Tablescaping on yachts is the art of elaborating dining tables in artful, decorative, or themed ways to create memorable and unique table settings for guests onboard yachts.
Here are the basic steps you need to follow to create a stellar tablescape onboard. For in-depth guidance on Table Escaping and Theme Event Planning, download the Yachts Mermaids Tablescapes & Theme Events Planner here.
1. Choose The Base
Before you begin, it is essential to have a color scheme for your tablescape. One easy option is to use different shades of color, such as dark blue and light blue, on top of a neutral base color like white or beige. A more advanced option is to use an analogous color scheme, which includes three adjacent hues on a color wheel, like blue, blue-green, and green. You can also play with online color-scheme generators to find interesting complementary color combinations. When choosing a color scheme, consider the room's color if you are inside the vessel. You don’t want the room to clash with the table setting.
Next, choose a tablecloth, runner, or whatever will lay the base or foundation for creating your tablescape. Table runners add another dimension to your tablescape, but choosing one that contrasts with your tablecloth is key. If you're using a solid-colored tablecloth, try a runner in a bold pattern.
Other creative alternative options for runners are wrapping paper, layers of placemats, nets, burlap, leaves/foliage, scarves, coffee sacks, vintage book sheets, newspapers, moss, jute, chiffon, cheesecloth, overlapping doilies, lace, etc. Thinking outside the box for this can add a hint of fun to the tablescape, especially if you have kids onboard. One of my favorite things to use as a runner when we have kids is kraft/butcher paper, which guests can write on, including pens or pencils for sketching is a must!
If you're using cloth of any kind, steam or iron the piece smoothly. You don't want wrinkles to distract from the rest of your pretty display. And always clean the table before you begin.
2. Design The Centerpiece
A stunning centerpiece doesn't have to be complicated, but remember the following when creating one.
Pay Attention to Scale: your tablescape should be proportionate to the size of your table. Pay attention to centerpieces and other decorations, which can quickly feel too big or too small. If it's too small, it may not feel substantial enough for the table, taking away from the overall aesthetic. For the bigger items, you want to create displays that don't block the guests from seeing and talking to each other.
Include Textures: texture is an important design element that brings added complexity and interest to a tablescape. If your materials are all similar, the display can often feel one-dimensional.
Add the tallest candles and florals closer to the heads of the table, but offset them from each other. For example, for those sitting at opposite heads of the table, the floral arrangements will both be to their right hands, so opposite sides and not in a visual straight line.
Rule of Threes: this is the design principle that arrangements of threes are the most visually appealing, and it's true! I love using three candleholders, three different types of flowers, three shades of the same color, etc.
When doing decór for family-style meals, place the serving platters, saucers, salt and pepper, and any other condiments you’re using in the middle to ensure you have space for them and don’t forget the serving utensils.
After placing the larger items, go through and tuck greens, long-stem flowers, branches, or "scatter" items to break up the symmetry. Other alternatives are textured items, fruits, feathers, botanicals, cloth, wicker/rattan, glass, metal, lanterns, sparkles, pearls, small figurines and objects, candles, flowers fresh/dry, sand, pebbles, mason jars, liquor/wine bottles, water in vases, floating candles/items, fairy lights, shells, books, board games, photos (can be of the guests' experiences onboard), tins, wood boxes, jewelry boxes, dry pasta, coffee, candy, etc.
Don't forget the ceiling! Hanging decor on top of your tablescape gives an extra dimension to it. You can use flowers, foliage, hanging glass orbs, fairy lights, balloons, paper lamps, hanging macrame, etc. You can purchase an adjustable Tablescape Decorating Rod if you cannot hang anything from the ceiling.
3. Set The Table Setting
Begin with your charger or placemat, coasters, and plates/crockery. From there, add the silverware/cutlery, stemware/glasses, and napkins. To add a personal touch, you can include something that makes your guest feel special, like a place tag or other token.
If you need extra guidance on how to set your table correctly , download the YM Ultimate Table Setting Guide here.
The possibilities for creative tablescapes and theme events are endless! And it's the perfect way to make the guest experience onboard memorable.
With the right materials, colors, textures, and interactive entertainment, you can create a beautiful tablescape and theme events that will make your guests feel extra special and spark plenty of conversations. All it takes is a bit of planning and creativity.
I highly recommend downloading the Yachts Mermaids Tablescapes & Theme Events Planner here to get extra tips on creating and planning Table Escapes and Theme Events onboard yachts.
Remember to take photos to design a tablescape/theme event guide for your interior department and add it to your stew bible. Need help creating a Stew Bible? Click here to get my 90+ done-for-you yacht interior templates and guides!
I can't wait to see what you create! Share your tablescape and theme events on Instagram, and tag me @yachtsmermaids
