Definition: An attractive and often themed arrangement of dining ware and other objects on a table.
Of course, there is nothing new about elaborate table decorations, the Victorians excelled at these, but, aside from weddings and parties, the idea of designing a tablescape for the home in the 21st century seemed somewhat pointless. Then came the pandemic, and tablescaping became a ‘thing,’ made popular on Instagram and in style magazines. With restaurants closed, significant birthdays and anniversaries were being celebrated at home, and not with gatherings of friends and family but permitted household members only. Suddenly the idea of creating something different to mark the occasion and relieve the tedium of yet another meal at home, took off.
At this year’s Chelsea Flower Show floristry competitions, there were seven florists who entered the Tablescape category. The brief was broad; each installation had to deliver a strong horticultural message, include a table, and essentially, be foam free. And the results? Creative, imaginative and visually exciting, with everyone who entered being awarded a silver medal or above.
