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Mentions of cottagecore seem to be everywhere in fashion and home decor. Floral print midi-dresses, anyone!? In a year when we’re all seeking comfort more than ever, it’s no wonder this trend has taken off.
I wanted to take the idea of this cozy fashion and decor aesthetic and interpret it into a tablescape.
You may be wondering – what is cottagecore? Here are a few key aspects on the fashion side of this trend:
- Floral prints
- Linen
- Brown leather boots
- Straw hats
- Large collars
- Puffy sleeves
There is so much more to cottagecore. I created a Pinterest board so you can get a better visual idea.
Bottom line for us in this post – now is the moment to get those vintage dishes you inherited out of the attic; it’s their time to shine once again! I’ll show you my interpretation of a cottagecore tablescape – so you can take these ideas and try this trend in your own home!
Bottom line for us in this post – now is the moment to get those vintage dishes you inherited out of the attic; it’s their time to shine once again! I’ll show you my interpretation of a cottagecore tablescape – so you can take these ideas and try this trend in your own home!
This post is all about cottagecore tablescape ideas.
Cottagecore Centerpiece
Rather than placing the centerpiece in the middle of the table, I put it at one end. We have a long kitchen table (seats 8), so there was plenty of room to do this. But if you are tight on space, you can easily move some of these elements to a nearby buffet.
This cottagecore centerpiece functions both for decor and serving dessert. Form and function. Pie and strawberries are important foods in the cottagecore aesthetic, so I included both in this look.
Grounding the centerpiece is a round vintage table throw that was passed down to me. Since we have a lot of other color in this tablescape, we need our linens to be quiet, visually speaking. Still, the texture in the cloth adds just enough interest – but isn’t too precious.
In case you don’t follow me on Instagram, I created a reel showing how I put together this basket floral arrangement. (I’m still learning how to use reels – so please excuse the bad editing. I’ll get there! But hopefully it will give you an idea of how to pull off this look.)
The basket can be found at Target and is still in stock. So snap it up while you can!
The other elements of the centerpiece are a pretty white ceramic pitcher, a modern shaped cake pedestal (or pie pedestal in this case), and a ceramic berry colander.
As with any centerpiece, make sure you have height and texture variety. We achieved that here creating a visual triangle with small (pie pedestal), medium (pitcher), and large (basket floral arrangement) pieces.
For texture, we have lots of variety between the woven basket, detailed linens, polished silver, smooth ceramic, and, of course, the wild flowers.
Cottagecore Place Settings
Next let’s talk about the place settings.
First up, the dishes. They are by Johann Haviland in the print Forever Spring. How perfect for this time of year!? The design is a lovely pastel floral print in blue, pink, and green with a tiny silver rim.
I inherited these dishes, but it looks like you can track them down online at resale and replacement sites.
To edge up the dishes, which are quite feminine, I pulled in a bit of toughness with a brown faux leather placemat. The juxtaposition of the vintage floral dishes against a modern placemat I think adds a ton of interest to the overall tablescape composition. Sometimes opposites don’t just attract – they are needed!
The glassware I chose is not old – but does have that cottagecore charm, I think. Unfortunately, these exact ones are sold out, but here is a similar option.
Cottagecore Napkins and Cutlery
Finally, to finish this cottagecore tablescape, let’s discuss linens and cutlery.
For the napkins, I wanted that linen look that is part of the cottagecore aesthetic. The napkins are a cotton linen blend in a flax color. I have had and loved these for years – and sadly they are no longer sold. But here is a similar set that are just as pretty and at a great price point.
The napkins were folded into thirds, and then in half. I tied twine loosely around the bottom 1/3 of the napkin and added a small clipping of the wildflowers to each.
Lastly, cutlery. I inherited this silver and was a little intimidated to use it, to be honest. But now that I have, I cannot wait to style more tables with it! The Artdeco design is SO charming – and to me the clean lines make the design look as much modern as it is vintage.
The cutlery brand is Nobility Plate and the pattern is Reverie circ. 1937. You may be able to get your hands on it on resale and replacement sites, if you’re on the market!
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Was so nice to have you here.
I hope you enjoyed this take on a cottagecore tablescape and that it will inspire you to look at your family heirloom dishes and silver in a whole new light! What better way to pay homage to those who came before us than to gather for a meal using their beloved treasures?
If you like this post, check out my Instagram account where I share sneak peaks and exclusive content. We have a lot of fun over there – so please join our growing Hostessology community!
And if you like tablescapes and other entertaining ideas, be sure to check out the Entertaining section of my site where we talk all things tabletop, beverages – and even cheese boards.
Hope to see you back here again soon.
Cheers!
