Tablescaping, as a word, blends table and landscaping—and that’s exactly what it is. Tablescaping is elaborately setting up dining tables in an artful, decorative, or themed way for social events, competitions, and exhibitions. Don’t let it get confused with simply setting up a table for dinner. This is an art form that requires practice, creativity, and hard work.
Tablescaping, then known as “table-setting,” first became popular in the late 1700s, when the upper class used it as a creative practice and to show their wealth. Tablescaping in exhibitions and competitions can be traced back to the 1930s. The competitions are judged by the tables’ creativity, interpretation of theme, as well as glassware, cutlery, and plateware.
For Marc, an excellent tablescape has to SERV (Self-Awareness, Execution, Resourcefulness, and Visual Appeal).
“It’s an art,” Marc told E!. “I want to be drawn to your table, and every time I look at it I want to discover something new. I think sometimes the tablescapers think about the big picture too much. Focusing in on the details is just as important.”
