This Luxurious Tablescaping Trick Will Add Fashionable Flair to Your Alfresco Dining — And Offers the Ultimate Personalized Finishing Touch

Alfresco season is not over yet. In fact, we find that fall carries an underrated ambiance that actually provides a wonderful backdrop to an open-air meal. But if you're hanging onto summer vibes and spring energy, then this trend will likely be your favorite tablescaping aesthetic yet.

And the lasting virality of this trend is a testament to the fact that there is time yet before we retire our outdoor table-setting ideas. With intentional living leading most lifestyles these days, personalized experiences are becoming increasingly popular.

Plus, contrary to what you may believe, you don't have to spend a load of money and hire externally to give your parties a customized look. Instead, make way for one of our favorite TikTok hosting trends of the year - hand-decorated tablecloths. At first read, it may seem wildly simple but trust us, it'll take your hosting game to a whole new level.

Personalized Tablecloths to Tie-Together a Gorgeous Tablescape

Over the last couple of weeks, I've noticed an increasing amount of videos detailing how people are now creating personalized tablecloths to complement their seasonal outdoor dining ideas.

In conversation with interior designer Nina Lichtenstein, she tells us that hand-painted tablecloths have emerged as the hottest trend this season, adding a bespoke and elevated flair to alfresco dining.

"Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, a romantic dinner, or a lively garden party, these artistic tablecloths can transform your table setting into a stunning centerpiece," she says. "And the simple act of personalization allows a chance to reflect your unique style and creativity."

The trend involves hand-painting or drawing onto tablecloths and adorning the fabric with emblematic designs that speak to the theme of your soirée. And if you're interested in tapping into this fabulous hosting trend, then here's how to do it like a pro.

@emilycoloradoart

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Nina Lichtenstein

Nina Lichtenstein is the founder and principal designer of her eponymous interior design studio that specializes in customized living spaces. Her recognizable calling card includes serene palettes, diverse textures, and elegant blends of stone, wood, and other natural materials. For close to a decade, Nina has showcased her in-depth construction and design expertise on projects spanning the North East. Over the years, Nina has become known for designing spaces that inspire wonder, drawing the eye from one to another, inside and outside, night or day.

What You Need to Make a Personalized Tablecloth

When it comes to mastering this trend, all you need to do is take your basic table-setting skills and a pinch of DIY creativity to make your dining set-up look like it's right out of a European resort. But first, you'll have to get your materials together.

1. Table Covering - You can keep it simple and go for a roll of paper or turn it up a notch and use a fabric tablecloth made of cotton or linen instead. Paper is a better option for temporary tablescapes, but if you're going to make an abstract piece of art, then fabric is the way to go.

2. Suitable Paints - The only other thing required are appropriate painting tools. You can use paint pens for a print-perfect finish or liquid paints for a slightly more authentic free-hand aesthetic. Just make sure that your pens and paints are made to decorate your material of choice. If you're a frequent DIYer and are leaning towards using paints, we love this vibrant fabric paint set from Walmart.

How to DIY Your Personalized Tablecloth

Nina tells us that there are a couple of different routes you can take while designing your DIY tablecloth.

1. Calligraphy and Initials: "Personalize your tablecloth with the names or initials of your guests," says Nina. "Consider using elegant calligraphy to create a sophisticated look." Think of it as a modern take on place cards. You can put your dishware down and roughly outline where the names should curve around. This way your guests know exactly where they're meant to be seated and it gives them a fun photo opportunity too.

2. Nature-Inspired Illustrations: "Draw inspiration from the surrounding environment with delicate florals, leafy vines, or even a depiction of the landscape to bring nature’s beauty to your table," she says. "Consider painting elements like birds, butterflies, or fruit for a summery vibe." If you're going for an Aperol summer vibe, draw oranges and cocktail glasses, or swing Meditteranean with a couple of olive branches and tile traces.

3. Dishware Drawings: Nina also recommends creating a playful interaction between your tablecloth and the table setting by painting outlines or artistic interpretations of the dishware. She finds that this can create a charmingly cohesive visual theme and we couldn't agree more.

While you can take inspiration from any of these ideas, you can also just let your creativity flow and have your personal style take over. It's all about making it your own and there's no real blueprint behind putting your spin on it. So the next time you're perusing garden party ideas, add personalized tablescapes to your mood board for a fashionable finishing touch.

Now that you have your hand-painted tablecloths ready to drape, you can go simple with your styling. Style your tablecloth so it takes center stage and decorate minimalistically to avoid too much visual traffic.

You can fully commit to the trend and hand-paint little serviettes. But if you're giving your DIY skills a rest then whip out your usual serveware and put it to use. Just make sure that the color schemes align, or use complimentary hues for a hit of dopamine decor.

I've also found myself swooning at the thought of pairing this tablescape with fresh fruit for an organic farm-to-table setting. Picture vines of grapes, bundles of colorful citrus, or even a smattering of heirloom tomatoes scattered across the middle as a makeshift centerpiece. It's giving host with the most and I'm absolutely here for it.

And if you don't fancy yourself a DIYer, then there are plenty of talented artists that you can commission instead. Take Persephanie Economy for example, her Etsy store specializes in creating beautiful hand-painted tablecloths, according to the theme of your dreams.

So why go for blah when you can gift your guests a scintillating dining experience that gives them a night to remember? If you're like us and you love to go the extra mile, then this trend is chef's kisses galore.