Decorating & Design
Editor’s Inspiration: 5 Fresh Spring Tabletop Decor Ideas
Updated on April 18, 2019
Senior design editor Stacey Smithers shares fresh tabletop ideas for spring.
Though the snow hasn’t been swept away by spring’s mild winds just yet, March means the end of winter is in sight. And with Easter around the corner, you can start incorporating pastels and pretty accents onto your tabletop once again. Here are 5 of my favorite spring tabletop ideas from the House & Home archives, along with some of my tips for casual entertaining.
Blooming branches are here for such a short time, so I love incorporating them into spring decor. Leave them tall and tuck them in a vase on the floor beside the table for an unexpected and sculptural display that’s a fresh alternative to flowers.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home April 2009 issue
Designer: Prop styling by Morgan Michener and Stacey Smithers; Food styling by Ashley Denton
Always make sure there are varying heights on the table. In this case, I used three vases – a large vessel for the yellow forsythia, a mason jar for pink tulips and an empty porcelain blue vase. The result is a slightly undone look that still feels polished.
Photographer: John Cullen
Source: House & Home April 2012 issue
Designer: Food styling by Sasha Seymour; Prop styling by Stacey Smithers
Freshen up your basic white china with the addition of one or two colorful pieces, like a salad or dessert plate. Here I used lavender watercolor Royal Doulton plates to bring a vernal vibe to the table, and placed a fresh bloom on each setting for a fun, organic note.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home May 2014 issue
Products: Plate, Royal Doulton, 1-877-900-9973 or royal-doulton.com; Fork, spoon Rustica Tabletop (to the trade), rusticatabletop.com
Designer: Stacey Smithers
I like to decorate the table with a bowl of seasonal fruit — in this case, watermelon. Of course, this always get nudged off when the main course arrives, but it’s nice to have it close at hand to bring back for dessert.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home July 2012 issue
Designer: Food styling by Ashley Denton; Prop styling by Stacey Smithers
Think beyond the dining table. Create a casual bar setup in your entryway with the elements for a signature cocktail. This will encourage guests to mingle and fix themselves a drink while you put the finishing touches on dinner.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home April 2009
Designer: Prop styling by Morgan Michener and Stacey Smithers; Food styling by Ashley Denton