Hampton Classic Table Extravaganzas 2023

By Jill Brooke

Once again, the Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton, NY was not only an equestrian competition but one for inspired creative table decor.

Here is what I observed that also is trending around the world as I travel to flower shows and festivals.  Monochromatic is hot. Tablecloths center the design scheme. And using napkins in novel ways creates modernity.  Use these ideas for your own holiday decor. Better yet, hire a floral designer to create tablescapes that help create memories. Their talent creates living art as well as smiles for anyone sitting around your table

What were the trends? Who were the winners? What styles can we expect to see in fall and holiday entertaining? It’s all here.

1) USING ONE FLOWER OR COLOR TO MAKE A STATEMENT

In the following tables, one flower was the star of the table design. Starting with dahlias, chamomille, zinnias, dahlias, thistle, sunflowers and a beautiful anemone, designers used these flowers as a springboard for visual delight.

2) TABLECLOTHS ARE SPRINGBOARDS TO BOOST FLORAL DESIGN

3) DETAILS MATTER – THINK OF TABLES AS BEING ACCESSORIZED WITH JEWELRY

Above, each placemat has a special destination written upon it where friends had shared going.  Personalize the table and it will be memorable.

Deana Hanson created a tavern feel and used special retro frames as place cards. Place cards can be fun and inventive.

One trend we’ve seen is that napkins are now draping UNDER the plate for both drama and modernity. But the detail we loved of course is when flowers are placed on the plate to blend in with the beautiful flowers in vases.

Jill Brooke is a former CNN correspondent, Post columnist, and editor-in-chief of Avenue and Travel Savvy magazine. She is an author and editorial director of FPD and a contributor to Florists Review.

Photos: Barbara Lynne Photography