As the days grow longer and brighter, spring offers the perfect opportunity to refresh the dining table and embrace relaxed seasonal hosting. From Easter lunches to long bank holiday brunches, a thoughtfully styled tablescape can instantly elevate even the simplest meal.
Wayfair UK’s Resident Style Advisor and Art Director, Olivia Sauerwein, shares her top tips for creating seasonal tablescapes that are both practical and stylish, helping hosts bring a fresh burst of spring into the home.
“Spring is all about fresh starts, and the dining table is the perfect place to experiment,” says Olivia. “Whether it’s layering textures, adding pops of colour, or mixing pastels with garden inspired greens, small updates can instantly refresh your table for the season.”
“A good place to start is by thinking about the theme or colour palette you want to create,” says Olivia. “With the spring bank holidays and Easter lunches around the corner, it’s natural to lean towards fresh greens or soft pastel tones that reflect the season. Even an everyday meal can feel extra special with just a few thoughtful touches. Layering textures, introducing small pops of colour and adding seasonal accents can instantly transform your dining table, you really don’t need a full table makeover.”
Olivia’s two key styling trends that are shaping spring tablescapes this year include:
The ‘Outdoor In’ tablescape
“Inspired by an early spring garden, this trend brings the outdoors inside. Think leafy prints, soft florals, and natural wood accents. Layer a leaf-patterned tablecloth with seagrass placemats, wooden serving boards, and green glassware to create a serene and welcoming table.”
The ‘Colourful Refresh’ tablescape
“For a playful vibe, embrace bright pastels and a mix of textures. Olivia suggests layering contrasting patterns with ruffled napkins, striped runners, and pops of cheerful colour, perfect for family brunches or Easter lunches.”
Top styling tips
When styling a spring tablescape at home, Olivia says the key is to keep things simple and seasonal. Here she shares her top tips for creating the perfect table setting:
Layering the table
Start with a base such as a tablecloth or runner to set the tone for your table. From there, build upwards with placemats, stacked plates and neatly folded napkins to add depth and interest. Try mixing textures too such as linen napkins with woven placemats or ceramic plates to really help create a table that feels not only thoughtfully styled, but also relaxed and welcoming.
Serve food that complements the look
Beautifully prepared food can be part of the styling too. Rustic breads served on wooden boards, fresh salads in ceramic bowls, or bowls of vibrant cherry tomatoes with scatterings of fresh basil can echo a relaxed, country garden feel. Simple, colourful ingredients naturally add visual interest to the table while keeping the atmosphere informal and inviting.
Play with colour
Spring is the perfect time to introduce lighter tones and cheerful colour combinations. Pastel cutlery in shades like blush pink, soft mint or butter yellow is a quick and easy way to refresh your table without a full overhaul. Pair pastels with natural greens such as leafy table linens, green glassware or fresh herbs to keep the look balanced and seasonal.
Add flowers and greenery
Nothing says spring quite like fresh blooms. A simple vase of tulips, daffodils or hyacinths instantly brightens the table and adds a soft, natural fragrance. They’re perfect springtime flowers to make a tablescape more welcoming. If you prefer a more relaxed look, try scattering a few small bud vases down the centre of the table or adding sprigs of herbs like rosemary or thyme around place settings.
Keep it practical
A beautiful tablescape should still work for everyday dining. Choose pieces that are both stylish and functional, such as wooden serving utensils, ceramic sharing bowls and easy to care for linens that can be washed and reused. This keeps the table looking effortless while making hosting simple and stress free.
Discover all you need to create stylish spring tablescapes at Wayfair.co.uk