With beautifully decorated tables now filling our Instagram and TikTok feeds, the ‘tablescape’ has become as important as the food you serve or the outfit you wear at events, dinner parties or weddings.

We know our macarons are perfect components of a carefully crafted table setting, but that's as far as we can go. So, we've reached out to Kate Fairlie, expert table designer and owner of Truffle Tablescapes to guide us towards thinking about your tablescape in layers and incorporating interesting details along the way to take a basic table setting from simple to spectacular.

Impress the guests at your event by using her top tips:

1. The foundation: it’s important to consider your table shape and size when choosing between a bare table, tablecloth or runner. Our favourite way to make an impact is with a statement tablecloth which will set the tone for the overall look. Renting table linen is a great way to refresh classic tableware for each occasion – a vibrant, patterned tablecloth will create the perfect foundation for a party whereas soft, elegant table linen would look beautiful at a wedding.
   
   
2. Place settings: once you’ve created the perfect foundation, you can build on your look by layering up from there. Construct each place setting with placemats, charger plates, crockery, pretty cutlery and statement glassware. We like to set our tablescape with crockery and glasses so guests get the full impact on arrival. For special events, placecards will add the final touch to each setting. Names written on seashells are a perfect summer alternative to a traditional placecard, or delight guests by having their name written on bespoke macarons – a charming and delicious way to add a special touch to your settings!
   
   
3. Napkins and napkin holders: no place setting is complete without an elegant napkin in soft cotton or linen. A colourful napkin is ideal for adding an accent colour to your tablescape – select one colour from your tablecloth and add a napkin in this tone to pull the overall look together. At Truffle we love napkin accessories; bows or tassels add the final flourish and hold napkins in place. Favours, such as a mini box of macarons, look beautiful when placed on top of napkins at a special meal or wedding (and help to keep napkins in place when dining al fresco!).
   
   
4. Centrescape: making an impact is crucial and we think a table looks best when the tablescaper is generous with their décor. At Truffle we like to fill our table centres with seasonal flowers in mini bud vases and elegant twist candles. Adding bowls of fruit will inject a pop of fresh colour, or a stylish tower of macarons will add height whilst guests can also tuck into this table centre when coffee is served!

Most importantly, be creative with your tablescape and elevate classic pieces with tableware that can be rented to create a particular event theme or seasonal look. Add fun and interesting details that will delight your guests and make your table stand out from the rest.

Need help with sourcing the right pieces? You can view the full Truffle Rentals Collection here.