm, welcoming feel, probably because they aren't overly fussy or formal, and yet they're put together with obvious care and consideration. Here are a few things we learned from her posts about how to create this inviting vibe:

Choose two colors you love and build your décor scheme from there. Your flowers, tableware, and even the drinks you serve can build on this central two-color combo. There's no need to be rigid about the exact shades you use, and of course you can bring in more colors too, but choosing two base colors should help you create a harmonious, festive look.

Keep it simple. Notice that Chelsea's tables aren't loaded up with tons of dishes or glassware. Think about what you're serving: Do you really need two sizes of spoons, or a salad fork? For a casual party, you can keep glasses on a self-service bar so that the initial table is clean and uncluttered. Try Chelsea's place setting: a simple rectangular napkin fold with a single flower or fruit to weigh it down, and basic flatware on either side.

Try a DIY garland. Hanging something from the ceiling immediately makes a space feel more festive. We love Chelsea's easy garland, made by folding bits of colored masking tape along a piece of string.

Stick with low centerpieces. There's nothing worse than sitting at a dinner party where you can only see half the people at the table. Tall flower arrangements can be gorgeous, and they look great on a bar or side table, but for your centerpieces, consider something low and lush. Chelsea's lilacs are low enough that they won't interfere with conversation, but they're just as dramatic as a tall arrangement.

Visit Project Wedding to read the full story on each of these gorgeous tablescapes. Chelsea's portfolio and her blog are great sources for inspiration of all kinds.

Photos: Chelsea Fuss

Tags

entertaining, inspiration, dinner party, table setting, garland, centerpieces

Related Links

Share

Comments (3)

Thanks so much for the post! Happy you like the tables!!

posted by frolic on May 1st 2009 at 11:03pm
view frolic's profile

Thanks for the great tips- all these tablescapes look beautiful.

posted by kimmiller on May 2nd 2009 at 11:59am
view kimmiller's profile

Oh lilacs...such a brief and beautiful fling we have each spring!

posted by Seaside on May 3rd 2009 at 12:39pm
view Seaside's profile