Whether you’re gearing up for Sunday lunch or planning a surprise ‘at home’ feast for a special lockdown birthday, tablescapes are a good way to kick off a celebration. Tablescaping is about combining your tablecloth, centerpiece and place settings in a pretty, dramatic way. Be creative with your centerpieces, make old pieces look fresh again by adding ribbons and different coloured candles. Bring in potted plants from the garden, nature brings a table to life. Try unexpected colour palettes and patterned tablecloths. Placemats and chargers add layers of texture and colour. Irish interior designer Helen Turkington’s swoon-worthy yet relaxed-style table setting ideas make for instant conversation starters.

Helen’s How To:

Pattern Play
“Start with your tablecloth. Pretty home furnishing floral fabrics work really well”, says Helen.

The Centrepiece
“Play up height, but don’t block anybody’s view. Try greenery in crisp white vases, it won’t detract from the overall look. Then, build downwards from there in layers. Battery-powered lights and candles will create an intimate atmosphere.”

Place Settings
“Woven rattan placemats layered over print placemats lend the table that extra pop. The rattan mats add natural texture and that relaxed feel that you want at home,” she says. “Coloured bone china or porcelain plates work well as a ‘middle’ plate (or a charger / side plate / salad plate ) but a lot of people, including myself, prefer to eat off white plates. Stack on top of each other from charger, to dinner plate, to side plate. Pull out all the stops: stemmed glassware (thick glass instead of crystal makes it less formal), smart vintage-style flatware, and pretty napkins.”

Accessories
“Freshly-cut flowers in different sized vases add to the layering height-wise, fun accessories like novelty salt and pepper shakers will add to the celebration vibe and show a bit of personality. A candle at each place setting make the table special.”

Helen’s Top Tip
Take any oversized centrepieces off the table before eating.

Check out Helen’s ideas on her Instagram account @helenturkingtondesign ; www.helenturkington.com