The Art of Spring Tablescaping

Photo by: Claudia Reese

The beautiful spring came, and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also. ~ Harriet Ann Jacobs

Spring sometimes comes with a shock of hope.

When winter lasts and lingers, sometimes we forget there is even such a thing as spring. We know, of course, the season exists–intellectually speaking. But sometimes our hearts forget.

When spring comes, it brings in all kinds and colors of joy. It’s reflected in the art we create, the food we make, and the way we add its life and hues to our homes–which is an art form all on its own.

Maybe we remember how much our grandmother loved lilacs, and we may stop and appreciate their beauty in her honor and bring in cuttings for the table.

Because the spring of the now ties into the seasons of the past, and it makes us happy to incorporate the memories of the bygone years. So if it isn’t spring for you until your garden is covered in poppies, then bring on the poppies!

And take your own sacred version of the season and bring it to your table for a gorgeous, personal space. 

Here are some of our favorite tips.

Florals

Flowers aren’t everything when it comes to spring tablescaping, but it’s they’re certainly a great place to start.

When you pick the color scheme of your floral design, then you know what you need to do to tie in the rest of the table. Many people choose tableware that’s neutral and then use napkins to mirror the natural colors of the centerpiece.

Consider choosing long, lower containers for the flower so your guests can still see each other. Or, you could use multiple smaller vases filled with loose bouquets and spaced in between the sightline.

Also, make sure the table isn’t so crowded that your friends can’t eat comfortably. If the plates are crowded, you may have overdone it and need to pull back on fashion in favor of function.

A Decorative Gift

A lovely touch for your guests is to place a small offering on their plate. 

You can use a rustic or silvery charger topped with a large plate and then a smaller one on top, which is often the layered plating chosen for spring, and then add a small decorative present for your guests on the smallest plate. 

For instance, you could place a pretty woven nest on each place setting filled with a trio of foil-wrapped or other egg-shaped treats. Or, place a large chocolate egg in an egg cup. You can also use the nest or cup as a placeholder, adding a pretty, personalized paper nameplate.

A container with a small bouquet at each place is a beautiful touch. You could also choose a living plant, turning your table into a ”host of golden daffodils” or another profusion of blooms that your guests can take home with them.

Go Local and In Season

What does spring look like where you live? The happiest blossoms in your region can often be the best choice for your tablescape. But don’t be limited by flowers; a centerpiece of greens can be transported on its own. Also, local fruit can be incorporated into your design. 

Shop your local farmers market with an eye to tablescaping. You might find some excellent ideas you’d never considered.

If using fruit, make sure they’re clean in case your guests want to eat those beautiful grapes, peaches–or whatever you’ve chosen–for their dessert.

Glassware

Laura Remmert, the owner of Laura Remmert Events, states that “adding a pop of color with your glassware is both a playful and elegant addition to any spring tablescape. A fun twist on classic black and white—the green accent glass brings a colorful touch to … tabletop design perfectly tying in the natural green in the flowers.” 

Photo by: Claudia Reese

This seems to work particularly well if you’re using white or pale blossoms for your spring tablescape. 

Extend Your Tablescape

Don’t leave your design all clumped together in the middle of the table. Extend your creation with a natural table runner such as greens or a collection of thin branches. You can also use a tablecloth folded lengthwise into thirds. In this case, we prefer organic cotton with natural dyes.

Also, a collection of small white, pastel, or silver candlesticks placed from the center of the table outwards will also extend your design. 

Happy hosting, friends! We hope you’re enjoying this spring season as much as we are.

Your Spring Table #togetherapart

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This year your Spring table is no doubt going to be different than years past as we cannot host gatherings of friends and family at our tables.   We also are seeing a limited supply of certain items in the grocery store, so planning more extensive menus can be tricky.

I would suggest simplifying this year.  Make it easy on yourself, and those at home with you, by pulling together a simple menu, while still making the occasion feel extra special.  Pull out those linen napkins and a tablecloth if you have them.

If not, check out our offerings at August Table, we can get them to you!  Put flowers on the table.  If you have a yard, cut flowers or branches and put them in a vase, jar or anything fun.  Mix up your prints, plates and cutlery for a fun boho look.

Now what to serve?

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Caramelized Shallot and Gruyere Quiche with Rosemary Crust

 

You can dress a quiche up and make it very elegant with simple ingredients on hand and add a green salad and fruit salad and you’re good to go.

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Spinach and Mushroom Quiche

 

As with any of these recipes and ideas you can substitute ingredients for what you have on hand.  No eggs?  Buy a carton of egg beaters and use those.  No fresh veggies?  A bag of frozen broccoli or spinach makes a delicious quiche!  I’ve noticed that if the milk is not in stock at the store they likely have oat milk or almond milk.  You can use any milk substitute – just make sure you get the plain flavor.  You get the idea.  Be creative.

In addition to quiche you can throw together a board and have fun with it.

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Ultimate Spring Brunch Board by Half Baked Harvest

 

I also love the idea and look of a bagel board.  Make your Easter brunch easy.

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Bagel and Smoked Salmon Board by Half Baked Harvest

 

Another idea – create a yogurt parfait station with yogurt, fruit and granola.  Other fun items to consider: muffins of various flavors, hard boiled eggs or deviled eggs.  Delicious and fun to assemble.

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Yogurt Bowls by Sugar and Charm

 

You can add different cereals too…

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Breakfast Parfait Board by Barefeet in the Kitchen 

 

Have a good week.

Stay safe and be well.

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Carrie Allen created this site as a way for people to share stories about things they love.  She loves chasing quiet, authentic moments and sharing them with her family and friends.  Read more about her inspiration here.