5 Table-Setting Ideas That Will Make You the Very Best Host

Over the past year, many of us spent more time thinking about how we dress our tables than how we dress ourselves. At the start of the first lockdown, Laura Jackson started a movement called #makeamealofit, where she encouraged us all to cherish dinner time, whether we were isolating alone, with friends or with family. It was all about making our evening meals an event to look forward to at the end of the day—taking the time to put down our phones (after taking a tablescape picture, of course), eating something delicious and bringing out those plates or wine that you'd usually only save for fancy occasions. It's one lockdown tradition we'd quite like to hold on to, especially now we can start hosting once again.

Over the past year, pictures of beaches and brunches on Instagram have been replaced with pictures of table settings that look like works of art. If you are inspired to upgrade your at-home dining experience or put on a special spread for friends, keep scrolling for our guide to how to transform any table into the fanciest joint in town.

From candlesticks to linens, these items will make any meal feel a little more special, whether you're tucking into something you've been preparing hours or an oven-cooked pizza. 

Blues and Whites

If you like to keep things classic, stick to a blue-and-white colour scheme for a traditional feel. 

La Dolce Vita

Do like the Italians do and layer bold-printed plates and stick to oranges, blues and yellows. 

Pinks and Greens

Pink and green is a colour combination that we keep seeing on stylish tables right now. 

Minimal Linens

For a more effortless look, opt for a neutral colour palette and linens. 

All the Colour and Prints

Danish influencers have been going for a more cutesy look with bold colours and playful checks. 

Next up, see our edit of affordable homeware buys.