It’s been so long since we’ve been able to get the firepit out and have our nearest and dearest round for some nibbles and wine, so we decided to create a beautiful tablescape working with contemporary womenswear label 'The Fold' to celebrate the fact we can socialize in person and not behind a computer screen! Here at Shida Preserved Flowers we’re all about elevating our spaces to create a contemporary vibe no matter where we’re located, so we’ve come up with some tips on how you can elevate your next garden party (or indoor soiree when we’re allowed!).

Much like garden landscaping, tablescaping involves decorating your table with a theme, concept or design to give your guests an elevated dining experience and something to talk about over dinner, even if you are just having a BBQ! The beauty of tablescaping is that you can be as free and creative as you like, theme your table around the season you are in, or around the person you a celebrating for, or, like us, you can base your tablescape on a specific colour combination. The limits are endless and you can add as much, or as little, to your table as you like!

So, where do we start? I hear you ask! Helen, our Head of Design, has come up with some helpful tips on how she styled a dreamy tablescape using a palette of vibrant blue, pink and teal dried flowers and naturally preserved hydrangeas.

I’m almost always inspired by my surroundings. Checking out the garden (which flowers are in bloom) or the décor of the room often helps influence the overall look, feel and colour palette. I then select pieces for the table that I feel will complement the occasion and elevate the celebration. Think about the colours that will suit the occasion, go for a walk, see what colour or styles jump out of shop windows, or be inspired by painting in an art gallery or read a book and take inspiration from a quote, the possibilities are endless!

One key point to tablescaping is to not overdo it. Don’t overwhelm the table and ensure there is enough space for you to serve your food and for everyone to eat! There’s nothing worse than bumping elbows and falling glasses at a dinner party, so for comfort you should try to leave around 30cm between guests. You should also think about safety if you are choosing to use real candles on your table, make sure there’s minimal chance of these being knocked over!

Take your evening do to the next level by layering your lighting... I love combining ambient, accent and decorative options to help create the perfect atmosphere. Think about the timing of your get together, will you need to gradually add more lights as the night draws in? Statement pendants, string lights and candles will provide a pretty glow and make the evening that much more magical and memorable.

If you want to achieve a simple, pared back aesthetic, make sure you create some interest by building up textures and layers with tablecloths, napkins, crockery, cutlery and glassware.

And if the occasion calls for it don’t be afraid to go bold. Colour, patterns and prints add drama, energy and an element of personality to the table.

• Textiles - think of your tablecloth as the foundation piece then dress with some creative and artful napkin styling. Knotted, draped, folded. Anything goes.

• Crockery - whether you favour sleek contemporary crockery in plain white or mix and match with something colourful and eclectic, pick the plates to suit your party!

• Cutlery - metallic flatware will work with any theme (I'm currently obsessed with a matt gold set). Lay the table accordingly based on your planned courses.

• Glassware – showcase your favourite barware with a mix of gorgeous glasses.

Playing with varying heights will create visual interest although do make sure you can still see your guests across the table! Think candles and pretty floral displays.

• Flowers and foliage – create a flourish along the entire length of your table, bud vases are my go-to option for this right now!

• Candles – candlelight transforms the table and your mood. Adorn it with dinner candles, votive candles and tealights.

We hope that these tips will get you well on your way to being an expert ‘tablescaper’, it’s an incredibly fulfilling activity and when done properly elevates any occasion to the next level, your garden party is sure to be the talk of the town!!

If you would like to recreate Helen's garden party table then our Corrie letterbox flower delivery contains all the jewel-toned, dried and preserved flowers you will need and our stunning teal hydrangeas add the luxe touch to complete the look. Even better you can reuse these long-lasting flowers for all of your garden parties throughout the season!

Enjoy.