So you’ve said you’ll host your Valentine’s, Galentine’s or Palentine’s celebrations at HOME. You’ve booked your HOMETAINMENT experience, perhaps you have HOMETAINER Sommelier Fleur coming over for a cheese and wine pairing night, maybe you’re raising a toast to love with a cocktail masterclass or are you’re going all out with a six course tasting menu cooked in the privacy of your HOME by Chef Ed a Michelin-trained private chef? What you haven’t done though, is think about the finishing touches, - tablescaping- the art of dressing your table. Need some inspiration? Read on below...

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Pick a Theme

Start by picking a theme and colour palette that you can build your tablescaping around. Go vibrant with bold reds and bright pinks, keep it sweet with pale pinks and pastels, or choose fresh whites and neutrals. Whatever colour theme you choose, from there start to build up tableware that compliments it, add layers, textures and prints.

Mix and Match

A theme doesn’t mean that you can mix and match or purposefully clash colours and prints. Look around your house to see what you might have to add to the table: ribbons for tying around cutlery, kitsch trinkets, glasses for tealights… Just remember to leave space for the plates - you don’t want your guests to be unable to see each because of the candelabra you’ve put in the centre. 

Say It With Flowers

All tables need flowers and foliage - they bring the table to life and can help create the right atmosphere. Use them as a classic centrepiece in vases, create a flower runner, trail foliage around candles or in wreaths or dot bud vases across the table. Head to the iconic Columbia Road Market to pick up fresh flowers or for dried flowers that you can use year after year check out the Hackney florist, Grace & Thorn. Give your table a twist and add fresh herbs for another layer- fragrant rosemary or aromatic basil. 

No time? Book professional HOMEtainer Kuofi

Short on time? Not feeling the most creative? Run out of tablescaping ideas? Let HOMEtainer Kuofi transform your table with stylish items you already have at home. Kuofi will show you how anything can be used from accessories to home grown herbs. Your guests are going to have serious table envy!

Add a Love Note

Add a little je nai se quois to your place cards  with a Valentine’s message on the back. Choose a line from a poem, say how you feel, or remind them of some of the best times you’ve had together. We love the personalised dinner party place cards from Papier. All you have to do is try and choose one of their wonderful designs - it’s hard, we love them all! 

Entertaining at HOME? Discover our other experiences here.

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