9 Table Decor Ideas To Pretend You’re In A Restaurant

Since the first lockdown in March last year there’s been a major shift in how people cook, with every other Instagram story featuring banana bread, a sourdough starter or a questionable WFH lunch. As we powered through, none of us forgot that feeling of walking into your favourite neighbourhood restaurant, tipsy from the local pub, ready to enjoy a slap-up meal cooked for you by someone else.

It’s unsurprising, then, that tablescaping took off. And even though restaurants and pubs are open again, it still has a place in our hearts. Putting a little effort into laying yourself a nice setting can really make a meal – even if it’s just for one – feel a bit special. Plus, when better than a heatwave to hone your al fresco dining layouts?

There’s plenty of inspiration on Instagram. Make your starting point Hoste London founder Laura Jackson‘s account; she’s nailed the art of the tablescape and got the hashtag #makeamealofit going.

Let us guide you through some of our favourite looks and, for things you don’t already have, where to shop for them online.

It’ll almost feel like you’re eating out…

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Outdoor socialising calls for a spread. Whether you’re setting up a full Sunday brunch with your garden tableware or just celebrating the gang finally getting together again, make sure your table is suitably cheerful.

**John Lewis** Paloma Timeless Cut Crystal Glass Tumblers, $, available at John Lewis

**Oliver Bonas** Fiori Green Leaf Ceramic Butter Dish, $, available at Oliver Bonas

**William Morris** Licensed William Morris Eyebright 147cm (58″) Round Floral Cotton Tablecloth, $, available at Laura’s Beau

**Wonki Ware** Brights Tableware Collection Yellow, $, available at The Conran Shop

**Myott** Art Deco Handpainted Jug, $, available at Etsy

**Matalan** Sunflower Bouquet (45cm), $, available at Matalan

We’re ogling this beautiful tablecloth by Yolke. Mismatched coloured glassware and cherry blossom picked from the street (we won’t tell if you won’t) create a pink paradise.

**Yolke** Linen Tablecloth, $, available at Yolke

**Chair Cover Depot** Vintage Art Deco Pink Wine Glass, $, available at Chair Cover Depot

**Luxe** Barroc Glass Tumblers – Set of 6, $, available at Amara

**Shared Earth** Recycled Glass Jug, $, available at Ethical Shop

**Anna Nina** Dioni Short Glass Candlestick Holder, $, available at Liberty London

**Vintage Peat Cottage** Vintage Boxed Silver Plate Handmade Cutlery Set, $, available at Etsy

Take up the offer of that old cutlery your mum’s been trying to offload for years and set up a sunny spring scene with egg yolk colours, like on Rosie Birkett’s table.

**Harmony** Nais Linen Tablecloth, $, available at Selfridges

**La Redoute** Set of 4 Victorine Best Quality Linen Napkins, $, available at La Redoute

**Falcon** Enamelware Mini Tumbler, $, available at Falcon

**H&M** Clear Glass Mini Vase, $, available at H&M

**Vintage Peat Cottage** Vintage Boxed Silver Plate Handmade Cutlery Set, $, available at Etsy

For the minimalists, go big on monochrome and don’t forget the essential lockdown bake, banana bread, as the centrepiece.

**Ernst** Teapot Stoneware, $, available at Nordic Nest

**Ernst** Vase with Matte Edging, $, available at Nordic Nest

**La Redoute** Linen Napkins, $, available at La Redoute

**Bitz** Cake Fork 14cm, Brass, $, available at Royal Design

**Made** Set of 4 Reactive Glaze Mugs, Turquoise & Charcoal, $, available at Made

Tablecloths have become A Thing and if you’re brave enough, white is a classic. Linen has a beautiful quality and you can get away without ironing it. Pair timeless glass candlesticks and glassware with a brighter serving dish, like Laura Jackson has done here.

**IKEA** DYRGRIP Clear Glass, $, available at IKEA

**Habitat** Sintra Round Platter – Green, $, available at Habitat

**Habitat** Clear Glass Dinner Candle Holder, $, available at Argos

**Heal’s** Linen Napkin, $, available at Heal’s

**Nkuku** Mila Tumbler – Clear (Set of 4), $, available at Nkuku

**solinen** White Linen Tablecloth, $, available at Etsy

Sometimes it helps to pick a colour palette, see what you’ve already got and add a few bits to coordinate the scene, like this green and yellow parade of colour.

**Urban Nature Culture** Amber Recycled Glass Vase, $, available at Trouva

**Maison Balzac** Green Carafe & Glass, $, available at la gent

**Denby** Portobello Medium Coupe Plate, 21cm, Orchard Green, $, available at John Lewis

**BlissHome** Nadiya Hussain Mosaic Side Plate, 21cm, Green, $, available at John Lewis

**Iittala** Kartio Tumbler 21 cl 2-pack, $, available at Nordic Nest

Go big with statement items like this Bordallo cabbage plate, cactus mills and extravagant champagne coupes. Dried flowers like these can be bought online and will last forever.

**Bordallo Pinheiro** Leaf Plate, $, available at Arket

**IKEA** GULLMAJ Tablecloth, $, available at IKEA

**Anthropologie** Waterfall Coupe, $, available at Anthropologie

**St.Eval** Burnt Gold Dinner Candles Gift Pack, $, available at St.Eval

**DOIY Design** Cacti Salt Pepper Grinders, $, available at Trouva

**British Colour Standard** Set of 4 Pearl White Jute Coasters, $, available at Trouva

Etsy has loads of vintage candlesticks, cutlery and glasses which are a super affordable way to up your tablescape. These placemats on the tablecloth have a distinctly comforting, grandma-approved feel to them.

**Caoba** Green Rim Wine Glass, $, available at Caoba

**Made In Japan** Cobalt Blue Bowl, $, available at Made In Japan

**John Lewis** Vero Teaspoons, Set of 6, Navy, $, available at John Lewis

**The Edition 94** Scalloped Placemats, $, available at The Edition 94

**The Edition 94** Swirl Candles 23 cm, $, available at The Edition 94

**Povirtu** Solid Brass Vintage Candlestick Holders Set, $, available at Etsy

Rattan placemats and muted stoneware plates create a Scandinavian vibe – the perfect setting for a lazy Sunday.

**The White Company** Seagrass Extra-Large Placemat, $, available at The White Company

**Denby** Studio Blue Cobalt Cereal Bowl, $, available at Denby

**Denby** Studio Blue 4 Piece Small Coupe Plate Set, $, available at Denby

**Vinterior** Knives And Forks Set For 6, $, available at Vinterior

**Duralex** Picardie Glasses Set Of 6 Clear, $, available at Heal’s

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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9 Table Decor Ideas To Pretend You’re In A Restaurant

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