Easter typically marks the beginning of spring, it is a time of optimism when, after a long winter, the weather becomes milder and the evenings lighter - a perfect opportunity to plan barmy gatherings with family and friends… and first event on the social calendar is Easter weekend.
Louisa Preskett Mobbs, creative director at Maison Margaux, who design and curate bespoke tabletops to buy or rent, says that we are becoming more savvy in our table displays and Easter is a time to show off our flair. “Tablescaping has become a phenomenon and it’s a real outlet for creativity. For us it shouldn’t be taken too seriously. It’s genuinely about bringing people together and making something feel really special for guests.”
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Maison Margaux tend to put individual styles into four categories: floral and feminine, minimalist, contemporary and bold; and eclectic and maximalist. “We have settings to meet each of these in really large quantities, and by renting pieces it means people are able to mix up their existing settings with seasonal accents,” she tells us.
How to create an upscale Easter tablescape according to Maison Margaux:
What colours should I use for an easter table?
For Easter she says that she tends to look to the colours of spring as a starting point. “Beautiful greens or yellows, florals and light colours," she tells us. "Tulips and Daffodils are a go-to for Easter florals, but any spring flowers from the garden work. Keep it loose and feminine for Easter, add little accents to the table outside of florals like painted eggs, wicker jugs and hand painted floral plates.”
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The rule of layering:
To achieve a curated magazine look, Maison Margaux work with a rule-of-three. “It’s what we call layering. And if you layer in threes it’s hard to go wrong.” Starting from the base level up, the tablecloth will set the tone of the theme.
Layer 1: Spring table linen
“For a feminine table choose a pretty floral table linen in spring colours. For a more contemporary Easter table, look at stripes and key accents to compliment this. In fact many hosts take a step back even further and begin with thinking what they might wear, then compliment their outfit with the colours of the table.”
Layer 2: Colourful crockery
The second layer is crockery, so a charger plate or placemat, then dining plate and finally the top plate. “Ideally these are stacked and laid on your table when guests arrive. The dining plate is usually white so the food takes centre stage, but the placemat and top plate should be fun and colourful. Think hand painted plates and scallop-edged placemats.”
Layer 2: Kitsch crockery
The third layer encompasses all of the accents that bring the look together. “These include beautiful cutlery, bud vases and all other accessories - we love coloured cutlery or bamboo for Easter. Then table napkins in pastel colours or matching stripes to compliment table linen. Fold these, tie loosely across your plate - or use a fun, kitsch napkin holder for Easter.”
Add accessories
Finally you can add additional accessories, “I love to bring out beautiful objects and pieces that tell a story from years gone by. It shouldn’t feel too matchy-matchy, I have a lovely collection of mis-matched vases I’ve picked up at various markets or have been given by family members over the years.”
When it comes to Easter are there any no-nos, as far as table dressings go? “I really don’t think there are," says Mobbs, "Obviously bright, light, spring-like colours are preferred, but that said, tablescaping is individual and should reflect the mood of the day and the style of the host. It’s about being creative, adding personal touches, talking points and really loving creating a place for your guests.”
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