Top Tips For An Effortlessly Stylish Dining Table

This post is in collaboration with CALA Homes.

I think it is fair to say, that we all need a distraction from what’s going on in the world right now… I know I certainly do. When I have any time to myself, I love to fill that time with positive plan-making; whether it’s big projects or small changes, my plans usually revolve around decor or decorating. This may be why Brian likes to keep me busy…

Prior to social distancing and the current lockdown, we were coming to the end of the (never ending) extension project. We were still an age away from accessorising and styling (which is my favourite part), so when CALA Homes got in touch, asking me to style-up a Spring/Summer dining table, I jumped at the chance. No dust, a spotlessly clean home and only pretty things? Yes please.

My location was the beautiful new showhome at Southbank, Aberdeen. You may remember that I worked with CALA Homes previously, on a Christmas living room for the showhome at Milltimber Manor. Check that post out here.

The Cleland show home is equally as stylish, with an open plan kitchen/diner and living space that is giving me serious house envy. In fact, we loved the living room sofas so much that I went home and did a marathon google search to find them. Another thing to add to my ever-growing ‘want’ list.

The kitchen/diner and living area is decorated in neutral tones, with lots of natural materials; the beautiful slate dining table providing a perfect base for any table setting. CALA does a beautiful job of allowing natural light to flood into their houses. Perfect for daytime or summer evening dining.

My Top Tips For A Relaxed Table Setting

My overarching ‘theme’ for a relaxed dining table (whatever the season) is to mix and match. Unless you are planning a formal gathering, co-ordinating everything can often look too planned. If want people to think that you’re effortlessly stylish (which, of course, you are!) then follow these top tips.

Ditch the tablecloth

If you have a nice dining table, then why not show it off. A simple table runner will provide a base layer for your setting and will define the area between place settings and decor. I kept the napkins the same as the runner for a cohesive backdrop, allowing them to drape ‘casually’ from underneath the individual place settings.

Mix and Match Tableware

This is where I feel that ‘mix and match’ can be most effective. Avoid buying ready-boxed sets of tableware in favour of individual pieces; but be sure to keep to a similar style. Here, I chose ceramic pieces which have a handmade quality in both the slightly irregular shapes and glazes. The soft tones and simple, rustic textures/patterns also work well with each other.

Mix Materials

The best way to add depth to your setting is to mix materials and finishes. Slate, ceramic, glass and wood; rough, smooth, shiny, matt…

Generally a table setting will always feature ceramic (or porcelain), glass, and metal; however, consider adding interest with alternatives too. To contrast harder materials like slate or stone, add the warmth of wood, wicker or rattan. Take the style of your room into account too. The beautiful living area of the Cleland showhome is filled with layers of natural tones and materials, so it was a natural choice to carry these over to the table.

Recycled glass has a lovely laid-back feel, which is why I opted for recycled glass chargers, glasses and a jug. The hint of colour also ties in beautifully with the soft green plates.

Know Your Limits

Whilst you’re busy mixing and matching, it is also important to show a bit of restraint. I prefer decor to show an element of cohesion and this is the same for the dining table.

Keep your colour palette limited to two or three colours (but add in different tones of that colour if you want a more energetic look) and do the same with your material choices.

Don’t over-fill your table. To achieve a relaxed look, add some candles for some atmospheric light and flowers or foliage to soften off the scheme and bring some life to it. Vary the sizes of both candles and vases to give visual interest.

If you’ve been following my ‘Five Things I Love This Week’ posts, you will know that I recently took up the past-time of paper flower making. For this table setting I decided to try out some of my paper Peonies, marigolds, Anemones and Ranunculus, as well as making individual place settings of wild rose heads and sprigs of Eucalyptus. Of course, you could use real flowers or artificial… but I have to say, I am really happy with the effect of the paper blooms.