Tablescaping is a fine art. From dishes and silverware to candles and linens, the color and material coordination and centerpiece curation can make or break a table.
That's why we are so glad we stumbled upon a clip on the Martha Moments Instagram page, wherein Martha Stewart breaks down how she likes to set her table for a large gathering (as well as her essential accessories).
Stewart's tablescape features a variety of plates, ranging from antique china to copper, along with fruit arrangements, a linen table runner, and mixed silverware. In the clip, she helpfully breaks down her design choices.
Shop Martha Stewart's tablescape essentials
Washed rustic linen napkins are perfect for adding a bit of texture while keeping with the theme of the tablescape.
This collection features a finely detailed 18th-century Imari Oriental border encompassing a scene inspired by the Italian countryside.
These elegant wine glasses are seasonally appropriate in their beautiful, green hue, but can easily be used all year round. We love the elongated stem and sturdy base.
'There are so many things you can do to enhance your holiday table,' Stewart states in the video. 'A pewter pedestal with just a greenish-yellow pomelo on it is so pretty. It's so simple, and it really does go with the rest of the idea of the table....it looks very nice for a rustic table like this.' We would have to agree – we love how the antique look of the pewter contrasts the brightness of the fruit.
When it comes to the tablecloth, Stewart has opted for a tried and true material. 'This is an iridescent linen, and the more you wash it, the nicer it becomes,' she explains. 'With a beige runner in the center, and we have quinces from my quince trees.'
The plates, however, are definitely the stars of the show: 'These plates come from a local antique dealer. They are transferware and they have a wonderful waterfall on them. It's called cascade by JH Davis. It's clearly marked as most transferware is, and this was made in the 19th century and the design was actually transferred or pressed onto pieces of pearlware, creamware, and other soft pottery. You can see on the wall over the mantelpiece our display of brown transferware platters and even some tiles.' The coordination between the plates on the table and the dishes hanging above the mantel is visually pleasing and gives the space a uniform appearance. She layers the cascade plates with copper and gold-rimmed ones for a textural mix, which leads into another element of the table. It's a masterclass in decorating with antiques in a way that will impress all who dine at your table.
'The silverware is kind of a mix and match,' she says. 'We have lots of different patterns going on here, but it looks great. The lotus fold napkin looks very nice underneath our transferware soup bowl.'
She has also mixed and matched wine glasses for a tasteful look. '[These are] Venetian glass in a drabby green and gold banded glasses... they are fine, and they are thin, and they are just so nice to hold in one's hand.'
-
You can't deny it any longer, retro bathrooms have made a comeback – and these 7 chic yet characterful ideas are a lesson in how to get the look rightAdd a dose of vintage nostalgia to your space with these retro bathroom ideas
-
How to grow broom plants – expert advice on the perfect shrub solution for troublesome spots in your yardBrooms are lovely spring-blooming shrubs, but they are way more valuable for their ability to grow where other plants wouldn’t survive.
-
Martha Stewart says paint is the 'foundation' that brings your core design elements together – her European-inspired paints just made it easierMartha Stewart's latest collaboration with Fine Paints of Europe is inspired by the natural world, including versatile neutrals, greens, pinks, and blues
-
Martha Stewart only planted this one flower around her Turkey Hill garden – her unusual method stops things from feeling 'a little confusing'Martha experimented with a regimented planting technique in the urns around her yard – decades later, we can still learn from her formula
-
Martha Stewart says the 'spring cleaning bug' has bitten her 'hard' – her seasonal organizing essentials are available on Amazon from $35
Martha's cleaning staples include storage bins, laundry hampers, dinnerware organizers, and multi-size jars – some of which are discounted now
-
Martha Stewart created a sophisticated accent chair, inspired by her most famous home – it's hidden deep on Amazon (and under $400)Martha's Bedford farmhouse served as the muse for your next living room must-have – designers say it's easy to style, and the price has never been better
-
Martha Stewart designed the ultimate entryway bench, inspired by her Bedford Farmhouse – it's a transitional accent piece for under $300Making a Martha-approved first impression has never felt simpler – this discounted piece has an antique wood finish for an authentic, rustic feel
-
Martha Stewart's new cooking show guarantees high drama in the kitchen – here's everything we know ahead of its releaseComing to NBC on April 28, Yes, Chef! is hosted by Martha Stewart and José Andrés – it's a must-see series this spring
-
Martha Stewart has had chickens since the '70s, but keeping these 'starter animals' is a rapidly growing trend – here's why (and how to recreate her coop)Keeping a chicken coop in the backyard is emerging as a major trend for 2025, unsurprisingly, Martha Stewart has been doing it since the 1970s
-
Martha Stewart created a multi-functional storage bench that's essential for every small entryway – and it's under $300
Martha's smart storage bench features striped upholstery and wood legs for a farmhouse look that also happens to be space-saving
