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Connecting with friends and family over a meal is one of life's simple pleasures, but hosting can sometimes feel like a daunting task. You might find yourself asking, "How can I make my table look inviting without spending hours on styling?" or "What if I don’t have the right materials or design experience?" The good news is, you don’t need to be a professional stylist to create a table that's elegant, functional, and enjoyable for everyone.
Our 5 Ls of Styling is a practical, easy-to-follow framework that helps you create a stunning tablescape, whether you're hosting a casual breakfast, a family-style lunch, or an intimate dinner.
This formula takes the guesswork out of setting your table, so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying quality time with your loved ones.
This month’s inspiration comes from our Suzie Anderson Home store in Moss Vale, where we’ve beautifully blended coastal elegance with the timeless charm of French Provençal style. The result? A refined, welcoming atmosphere.
Keep reading to discover how we applied the 5 Ls to this breakfast tablescape.
Our Tablescape Styling Formula: The 5 Ls of Styling
Tablescape Styling Tip 1
Lighting – Set the Mood
Lighting can significantly elevate your gathering. For this breakfast tablescape, we maximised the use of natural daylight to brighten the space, while still creating a calm and inviting atmosphere with mood lighting.
If you're unsure how to make your table feel warm and welcoming, start with candles. A few tall taper candles or small votive candles can work wonders in creating a soft, intimate glow. If you're concerned about real candles, we offer battery-operated alternatives that provide the same inviting effect.
How we did it:
- Natural daylight
- Tall white taper candles in ornate holders
- Votive candles in glass and black metal holders
Kummen Mercury Glass Candleholder | Flamant Belgium
$38.00
This exquisite range of mercury glass candle holders infuses your home with timeless elegance. Perfect for dinner parties and celebrations, these candle holders create a stunning centrepiece for your dining table, adding both lustre and a cherished element to your… read more
Vintage Reconstructed Candlestick Holder | Brass Crystal | Large
$1,100.00
For Australia-wide deliveries, an additional freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase / standard delivery fee. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be collected… read more
Tablescape Styling Tip 2
Layering: Texture is Key for Depth
Layering textures adds both depth and balance to your tablescape. For this setting, we started with woven rattan placemats, adding a relaxed linen tablecloth and striped linen napkins from Hale Mercantile. The scalloped plates and bowls bring movement, while aged books contribute a sense of history. Candlesticks provide height and dimension, drawing the eye upward. The mix of organic shapes and structured elements creates a beautifully layered and inviting look.
Layering Formula:
- Base Layer: Start with the bare table, tablecloth, or table runner.
- Middle Layer: Add placemats, dinnerware, napkins, cutlery, coasters, and glassware.
- Top Layer: Finish with your centerpiece, incorporating something loved, something living, something with lustre, and lighting.
Basix Napkin Small Stripe | Nox/Sabel
$29.00
Create a sense of occasion at every meal with our Basix Stripe Linen Napkin, designed to bring effortless elegance to your home while being a practical and versatile addition to the dinner table. The Basix Stripe Linen Napkin in Nox/Sable is… read more
Scallopia Rope Ceramic Dinner Plate
$42.00
The Scallopia Rope Ceramic Dinner Plate exudes timeless elegance, inspired by the charm of Italian seaside heirlooms. Each plate is meticulously hand-crafted with scalloped edges and a rope rim detail, offering a vintage yet refined appeal. The unique design evokes… read more
Scallopia Rope Ceramic Serving Platter
$169.00
The Scallopia Rope Serving Platter exudes a timeless elegance, inspired by the charm of Italian seaside heirlooms. Hand-crafted with scalloped edges and a rope rim detail, this platter adds a touch of vintage sophistication to any table setting. Its unique… read more
Tablescape Styling Tip 3
Something Loved – Personal Touches Matter
Wondering, "What if I don’t have a special centerpiece?" The answer? Use what you love. "Shopping your home" for meaningful items instantly elevates your tablescape, making it feel more personal and inviting. These personal touches not only add warmth but also spark conversation, creating a deeper connection for your guests.
How we did it:
- Aged paperback books for a nostalgic touch.
- Rattan, one of my favourite materials, adding texture and warmth.
Rattan Underplate | Old Grey
$21.00
Rattan Items Please be aware that rattan is a natural material, so each rattan product is unique. Natural variations are expected and normal, meaning that not all rattan items will have the same colour consistency. You may notice slight differences… read more
Antique Book Bundle of 3 books | Sourced in Belgium | Consulate |
$75.00
Add timeless elegance to your library or display with this Antique Book Bundle of 3 Books, sourced in Belgium. This set of three antique books is ideal for those who appreciate the beauty of vintage literature and decor. With a… read more
Tablescape Styling Tip 4
Something with Lustre – Subtle Glamour
A touch of lustre can subtly elevate your tablescape, adding just the right amount of glamour. Elements like etched glassware, polished cutlery, glazed ceramics, or metallic candleholders catch the light and bring a refined touch without overwhelming the space.
How we did it:
- Vintage & mercury glass candlesticks
- Etched French glassware
- Polished cutlery
- Scallopia ceramic dinnerware
Fishnet Engraved Piana Champagne Flute 160ml
$17.25
Enjoy your entertaining in style with the Fishnet engraved Piana Champagne Flute. Materials: Glass Features: Sold Individually Made in Slovakia Dimensions: 160ml PLEASE NOTE: Large items including Furniture, Lighting, Rugs, Mirrors, Artwork, Cushion Inserts and Bulky or Fragile items are available for in… read more
Dinah Cutlery Setting for One (5pce) | Flamant Belgium
$154.00
Elevate your dining experience with the Dinah Cutlery Set, which infuses glamour into the everyday ritual of setting the table. Featuring handmade effect handles in a luxurious gold finish, these pieces add a touch of luster and a rustic charm… read more
Tablescape Styling Tip 5
Something Living – Freshen Up Your Space
Incorporating something living—whether fresh flowers, greenery, or a potted plant—adds life to your table, softening its overall look. Especially in neutral colour schemes, adding nature introduces beauty, energy, and vibrancy to the space. Simple additions like ruscus, eucalyptus, or seasonal blooms can infuse vitality into your setting.
How we did it:
- Fresh ruscus
- Coral and other nautical elements
By following the 5 Ls of Styling, your tablescape can become a space that's not only beautiful but also functional—giving you the freedom to focus on enjoying your gathering while creating a stunning backdrop.
