Tremendous Tablescapes with Kirk Moore and Sandy Linebaugh
Words by Ellen Jones | Photography by Courtney Snyder
The daintiest of china. Napkins folded just so. Candles flickering softly. Floral arrangements that evoke the essence of the season. Creating the perfect tablescape is like conducting an opera where all elements unite to tell an unforgettable story.
Tablescapes are that essential talking point that not only set the scene for a meal but transform a simple affair into a memorable occasion. As the holidays arrive, find your tablescape inspiration with thoughtfully curated decor, seasonal florals, and heirloom accents that evoke warmth and festivity.
Table Talk
From country club balls to ladies luncheons, Sandy Linebaugh creates exquisite tablescapes for the Plateaus grandest gatherings. Linebaugh founded Fiddlehead Designs two years after seeking solitude in the mountains in 2006 with her husband, Ed. The event and wedding florist shop expanded into their Cashiers store, featuring a beautiful edit of home decor, garden accessories, and gifts.
From start to finish, how does Linebaugh go about orchestrating a showstopping tablescape? For her, its all about the guest experience. Linebaugh asserts, After starting with the occasion, we discuss how our client wants their guests to feel. For instance, are we treating them to an extravagantly elegant dining experience? Are we creating a more relaxed and fun environment? Or an all-out wild celebration?
Then, its time to consider the aesthetics. We discuss a color palette, which can also support how the table makes guests feel, explains Linebaugh. Once weve landed on the level of sophistication, all other choices are made to support the theme. This is when you should consider your table linens, dishes, flatware, stemware, lighting and candles, florals, herbs, and textures to support the theme or feel of your event.
All those little details count. Think handwritten place cards, unexpected textures, and ornate finery. A cohesive color scheme will significantly impact the mood. Classic Christmas colors, such as red, green, and gold, foster a traditional ambiance, while contemporary palettes think icy blues and silvers offer a fresh twist.
Often, Linebaugh turns to her tablescape partner in crime, Cynthia Turoff of Edgewood Antiques, with whom she worked to create their magnificent NC Living spread. Both a client and friend, Turoffs Cashiers store purveys sublimely sourced fine antiques and furnishings that make the perfect accompaniment to Linebaughs creative vision. Together, their collaboration transforms each table into a lavish display where every item feels purposeful and thoughtfully placed. Whether incorporating heirloom silverware or hand-painted porcelain, Turoffs curated antiques bring a remarkable depth and charm to Linebaughs designs.
What fabulous parties have they pulled off together? We did an incredible wedding party with an arrangement with ornaments all the way down the table, enthuses Turoff. We used Tiffany and Audubon china and placed exotic animals peeking out from the floral arrangement. Then, we held a glamorous bridesmaids luncheon with huge pink feathers. Sandy decorated the dining chandelier and some great big urns of mine. All the girls wore boas. It was so girly and wonderful.
Blooming Genius
There is little about spectacular flora that garden designer and historian Kirk Moore doesnt know. Owner of Highlands Oakleaf Flower & Garden, Moore has worked on landmark projects for Colonial Williamsburg and the Historic Savannah Foundation. You may even recognize him from his QVC show American Gardener and as Good Morning Americas gardening and lifestyle correspondent. Armed with his encyclopedic knowledge of flowers and a store brimming with gorgeous pots and containers, Moore is a master of setting the table scene.
As embodied by his tablescape adorned with apples and berry sprigs, for Moore, creating a showpiece is about taking advantage of the cornucopia of local plant life this time of year. At holiday time, we are blessed in the mountains of North Carolina with a plethora of greens and berries for decorating, he says. This perfectly ties in with the trend for native plants. As a garden historian, this makes me smile. In the 18th century, serious gardeners in England were frantic for botanical specimens from America. It wasnt long before the shiny red berries of our native Cassina holly were used to decorate great houses across Britain.
What plants and flowers does he recommend for seasonal tablescapes? Native greens, berries, forced paperwhites in water and pebbles, and red amaryllis are visually striking and fragrant. In fact, the scent of paperwhites always takes me back to my childhood Christmases long ago.
Linebaugh agrees. We often use greenery like plants, flowers, mosses, grasses and even statuary in our tablescapes, indoor and outdoor. These natural elements bring texture, life, and movement to the table, creating a sense of freshness and grounding the overall design.
When planning your seasonal tablescape, Moore underscores the importance of letting your interior design lead theway. Your interior style should serve as the foundation for your holiday decorations, he explains. If your space is contemporary, you can still incorporate traditional elements but present them in a more modern way like using sleek, fashion-forward containers to hold classics, such as evergreens or ornaments. This balance ensures your tablescape complements your homes overall aesthetic while still capturing the holiday spirit.
Savor the Story
Above all, a tremendous tablescape is all about storytelling. We always seek to capture a story, a theme, and a moment in time for each of the guests at that table to explore and enjoy, enthuses Linebaugh. While some tablescapes use elements from our mountains or forest floor, many do not. That is the fun in creating a tablescape. There are really no parameters and no rules.
Moore concurs with his touching tablescape philosophy. My mantra is memories over the years and generations become traditions, and memories are best when shared. This holiday season, why not weave together the threads of connection, nostalgia, and creativity so your guests shared story lingers long after the last bite has been savored?
How To Set Your Table Scene
Mood Matters
Before diving into decor, consider the mood and ambiance you want to create for your guests and how you want your guests to feel. This will guide your choices and set the stage for the entire evening.
Palette Perfection
Choose a color scheme that supports your theme. Whether you opt for classic Christmas hues or unlikely ones, the right palette can turn a simple table into a work of art.
Details, Details, Details
Dont underestimate the power of small touches. Handwritten place cards, ornate accents, and monogrammed napkins can elevate your tablescape from basic to breathtaking.
Floral Flourishes
Embrace the bounty of the season with seasonal blooms, greenery, and perhaps a splash of berries. They add life, movement, and a lovely fragrance that transport your guests to a winter wonderland.
Antique Appeal
Incorporate heirloom pieces or curated antiques to add depth and charm. Vintage silverware or hand-painted porcelain can spark conversation and bring a touch of history to your table.
Natures Touch
Use local greens and native plants to create a fresh, organic look. Think forced paperwhites or striking red amaryllis to bring a pop of color and a hint of nostalgia to your holiday gathering.
Style Connection
Make sure your tablescape aligns with your overall interior decor to keep the look cohesive and stylish. By choosing elements that resonate with your existing decor, youll dial up the dining experience and create an inviting atmosphere that feels both intentional and curated.
Fun and Fantasy
Dont shy away from a little whimsy and playful touches to let your creativity shine. Consider quirky centerpieces, vibrant colors, and unconventional place settings.