Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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Holiday

A Collected, Elegant Tablescape That Goes Beyond Easter

This year, we set out to create a tablescape that felt equal parts timeless and effortless—something rooted in spring, but versatile enough to carry into any occasion. While we’re using it as our inspiration for Easter, what we love most is how easily it can evolve. Take away the dyed eggs and the bunny-shaped glass cloche, and suddenly you have a beautifully styled setup that works just as well for a Mother’s Day brunch, a springtime bridal or baby shower, or a graduation celebration.

 

Full view of a dining table styled for spring with classic toile dinnerware, vintage silver cutlery, and embroidered linens. A moody antique painting and statement light fixture complete the timeless-meets-cozy atmosphere.

 

Our goal was to strike a balance between refined and relaxed—something that felt thoughtful and layered, but never overdone or fussy. The kind of table that invites people to linger a little longer, sip something sparkling, and indulge in a few extra chocolate-covered strawberries. From the crisp white linens to the soft glimmer of silver trays, every piece helps tell the “story.” Some things we already owned, and others were sourced for the occasion, but nothing feels too precious or unattainable.

It’s proof that a special table doesn’t require an elaborate plan or a huge investment—it just takes a few grounding elements, a couple of thoughtful layers, and a willingness to mix what you already own with a few unexpected details. This tablescape feels elevated but cozy, styled but lived-in—and that’s exactly the kind of energy we love to bring to the table.

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Bright daytime shot of a spring-themed table with an ivory urn filled with blooming white hyacinths. The table is styled with vintage glassware, pale blue taper candles, and a white embroidered cloth that anchors the setting.

A Simple, Thoughtful Easter at Home

Easter always sneaks up on me, but I appreciate the excuse to slow down, set a beautiful table, and make a simple meal feel special. This year, we’re keeping things casual at home—nothing over the top, just a relaxed, intimate gathering with good food and a dreamy, effortless tablescape to match.

I wanted something that felt refined but not too fussy—an Easter table that’s beautiful in its details but still organic and inviting. A foundation of bright whites, vintage-inspired elements, and subtle hints of blue creates the perfect balance of rustic charm and French elegance. An inviting tablescape should look like it has come together naturally over time, rather than something overly styled or precious. Soft layers, a bit of patina, and a mix of textures help achieve that effortlessly curated feel.

Curating a Tablescape That Feels Special—Without Overcomplicating It

As I started pulling pieces together, I knew I wanted to keep the budget reasonable. Tablescapes can add up quickly, especially when buying dinnerware individually. So, I focused on investment pieces that would last well beyond Easter, mixed with affordable finds that still feel elevated.

 

Warmly lit dining room with a detailed tablescape featuring a large floral centerpiece, glowing candles, and layered vintage place settings. A black and white gingham bench adds a casual, cozy contrast to the elegant table.


The Foundation: Linens + Layers

Eyelet Tablecloth

Let’s start with the base. The tablecloth we used was an Amazon find. I had high hopes, but I’ll be honest—the quality was a little underwhelming. It has a slight sheen (a big pet peeve of mine ?) that usually signals synthetic material. Let’s just say, it’s not one of those heirloom-worthy linens you’ll hold onto forever. But! For a quick last-minute pull-together or a one-off occasion, it does the trick and you can’t beat the price for a 10′ tablecloth! The delicate eyelet embroidery adds charm and softness, and from a distance, it really does photograph beautifully and look great. 

If you’re hosting something and just need a cute white tablecloth that you won’t cry over if red wine gets spilled—this is a good option. Not a forever piece, but a totally valid solution.

Clouz Houz tip: Don’t stress if your tablecloth isn’t perfectly pressed—I actually prefer a few natural creases. It makes the whole look feel lived-in and effortless.

Linen Napkins 

We kept things simple here with classic white cotton napkins with hemstich trim. They tie into the tablecloth and elevate the whole place setting. You can fold them neatly or roll and tie into loose knots like I did.

Here’s how we achieved this design:

Close-up of the table setting showcasing a folded napkin atop a toile plate, delicate cut crystal stemware, and soft candlelight. Purple decorative eggs are scattered around the floral centerpiece for a festive touch.


The Details That Make It Feel Elevated

Juliska Dinner Plates

These were a bit of a splurge, but they’re one of those “forever” pieces that are worth it. The scene printed on them adds a romantic, European touch and helps create that layered, curated look. If these aren’t in your budget, look for plates with scenic illustrations or vintage-inspired borders to recreate the vibe. I also like this option or this one for a similar look!

French-Inspired Silver Flatware

This silverware adds the perfect old-world charm. The subtle detailing gives it that “passed-down” look, even if you bought it yesterday. Whether it’s real vintage or just vintage-inspired, a classic silver flatware set can take any table up a notch. These are great Amazon dupes of my grandmother’s mother of pearl flatware. So pretty!

Candles + Centerpiece: Soft Lighting and Garden Touches

Create a Glow: Candlelight, Always

Candles are a must in any table scape. For this look, I went with baby blue taper candles as a softer, unexpected alternative to typical spring pastels. I actually used an assortment of vintage apertif glasses as candle holders, and I loved how it turned out. You can find little glasses like this at thrift shops or flea markets, and they give the candles just the right amount of charm.

Clouz Houz tip: Adhesive wax on the bottom of the taper will keep them standing upright. This trick was a game changer for me. I always struggled to keep them straight until I started doing it. These candles came with it, and now I’ll never set a candle without it!

Let the Centerpiece Tell a Story

Florals don’t have to be elaborate or expensive1 I picked up some white hyacinths and pussy willows from Trader Joe’s, dropped them into a stoneware serving bowl, and topped it with a bit of green moss. Done. It smelled amazing and looked far more expensive than it was.

Vintage-inspired cream ceramic footed bowl with subtle crackle glaze and decorative side handles, perfect for floral arrangements or serving on an elegant tablescape.

Any croc, bowl, or vintage vessel will work for this—you just need something with a little presence and a natural shape. Keep things loose and organic. A little asymmetry goes a long way.

Clouz Houz tip: You can also clip branches or flowers from your yard (or your local market!) and arrange them in a vintage vessel for an equally lovely look.


The Finishing Touches

Spring-themed tablescape featuring pastel pink cocktails garnished with rosemary and edible flowers, delicate etched glassware with lemon slices, and light blue taper candles. The centerpiece includes pussy willow branches, fresh flowers, and moss in a white ceramic urn, with purple decorative eggs and a vintage blue glass bunny dish adding playful seasonal touches.

Vintage-Style Crystal Glasses

Etched glasses catch the light beautifully and add a bit of sparkle. They’re sturdy enough for wine, water, or a fun Easter cocktail. They’re the kind of glass you’ll pull out again and again for special dinners or when friends pop by.

Play With Height and Placement: Tiered Trays and Zones

Adding levels to your table makes it feel more dynamic. I used a silver tiered dessert stand to hold chocolate-covered strawberries and macarons, which looked super cute and added vertical interest to the spread.

 

Tiered silver dessert tray filled with colorful macarons and chocolate-dipped strawberries beside a refined table setting. The tablescape blends vintage elegance with whimsical details like embroidered linens and seasonal accents.

 

We also used silver trays in a few different ways:

  • One for deviled eggs (Grandma Virginia’s Recipe)
  • One for cucumber tea sandwiches (a forever favorite)
  • One for displaying cocktails 

Close-up of four pale pink cocktails garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and colorful edible flowers, served on a detailed silver tray. The sunlight catches the etched glass and ornate tray, creating a warm, inviting glow.

 

We made a round of these and they were definitely a crowd favorite. They’re light, citrusy, and super easy to make—plus, the edible flowers and rosemary sprigs make them springy and festive!

Recipe card titled "Grapefruit Gin Fizz" with a handwritten-style header. It includes ingredients and step-by-step directions for making a grapefruit gin fizz cocktail with rosemary simple syrup. The layout is on a soft textured background with black serif text and bullet points, giving it a minimal, elegant design.

Creating zones like this helps a tablescape feel thought-through without being fussy. It gives each element its own space to shine.

***

This was one of those setups that came together naturally and felt effortless in all the best ways. It was a sweet little moment to gather and connect. This tablescape truly works for many occasions, including Easter, and throughout all your spring festivities.

So, if you’re planning a spring gathering, don’t get caught up in the pressure of perfection. Mix what you have, layer in a few special pieces, and let the table evolve as you go. A few candles, some fresh blooms, and a signature cocktail? You’re golden.

Happy hosting, friends!

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This was such a strange full-circle moment. I could immediately remember being 30 years old, standing in those rooms with Derrick and trying to figure out what the heck we were doing!! We had ideas. We weren’t afraid of a project. I had loved design long before it became my career. But I didn’t have a process yet.

Now, after 15 years of designing homes for other people, I can see exactly what I was missing: a way to make the decisions as a whole instead of one at a time (and on my own).

That’s probably why The Design Suite feels so personal to me. It’s built for someone who reminds me a lot of myself back then—the homeowner who appreciates beautiful spaces, is happy to execute, but wants an experienced design team to establish the vision and work through the decisions before the orders are placed and the contractor needs answers.

And you don’t have to do it all tomorrow. Having the plan means you can implement it at the pace that makes sense for you. I would’ve loved to have that roadmap in this little Portland house.

If you’re standing in your own version of it right now, wondering where to begin, I’d love to hear about it.
🤎 Send me a message or head to the link in our bio to inquire about The Design Suite.
September always does something to my design brain.
These are 5 things I can’t stop pinning right now as we head into fall. Some were already working into our own home and some are showing up in client projects.

I’m going much deeper on all five in today’s Design Board Pinnings—how I’d actually use them, the ideas I’m saving, pieces I’ve sourced + a few things we’re doing at Sixth Street.

It lands in inboxes later today. Comment ‘LIST’ (or link in bio) and I’ll send you the link to subscribe so you don’t miss it.
Interior designer by day. Reluctant content creator... also by day, apparently.

When I started this business in 2022, I knew I’d be designing homes, meeting with clients, sourcing, problem solving, running a team-all the things I genuinely love.

What I didn’t quite account for was how often I’d have to stand in front of a camera and attempt to form a coherent sentence.

Almost four years in and, unfortunately, this part has not gotten any easier. But sharing our work, my ideas, the things I’m learning and even some of the messier parts of running a small business has become such a big part of what we do.

So here’s a little peek at what normally gets cut from the final edit.

Fellow designers/business owners... please tell me I’m not the only one with 47 takes of a 10-second sentence.