A Guide to Floral Reverie There’s something undeniably joyful about a bold, blooming tablecloth — especially one that bursts with green leaves, pink and golden yellow florals. At Shared Plates, we believe colour and pattern should be celebrated, not tamed. But when styling a vibrant foundation, it’s important to let the supporting elements work with it — grounding it, softening it, and drawing out its best features. Our Floral Reverie tablescape captures this balance — where colour meets elegance, and pattern meets poise. Here’s how to style a bright floral cloth with intention, layering in texture and tone to create a setting that feels inviting, not overwhelming. Start with the Statement Piece Your tablecloth sets the mood — and this one does it boldly. A vibrant design in green, pink, and yellow, with leaf and flower motifs, creates energy and joy. It brings a garden-party feel to the table, even indoors. Let this piece be your centre — everything else should work in harmony to support it. Ground the Look with Natural Jute Placemats A round or oval jute placemat introduces a natural, earthy texture that balances the colour above. The rough weave contrasts beautifully with the soft florals and provides a visual “pause” for the eye at each setting. It's like adding soil beneath your blooms — grounding, necessary, and warm. Layer in Napkins: Patter, Pink or Earthy Green Choose napkins in the same patter as the tablecloth, warm blush or olive-toned green — all options echo the tones in the tablecloth without competing. Floral pattern creates elegance complimenting the statement piece Blush pink adds softness and romance. Earthy green leans into a more grounded, tonal look.You can loosely knot the napkins, fold them under the plates, or tuck them through minimal napkin rings for a relaxed yet styled finish. Use Cream Ceramics with Subtle Antique Details For your plates, reach for cream-toned ceramics with a crackled antique finish on the base and a rippled edge in soft coffee brown. These details add elegance without shouting. They echo the tones of the tablecloth while their simplicity allows the cloth’s vibrancy to take the lead. Add Golden Accents: Cutlery & Glassware Bring in a hint of subtle glamour with gold cutlery — brushed rather than high-shine for a more refined look.Pair with rippled glassware — wine or water glasses with a delicate gold rim. The ripple mirrors the motion of the florals, while the gold ties in with the yellow in the tablecloth. Florals: Keep it Delicate Because the cloth already sings with pattern, any centre floral arrangements should be low and delicate: Think single-toned blooms (like light green with a hint of soft pink) Or forgo flowers entirely and style with textural elements like ceramic or glass candlesticks. Final Styling Touches Add soft taper candles in ivory, blush, or pale yellow to complement without clashing Consider layering in neutral ceramic or wooden serving pieces to bring down the colour intensity if needed In Bloom, In Balance Floral Reverie is about celebrating colour without chaos. When done thoughtfully, a bright tablecloth can become the heartbeat of your entire setting — uplifting, joyful, and perfectly balanced by the textures, tones, and details around it. So next time you feel drawn to that bold piece in your linen drawer, go for it. Let it sing — and let everything else hum gently in harmony.  

At Shared Plates, we’re proud to work with Robert Gordon Pottery, an iconic Australian brand that shares our commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and considered design. With over 75 years of heritage, their family-owned business aligns with our values — creating beautiful, functional pieces that celebrate the joy of gathering. Supporting local makers who pour passion into every detail means we’re not just setting the table — we’re telling an Australian story.

There’s something inherently calming about the coast — the rhythm of the tide, the soft blues of sky and water, the gentle textures of sand and stone. A coastal-themed table captures that serenity, not through clichés like seashells or anchors, but through an elegant mix of colour, texture, and natural elements. We explore how to style a coastal-inspired setting using a soft blue and cream gingham tablecloth, layered with natural fibres, earthy ceramics, wood, and dainty glassware. It’s a look that whispers of beachside brunches and long late lunches under autumn light. Begin with Blue Gingham: The Coastal Foundation The hero of this tablescape is a soft blue and cream gingham tablecloth — a print that feels at once nostalgic and modern. Gingham adds visual rhythm, evoking picnic memories but styled here with a grown-up coastal edge. The soft tones mimic clear skies and sunlit sails, providing a patterned but subtle base. Ground with Natural Jute Placemats Layer natural jute placemats to bring a sandy, organic texture to the setting. Their rough weave contrasts beautifully with the crisp lines of the gingham and adds depth and dimension to each place setting — like the warmth of driftwood against pebbles. Add Earthy Blue Plates with Organic Swirls Choose deep blue ceramic plates with organic swirls or brushstroke detailing at the base. The uneven, hand-finished look echoes the movement of the sea — waves lapping on the shore or foam settling over sand. The rich blue anchors the setting and balances the soft gingham tones with depth and weight. Layer in Wood and White Marble Boards Introduce serving boards in wood and white marble to reflect coastal materials — natural, textural, and timeless. Use them for bread, cheeses, or shared dishes. The mix of timber grain and cool marble mimics the contrast of shoreline and stone. A White Vase with Autumn Leaves For the centerpiece, place a simple white ceramic vase filled with seasonal autumn leaves — rust, golden yellow, and soft brown hues that contrast beautifully against the blue backdrop. It’s a gentle nod to the season and adds vertical shape without overpowering the table. Dainty Blue Glassware Choose light blue glassware — vintage-inspired or delicately ribbed — to keep the look airy and refined. These touches catch the sunlight and echo the shimmering blues of coastal light, adding a sense of softness and elevation to each setting. Napkin Styling with Organic Rings Use blue gingham napkins, or a pale blue, or a soft grey-green. Finish with organic white napkin rings — ceramic, uneven shape, or shell-inspired shapes work beautifully. Tuck a sprig of greenery or seaside daisy for a small, poetic touch. Final Touch Fresh Lemons Scatter fresh lemons down the centre of the table or pile them into a bowl for a vibrant hit of citrus. Their colour lifts the whole setting and ties beautifully with the autumn leaves and blue tones. Or place a piece of organic wood  The Warmth of Organic Wood In a coastal setting, organic wood elements bring warmth and grounding to your table. Whether it's a hand-carved serving board, wooden salad bowl, or timber accents, these pieces echo the driftwood tones of the shoreline and balance softer textures like linen and ceramics. They add a tactile, earthy richness that makes the whole table feel more relaxed, natural, and effortlessly inviting. Finally, use pewter or brushed silver cutlery — slightly aged, slightly nautical — to complete the look with vintage charm and weight. Bringing It All Together This Coastal Gingham Tablescape is quietly elegant, filled with natural textures and hues that evoke the elements — sea, sky, sand, stone, and sun. It’s a setting that feels curated but never fussy. Perfect for seaside brunches, autumn garden lunches, or dinners that flow long after the tide rolls in. Let it remind you that coastal doesn’t have to mean beachy. It can be textured, refined, and timeless — just like the memories made around your table.