Create a beautiful tablescape for spring celebrations

Whether you view Easter as a traditional religious holiday or an excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast (or both), there’s no doubt that the four-day break is something to be savoured. The opportunity to sit down with your household at the table to share a special meal is always a treat. 

Keep your table simple in style, mixing existing tableware with new textures. Use a linen tablecloth as a base – any wrinkles are part of the charm.

Define each place setting with a woven placemat as a base, which will echo wooden dining furniture, creating that soft, relaxed setting. Everyday crockery looks super-simple and stylish when dressed with a linen napkin. Try a napkin knot, tucking in a fresh herb sprig or a flower – it’s easy to master, just tie on the diagonal. 

Wood isn’t just for furniture, with platters, serving bowls and tealight holders very much trending. There’s something so tactile, pleasing and reassuring about holding and touching wooden tableware – it’s a great connection to the natural world and perfect for a spring tablescape. Go old school and light dinner candles, choosing modern glass holders to house them. Bring in a splash of spring colour with flowers – we recommend tulips (try warm orange ones) in simple ceramic vases.

Big family meals aren’t just for show. Research continues to show the benefits – physical, psychological and social – of regular family meals, with 'serve yourself' spreads lauded for helping children to develop confidence, good eating habits and table manners. So, encourage your family to tuck in and help themselves to your feast, with serving platters and dishes, sauce jugs, side bowls and roasting tins that look fantastic taken from straight from the oven to the table. Don’t forget the serving spoons – and always have a few spare forks and spoons to hand.

From traditional marzipan-coated simnel cakes to more modern masterpieces worthy of The Great British Bake Off, cakes have long been the centrepieces of Easter celebrations. Serve your Easter bake on a simple cake stand to create a real ‘wow’ moment. Don’t forget cake or pastry forks and small side plates – they’ll add to the sense of occasion. And, again, make sure you’ve a cake slice to hand, especially if you plan to serve at the table.