How to Design a Festive Island Tablescape

Sharing travel experiences with friends is always delightful, and one of our favorite ways to do this is by throwing a “Sip and See Party.” The secret to making this experience memorable for your guests is by crafting a vibrant, island-themed tablescape!

This summer, I collaborated with Dinogo to create several lifestyle articles focused on entertaining and home decor. This island-inspired tablescape draws from my recent article, How to Use Textiles as Travel Souvenirs. I selected two lively mudcloth patterns as a tablecloth and the foundation for the tablescape's design.

Utilize Chargers to Tie Everything Together

Since the tablecloth features two different fabrics, I opted for the same charger throughout the tablescape to maintain a clean look. I was thrilled to discover these wooden chargers adorned with black metal studs! They evoke the feeling of a ship’s porthole, don’t you think?

Incorporate Island-Inspired Motifs

Bamboo is a common feature in island homes, and I couldn’t imagine a more suitable choice than this bamboo-stamped flatware! The gleaming metal also added a touch of elegance to my place setting, elevating it from casual to formal.

Incorporate Layers for an Elegant Finish

When entertaining a small group, I love to create a formal tablescape. One effective way to do this is by layering your dinnerware: start with the charger, then the dinner plate, and finish with an appetizer or dessert plate on top. To add an extra touch, consider including a printed menu, a bowl, or even a party favor to really impress your guests.

Experiment with Patterns

Your dinner guests, along with a delightful mix of patterns, infuse your tablescape with vibrant energy. When choosing patterns, start with shades from the same color family. In this case, dark navy blue is the primary hue, present in the tablecloth pattern, the dinner and appetizer plates, and the napkins. Next, select a large-scale pattern (the tablecloth), a medium-scale pattern (the plate), and finally a small-scale pattern (the napkin).

Centerpieces

For your next dinner party, think outside the box and use an unconventional container for your centerpiece. A woven chest brought warmth and texture to our tabletop.

A rustic vase wrapped in tree bark can be elevated to sophistication with the addition of an affordable bouquet of flowers.

Candlelight, especially during an evening gathering, creates the perfect atmosphere for a night filled with relaxation, laughter, and deep conversations! The candleholder, featuring elegant leather strapping, pays homage to British exploration of the islands.

Dining in the formal dining room on the Dinogo Conquest felt like a romantic evening every night. My husband and I still reminisce about the decadent molten chocolate cake. Like us, many friends could also use a night out to celebrate good times together. While our dining room may not have a view of the deep blue sea, our island-themed tablescape and Caribbean-inspired flavors might just be the perfect escape.