How to create a maximalist Spring table setting
Spring is upon us and at this time of year I find myself with a natural boost of energy and optimism, and ready to open my home to guests. After a long (and very wet) winter of hibernation the daffodils and birdsong signal the time to be a bit more sociable and with the Easter celebrations and bank holiday weekends on the horizon, what could be better than laying the table in a maximalist style to celebrate. Easter is the perfect time to embrace colour and feel inspired by the pretty Spring colour palette. Typically these are the pastel shades- think primrose yellow, duck egg blue and pale green. But you also have those vibrant daffodil yellows, bright red tulips and purple hyacinths to inspire you. I think the key thing about the Spring colour palette is it’s fresh, bright and light. So the deep and cosy autumn shades of russet red, chocolate brown and olive green no longer serve us. We need to feel lighter and brighter and dressing the table is the perfect way to celebrate the new seasonal colour palette that’s happening right outside your window.
For a celebratory maximalist tablescape you’ll want to ramp up the pattern, colour and textures, layering up the interest as you go. I’m not a massive fan of the rampant consumerism that goes on around these seasonal celebrations, so I’d resist going out and buying merch like bunny ornaments and painted egg trees. In my view you just don’t need it, the colour can deliver the Spring mood in itself, or you can make a few Easter decorations if that’s your thing, as they will be way more charming. I always like to use food to supplement my table decorations, like fruit, or mini eggs or even boiled eggs dyed in food colouring. You also have to make the most of the spring time flowers at this time of year. I picked up a bunch of tulips for £2.50 at the supermarket last week and they last a fortnight! I’m also lucky enough to have armfuls of daffodils in the garden this time of year too. But I cannot wait until the blossom gets going as that always looks super pretty.
Table cloth made from Wildflower meadow fabric, Sophie Robinson x Harlequin. Chambray and Shell pink stoneware plates from Le Creuset. Green glass tumblers, Neptune. Paper straw stripe curtains, Sophie Robinson x Harlequin. Standard lamp, Pooky. Woodland floral wallpaper, Sophie Robinson x Harlequin.
Get fabulous with florals
If there is one time of year you can go all out with pretty florals, it’s Easter! A small scale ditsy floral suits this time of year as Spring flowers are typically small and delicate. I’ve made my own with a few meadows of by the meter fabric. This one above is my Wildflower Meadow floral fabric from harlequin which I just adore- it’s like scattering the table with petals. I’d then use a different floral for napkins. There is something so charming about clashing pattern on pattern that adds to the busy energy of this time of year.
Add foliage
The trend in floral arrangements at the moment is definitely on a loose, hand picked foraged vibe, and if you can pick a few stems from the garden, then it’s a lot cheaper alternative to a floral arrangement. I’d combine a beautiful branch from the garden, complete with green buds or later, blossom to be the centre piece. You can even hang decorative Easter eggs from it, if that’s your thing. But like I said earlier- don’t miss the opportunity to pick up some armfuls of affordable daffodils or tulips from the supermarket for a blast of colour joy. I snip the stems nice and low and bunch them in a drinking tumbler- a few dotted down the table does the trick.
Colourful table setting by Furbish Studios using a highly patterned table cloth and contrasting table linen with a contrast trim. A sprig of greenery lifts the look.
Mix and Match
You don’t need an expensive set of matching crockery to create a beautiful table setting, indeed it can look even more stylish to adopt the maximalist mix and match approach. It can look more charming, individual and create a more relaxed at home feeling too. I’ve always found charity shops and auctions great placed for high quality china at a song, and you can build your collection gradually, but I’d recommend sticking to a similar colour palette or style motif for some cohesion. Another way to add an individual touch is to mix and match napkins, because, no! they do not all need to match. I often use a mix of napkins but them tie them all in the same ribbon to bring the look together.
A mix and match of candle sticks adds personality to this stylish table scape by Louise Roe.
Create a table centre piece
I absolutely love a table laden with flowers, candles and fruit, that piles on the colour, texture and creates a feeling of abundance. At Christmas I use clementines and pomegranates but this can be switched up to citrus fruits in the spring or berries in the summer, which can all be switched up and added to cocktails or desserts later on so nothing goes to waste. For a successful central table piece you want to keep everything nice and low, so people can still converse over the top. I have a collection of small bud vases but you can use clay pots, teacups, glass tumblers. The key is then to cut the flower stems nice and low and pack them in. You can then dot the citrus fruit in-between the vases and candle sticks, along the length of the table.
A beautiful pink and blue display with a gorgeous floral centrepiece. Source: Pinterest.
Napkin details
I love the way Sandra, from The Idle hands on Instagram has styled her napkins with a hard boiled egg! This is such a simple yet effective idea. I’m stealing it! I usually tie mine with a simple ribbon as I’ve never collected napkin rings and I like that I have a bag of ribbons so can easily switch up the look. Another chic idea is to simply fold it and either pop it under the cutlery or the side plate. Either way, always look for an opportunity to add more pattern and colour to the table. If you’re nifty with a sewing machine, making your own napkins from remnants or scraps of fabric is a really charming way to add pattern. Remember they don’t all need to match, so this is a good way of using up some fabric from your stash!
Easter table setting by @the_idle_hands using food as part of the display.
Take it outside
If the weather brightens up, which is really did last week, I’ll be the first to set everything up outside as, I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to bask in some Spring sunshine, not to mention how incredible a bright maximalist tablescape looks surrounded by vibrant greenery! I love how this table setting has used lots of smaller vases with single stems in too, creating a floral display down the centre of the table that can be achieved with just one or two bunches of flowers.
If you are looking to freshen up your table setting this Spring, then here are some of a few of my favourite finds…
Shop my favourites
Blue scalloped glasses, M&S. Yellow candle sticks, Matilda Goad. Wild Flower Plate, H&M. Candlestick in Sage, Not Another Bill. Scalloped napkins, La Redoute. Daisy Jug, Oliver Bonas. Sage Pitcher, Dunelm. Check Tablecloth, Talking Tables. Blue spotty tumbler, Flying Tiger. Yellow Glass, Monsoon. Pink floral scallop placemat, Furbish Studios. Paper Straw Fabric in Citrine, Sophie Robinson x Harlequin. Blue Ribbon, Sostrene Grene. Pastel green plate, H&M. White and Pink Vase, George at Asda. Cutlery, Matilda Goad. Daisy Plate, M&S.
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