Hosting with Liz Linkleter
A couple of months ago, I went to an event on Easter styling, hosted by Soho Home and presented by Liz and Jess of Liz Linkleter events. Spotting a gap in the market, Liz started the company after searching for something interesting and creative for her own wedding. Combining skills from the world of fashion, PR and events, the company is now made up of a small team with a big footprint, planning events across Europe, from large scale weddings to intimate brand launches.
And they certainly know a thing or two about table laying. They suggest that whilst ‘tablescaping’ is a trendy word, it’s not a new trend. Rather, it’s been around for years, as hosts find ways to make guests feel special. Whilst table laying can feel like a daunting task to many, by breaking it down into steps, it becomes very much achievable.
Before that, it’s worth mentioning their ground rules. Firstly, the table lay has to work with the space that you are in. On a similar note, you also need to work with the seasons. For example, in the middle of summer, its worth avoiding anything too dark or cold. The design doesn’t need to be gimmicky either - you don’t need to go for pastel colours, eggs and chicks for Easter. Having mentioned colour, the team love using it in their designs, referencing the beautiful Assouline books as inspiration for accent colours and combining these with fun patterns such as leopard prints and stripes. In terms of approach, they suggest starting with one thing - a great plate, a flower, a napkin - and working a colour scheme up from there.
And so to the steps…
Step One
A good base is essential. Start with a table cloth. Perhaps you have an amazing piece of fabric…
Step Two
Add flowers along the length of the table to bring in life. The team suggest getting inspiration from florists on Instagram - they note Worm, Max Gill and AESME as some of their firm favourites.
Again, think seasonal: Easter is all about the the welcoming of new life with flowers like daffodils, tulips and blossom. For something more simple, opt for a single variety (they say that anything in a huge quantity can add impact). Otherwise, use different varieties together.
And you don’t even need to buy flowers - use what is growing in your garden or be naughty and head to the local park. I once sourced a Christmas centre piece from Epping Forest…
Use different heights for a sense of undulation, but ensure these don’t block conversation. The team suggest testing this by sitting at the table before guests arrive! Such undulation can be achieved through the use of different vases. Get creative here, using anything from jam jars to shot glasses.
Finally, don’t forget about what you are serving, ensuring there is space to put bowls and trays down.
Step Three
Add placemats for that all important layering. For Easter, the team opt for organic, natural materials like raffia or linen. In contrast, for my previous NYE look, I used mirrors, metals and shiny materials for something more glamorous. It’s all about getting the right feel.
Step Four
Next, add plates. The team suggest mixing and matching plates that are in the same world for a homey, “I thew this together” look. It’s about not trying too hard (or looking like you haven’t). As a side note, Liz notes that printed plates with printed table cloths are hard to get right, so add a neutral base in between. And if you don’t have good plates, cover these with a menu!
Step Five
On that note, add stationary! A menu is practical and people always like to know what they are eating. It can be as simple as a hand written card or a design on Canva. Otherwise, sites like Papier have done some great designs and collaborations. I also like to add a place card too - it lets you get creative with the table plan, seating people together that might have hidden common interests.
Step Six
Add cutlery. Don’t feel you need to splurge on trends here. For the team, nothing beats good quality heavy silverware.
Step Seven
Glassware - again, this one is quite simple. Liz and Jess like statement water glasses and suggest opting for something colourful to add another dimension.
Step Eight
Don’t underestimate the napkin! They can be presented in a variety of ways - knotting (good if you want to frame the plate), folding, using a napkin ring, the list goes on - and they always bring the table together.
Step Nine
The finishing touch: candles. Have these at three heights - tall dinner candles, low level tea lights and pairs of pillar candles somewhere in the middle. Avoid anything with scents in the dining area as the food should do the talking here (but do use them in other areas to set the scene). And whatever you do, be careful not to set fire to the flowers!
Step Ten
The team do a table mock up before any large event. For something more casual, such as your Easter meal, instead ensure the table is set up early to avoid any last minute flustering!
Other things to think about to ensure you’re labelled the host with the most? Doing as much food prep as you can in advance, ensuring there is a fizzy cocktail to welcome guests upon arrival and a ‘livener’ for after dinner (not forgetting those who don’t drink), ensuring the music is spot on with a playlist that ramps up throughout the evening, and creating that all important mood lighting.
Whilst the team work with big budgets at a large scale, this event was all about achieving something special in your home following simple steps. I think table laying is a bit like interior styling - having something different and eye catching, like a bowl of lemons in a kitchen. It’s also a bit like interior design - taking inspiration from something like a plate or a material and working with this to create the colour scheme. And it’s like lighting design - working with different levels to create depth.
The team are always screenshooting and saving things for future designs, something you can easily do on your phone. And for further reading, they suggest ‘Debrett's New Guide to Etiquette and Modern Manners’, for the formal rules about table placement…
