Plates, Palettes & Panache

Once a quiet corner of dinner party etiquette, tablescaping has become a full-blown cultural moment. Setting the table is no longer just about serving food, but an art form; the one where creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling converge.

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From mismatched vintage china to sculptural centrepieces made of fruits and flowers, the modern tablescape is a curated canvas. Think gallery wall, but edible and ephemeral.

I didn't expect to fall in love with it myself. But one Diwali dinner party at home armed with hand-blocked placemats, a cluster of taper scented candles, and a wild assortment of roses from the flower market, and I was hooked. The compliments came pouring in, sure, but it was the ritual of styling that really stayed with me. Suddenly, my dining table became a stage, and each meal was a performance in visual storytelling.

Why now? In an age where every detail is documented, shared, and shopped online, dining spaces are theatrical. "To me, tablescaping is a true expression of mood, feeling, and artistic creativity. The art of decorating the table has found its place in Indian homes, with more people seeking to elevate their entertaining experience through thoughtfully stylized tables", shares Anandita Kothari, Founder, Plate & Peonie. She adds, "In 2025, we're seeing a growing enthusiasm across India for table styling- tablescaping workshops, curated events around tableware, and tabletop gifting are flourishing."

From haute-couture table linens to hand-poured candles and artisanal salt cellars, tablescaping has become the new language of luxury, and your dining table might just say more about you than your art collection.