Welcome to Jessamine’s blog! Jessamine’s Jams. Jabber of Jessamine. That Jessamine Jawn. Alright so the title is still a work in progress, but nevertheless: words on a screen. I’m happy to have you here and joining me.
In the opening post, I wanted to discuss an event design element that when it comes together, transforms tables from “well, this is our seat” to “holy shit, we get to sit HERE all night?”
The tablescape.
A tablescape is essentially a table setting but with an intentional and elevated feel. It takes into account all aspects of the table – the “wares” –dinner, glass, and flat; to the decorative –candles, linens, floral arrangements and any other styling elements, and the food and drinks to be served. When designing a tablescape, the table and chairs themselves should also be considered.
Tablescapes are my jam! They are far and away my favorite piece of floral decorating I get to do.
A thoughtful tablescape draws your guests’ eye and keeps their attention at the table and in the company of their tablemates. And when connection is what dinner parties and gatherings are really all about, your color and material choices can foster that feeling of connection and truly set the stage for the mood you want to create.
I grew up with a family who did large dinners, you know the kind with two extra banquet tables added to the dining table? That sometimes hooked an L into another room? No matter who hosted the table settings and accouterments were always carefully chosen. When my grandmother hosted Easter, every person had their names lovingly written out on cute bunny escort cards in her loopy script. When it was my mom’s turn to host for Thanksgiving, she let me loose to root around the china cabinets and credenza to choose from the extensive collection of dinnerware and linens she had collected over the years from estate sales to set the table with. Even at 11 years old I loved thinking about how the cranberry tablecloth played with the chocolate napkins and brought out the burnt orange color of the mums in the bud vases.
Fresh flowers push a tablescape over the edge into the divine. Flowers are quite possibly the most classic decorative table element and for good reason! With almost infinite possibilities in color, texture, and shape, flowers can gather all of your individual table elements together and pull them into harmony. They bring dimension and literal life to the table. Working with an event florist like Jessamine gives you access to uncommon blooms that can be completely tailored to your specific occasion, personal taste, venue and theme. From lush antique hydrangea floral table runners to minimalistic ikebana style arrangements focusing on a singular iris, flowers can be the star of the show or the accent to an incredible abc carpet and home dinner plate set.
There’s just something about being together around a sublimely dressed table with florals down the length that says without words the people gathered here are special and they are loved and they deserve to experience beautiful things.
