Guest Picks: Final Touches for Your Tablescape
Give your vignettes a well-traveled, high-end look with shagreen, bone, leather and more
The world’s best decorators scour the globe to find intricate and eye-catching items for their perfectly curated vignettes. While we can’t all drop everything at a moment’s notice and get a first-class ticket to Marrakesh to wander souks for the perfect Fassi pottery, we can create a well-collected vignette. Start with a theme or common thread, and be sure to consider its usability: Does the nightstand need a jewelry catchall? Does the coffee table need coasters for guests? Then add items of different heights to create layers of visual interest. When in doubt, remove an item or two. — Gabrielle from Savvy Home
Ceramic Drip Ginger Jar | Williams Sonoma
Blue and white pottery is classic and is great for adding eye-catching height to a vignette. This vase is a modern twist on the classic.
Bone Handle Magnifier
Bone-handle magnifying glasses are interesting and lovely objects to display on a console or coffee table. Set this one out on its own or on a tray.
Faux Shagreen Tray
Trays of various shapes and sizes make a vignette seem more organized, especially on bigger surfaces like coffee tables. Faux shagreen trays are my favorite for their interesting texture.
Turquoise Bead Asian Brush
Asian calligraphy brushes are great conversation starters and make fantastic display accessories on console tables or bookshelves.
Round Match Striker
If you’re a candle lover, display your matches in an elegant solid brass match striker as opposed to a regular matchbox. A bowl filled with an interesting collection of matchboxes is another option.
Paris Street Style: A Guide to Effortless Chic
Coffee table books have that name for a reason. Display books that reflect your interests that your guests can leisurely flip through.
Khaki Canister
Boxes and canisters of all shapes and sizes create visual interest, while also keeping smaller bits and pieces tidy and out of sight. I love the shapes of these, which were inspired by Dutch pipe tobacco canisters.
Green Shagreen Frame
Family photos always add a personal touch. Instead of the classic silver, try interesting finishes like burl wood or shagreen.
In the Spirit of the Hamptons
If a certain locale holds a special place in your heart, consider displaying a beautiful book about it. You’ll have as much fun flipping through its pages as any guest will.
Bone Oval Box
Boxes of various colors, shapes and sizes create height and are also practical. I love ones made out of interesting natural materials, like bone, tortoiseshell or porcupine quill.
Ceramic Shagreen Square Catchall, Aqua
Small trays and catchalls are great on smaller surfaces like entrance consoles or nightstands. I think they’re best used for keys and jewelry, or even a collection of business cards on a desk.
Estelle Display Easel Lamp, Gunmetal
For traditionalists it doesn’t get more classic than a display easel lamp. Highlight your favorite photograph or antique and make a long-lasting impression.
Nito Weave Lidded Urn | Williams Sonoma
A fun take on the traditional, the Nito urn will add texture to a vignette. I think it’s best used in groups in a bookcase for a strong visual impact.
Diptyque 'Pomander' Scented Candle
No vignette is complete without an intoxicating scented candle. It will please both the nose and eyes.
Green Shagreen Coasters, Set of 4
Most well-mannered guests will look for coasters before putting down their drinks. So it’s only natural that you keep a set handy.
Catchall, White
Leather catchalls always look elegant on a nightstand. Fill them with jewelry and watches.
Ostrich Egg on Stand
An ostrich egg on a stand is definitely not your average accessory, but it’s a prized collection item for many. It’s visually pleasing and exemplifies the beauty of natural objects.
Where Chefs Eat
Coffee table books that can pique curiosity on a very specific topic are also handy to have on display. Where Chefs Eat is the perfect example.
Pen Shell Tray
You can never have too many trays. This deep amber-colored pen shell tray catches the light in interesting ways; it’s a neutral and prized option.
Burmese Blue Vase
You never know when you’re going to receive flowers from a secret admirer, so you’d better be prepared with an array of vases in different shapes and sizes. I love this one covered in the famed Burmese pattern by Sister Parish.
Cream Shagreen Heart Box
More shagreen, but this time in a small heart-shaped box. It’s perfect for a more intimate setting: a vanity, bedside table or wardrobe shelf. Use it to store any jewelry that has emotional significance.
Next: Make a Scene With Vignettes and Tablescapes
Next: Make a Scene With Vignettes and Tablescapes