Dining Table Décor: Expert Tips with Interior Stylist Lucy Gough

How to style your dining table for a celebration

Meaning ‘together’ in Japanese, the Issho Dining Table is a fitting centrepiece for occasions that bring people closer. Its sculptural base and balanced proportions encourage connection, while the inbuilt Lazy Susan offers a thoughtful touch of functionality for shared dishes. Paired with the Amara Dining Chairs, crafted in steam-bent timber with an elegantly curved backrest, the setting blends comfort with timeless design.

Join Lucy as she explores how to bring this look into your home:

1. Layer tableware generously for a sense of abundance

For celebratory dining, layering creates a sense of hospitality across the table.

“I like to layer plates from largest to smallest,” shares Lucy, “it adds depth and generosity to the setting, and is practical, from starter through to dessert.”

Extend this idea beyond the place setting by stacking bowls and serving dishes around the Issho Dining Table’s centre or Lazy Susan, perfect for festive meals with multiple courses and sharing platters.

2. From table to plate, create flow through shape

“Circular shapes, from the table itself to placemats and plates, create a beautiful sense of harmony,” explains Lucy.

Consider styling with curved glassware, rounded or organically shaped plates and softly contoured earthenware to echo the table’s form.

3. Make a fresh and floral statement

“Keep centrepieces low to encourage conversation, or elevate them for a moment of drama when guests arrive,” Lucy says, “it’s all about balance and flow.”

For a celebratory setting, a floral arrangement of roses and blush-toned peonies in a statement vase introduce sculptural beauty, lifted for practicality once the meal is served. Sprigs of rosemary or olive foliage scattered on plates is a simple alternative, keeping the table open for conversation but evoking the same sense of freshness.

Layer seasonal fruits such as figs, pomegranates or pears for bursts of colour and texture. Choose napkins that echo the tones of these accents: deep crimson or muted green, to tie the palette together.

4. Infuse depth with contrast and metallics

“If there’s any time that calls for the use of metallics in your styling, it’s celebration,” Lucy shares, “I love how gold sits against black tones, bringing depth to the table.”

Choose brushed-gold cutlery, brass candlesticks, and rustic plates to catch the candlelight and create an interplay between shadow and glow. Pair with glassware tinted in smoke or amber to deepen the mood.

The effect is layered, elegant and atmospheric, a setting that celebrates connection through every thoughtful detail. Recreate the look at home with the Issho Dining Table and Amara Dining Chairs.

How to style a coastal dining table

Lucy styles the Heritage Dining Table in Natural Oak, a light timber finish from the King Living collection. The sun-washed tones capture the essence of the coast, while the Heirloom Dining Chairs in a soft, earth-toned leather offer comfort and an inviting touch.

Expanding a generous one metre with effortless open-and-close technology, the Heritage Extendable Dining Table is perfect for larger dining spaces, adapting seamlessly to every occasion. Follow along as Lucy styles the setting:

1. Build from a natural foundation

Natural Oak lends itself beautifully to the laid-back Australian coastal lifestyle, making it an ideal choice for dining furniture. With no surface stain, lighter finishes tend to wear better over time, meaning minor scratches or natural wear are less noticeable.

“The Heritage Dining Table in Natural Oak and Heirloom Dining Chairs in TrueTouch Mallee create a warm, neutral foundation. It’s the perfect base to build on, layering colour and texture.” Lucy shares.

2. Curate a coastal palette that feels timeless

Expressed through sky-blue linens, brushed gold cutlery, candlesticks, and reflective ruched glassware, Lucy creates a setting that feels serene, reminiscent of sand, sunlight, and water.

“I wanted to create a palette that is fresh and light. It reflects coastal living and feels both contemporary and timeless,” Lucy shares.

3. Weave texture into ocean-inspired design

“What kind of coastal tablescape would it be without a bit of coral?” Lucy adds. “These are vintage pieces of coral that I’ve sourced, and they stick to the same colour palette.”

Textural details bring this coastal table to life: the rattan placemats contrasted with polished brass accents, collected shells, and fresh florals. Scattered lanterns add a gentle glow, their light reflected in the glassware for a luminous finish.

This coastal look is Ideal for contemporary classic interiors and those who favour subtle colour and gentle sophistication at home. Refresh your dining space with the Heritage Dining Table and Heirloom Dining Chairs.

How to style an earthy dining table

“Nature-inspired styling shows that even a small table can make a beautifully big statement.”

The Oasis Outdoor Round Dining Table is designed for moments of connection. Here, Lucy chooses to style the Round 4 Seater design, an intimate setting combining a durable ceramic surface with a sculptural handwoven base.  Explore step-by-step as Lucy brings this look to life:

1. Bring the outdoors in with natural materials

Lucy suggests mixing natural materials with contrasting tactile finishes to reflect the beauty of earthy design.

“The smooth surface makes the ideal base ready to be layered with raw and organic décor. Soft greens, creamy linen, and warm neutrals feel calm, grounding, and connected to nature.”

Combine linen napkins, woven placemats and earthenware plates to reflect the surrounding landscape. As the centrepiece, style a lush palm, fern, or monstera leaf to ignite and refresh the senses.

2. Let candlelight set the mood

Even in daylight, the table’s ceramic surface catches light beautifully, but at dusk, candlelight transforms the scene.

“The gentle glow of candles softens the space and introduces a sense of warmth and intimacy.” Lucy says.

Cluster candles at varying heights to create movement and reflection, bringing a subtle glow that complements the table’s earthy tones and woven textures.

3. Celebrate simplicity through detail

For Lucy, styling is about intention rather than excess.

“A single sprig of olive tucked into a napkin adds quiet elegance. It’s a simple touch that adds a meaningful gesture on a table for four.”

Organic details like leaves, ceramic vessels and handwoven textures highlight the beauty of natural materials and the understated luxury of small-scale dining.

Perfect for organic modern or minimalist interiors, this look encompasses earthy warmth with Scandinavian influence to bring freshness and calm to your dining space. Echo Lucy’s earthy table styling in your own home with the Oasis Outdoor Dining Table and the Quay Outdoor Dining Chairs.

Create a keepsake for your guests

As promised, Lucy’s final styling tip brings a sense of creativity and thoughtfulness to the table, the perfect dinner party touch your guests will cherish.

“I love the idea of handcrafting décor as a personal touch. These folded paper boats are made from old wallpaper samples, and become talking points and keepsakes,” Lucy shares. “They are simple to make, but spark conversation and create lasting memories.”

Tip: Keep to your chosen palette when crafting small details. It ties everything together beautifully, just as layering does across the table.

How to create an origami boat for your table setting

1. Start with a square paper napkin or square paper, pattern side down. 

2. Fold in half to make a neat rectangle. Sharpen the crease. 

3. Bring the top left corner in to meet the centre. Repeat with the top right corner to create a triangle sitting on a rectangle. 

4. Lift the front bottom flap and crease it up over the triangle. 

5. Turn over. Lift the remaining bottom flap up to match. 

6. Open the shape from the bottom and press it flat into a square. Points should align left and right. 

7. With the open end pointing down, bring the bottom corner up to the top point to form a triangle. 

8. Flip over and repeat. You now have a smaller triangle. 

9. Open the triangle from the bottom again and press into a square. 

10. Hold the top two points and gently pull them apart. The hull appears. 

11. Pinch the ends and press the base so the boat stands evenly. 

12. For sails, cut two small paper triangles, tape or glue them to cocktail sticks, then tuck the sticks into the centre seam

Place each boat on a side plate as a place card. Add your guest’s name to the sail, or a festive joke or fact for special occasions.

If the art of origami isn’t for you, the same effect can be achieved through embroidered napkins, cursive place cards, or a handwritten menu for each guest to take home. You can also DIY a unique table centrepiece, curating an arrangement of candles and flowers in your choice of colours for your guests to admire.

For more on how to create your perfect dining space:

• Dining room table ideas for spaces of every size and shape
• Choosing the perfect dining table finish for your interior style
• Tips for buying the right dining table for your space
• How to choose the right dining chairs for your home