Make your table tops with these ideas

“A joyful heart is good medicine,” reads a place card on a dining table designed by Ruth Casper at the Michigan Design Center. Part of the “Gather” event that opens next Friday, Nov. 8, Casper’s serene “Faithfully Yours” space shows a quiet meditation corner, a journaling table and a welcoming area designed to host friends. It “celebrates the importance of creating an intentional space in our home for spiritual time,” the designer explains.

While the tables and themes are diverse, celebration in all its forms is at the heart of the event, held from 10 to 3, which features nearly 30 vignettes throughout participating showrooms. Design enthusiasts can tour displays and meet the designers who created them while coming away with ideas for the upcoming holidays and year-round entertaining. Admission is a nonperishable food item or monetary donation to Gleaners Community Food Bank. “We’re thrilled to host an event that not only highlights the exceptional creativity of our design community but also gives back,” says Susan Todebush, MDC general manager and executive vice president. “With every display, there’s a chance to reimagine how we gather in our homes, while making a meaningful impact by supporting Gleaners.”

Casper’s table may be quiet and thoughtful, but there are plenty of other options if you like your entertaining more exuberant. Sullivan-Strickler Design’s table reminds us to “Never Lose Your Sense of Fun” and “promotes a sense of merriment,” Theresa Sullivan explains. “Each table place…is curated for the individual guest’s delight and entertainment, while the entire vignette is prepared for a communal entertaining experience that evokes revelry,” she says. GHK Design Collaborative’s “Swanky Soiree” wants “visitors to feel as if they stepped right into a celebration of good friends, good music and good memories,” one that evokes an elegant cocktail hour and an Old Hollywood glamour,” says Cynthia Hahn. Wanda Brown was inspired by “the legendary festive spirit of Mardi Gras,” with her “Pari Gras” table, which “reinterprets the celebration with the use of luxe materials such as fine china, metallic accents and crystal glassware.”

Alexis Elley took her inspiration from “Lekka Jol,” a South African phrase that translates to “cool party,” she says. More of a gathering spot than a tablescape, she describes her vignette as a “sexy, casual spot for entertaining.” And if you have fond memories of sitting at or planning a fun-filled table as a youngster, don’t miss the “Cool Kids’ Table” designed by Dayna Rasschaert. Inspired by “the joyful energy” of her children and the latest addition to her family, puppy Poppy, it’s a “blend a lighthearted formality with sophisticated whimsy” and “a celebration of the art of togetherness,” she explains.

With winter approaching, who doesn’t dream of a getaway? Travel provided inspiration for a number of designers, including Jenny Roush, who created an inviting “Lunch on Safari” table using camp stools and rustic place settings. “Lunch can be just as entertaining as a dinner party, so why not have a fun, unexpected theme?” she insists. Terry Ellis staged “The Epic Road Trip Planning Party: Wheels Across America,” using a favorite collection of American National Park posters and a bar table made from a bicycle. A more relaxed event makes guests comfortable; she advises. “Not everything needs to match,” she says, “tall containers or clay pots holding just-cut branches and leaves look very organic and are easily assembled.”

The Mediterranean attracted designers from Ellwood Interiors, who planned a “Mediterranean Garden Soiree” that includes a lush scene draped in earthy greens and illuminated by lanterns. “From the crafted cocktails to curated linens, each moment is thoughtfully layered,” according to a description. “Every detail evokes a sense of timeless elegance and tranquility.” Debi Hollis was also inspired by that part of the world, designing “Around the Tuscan Table.” “The goal was a space where everyone is welcome and where guests can envision themselves with friends and family. Sit back, relax, break bread together and enjoy an affogato" (an Italian dessert), she explains. Haley Kiarash celebrated “Dolce Vita” with a table inspired by the Amalfi Coast set with colorful china, with olive trees and a mural of a sun-kissed city as a backdrop.

Sherry Tattrie designed “Crystal Blue Persuasion” and says that when it comes to entertaining, the possibilities are endless. “Rules are meant to be broken,” she says. “There is a creative use of materials and objects in both the design industry and tabletop. Hats have become lampshades. Tiles have become placemats. From the very traditional to the blatantly bizarre, the designs of today are more imaginative than ever.”

Theresa Sullivan agrees that tables are moving away from the traditional. “Tablescapes have become less focused on strict etiquette and more centered on curated elements and artistic expression,” she explains. “Entertaining doesn’t always mean sitting down at a dinner table for a formal meal,” adds Anita Sneideraitis, whose table was inspired by botanical gardens. “You can plan stations for food that don’t require a lot of cooking or can be prepped in advance, such as charcuterie boards, food bars and bite-sized portions.“

“I’ve noticed a trend toward bringing nature indoors and using fresh, organic elements in tablescapes,” explains Haley Kiarash. “This reflects a broader shift in the design industry toward sustainability and embracing natural, handcrafted materials.” Elley concurs. “I am seeing a lot of foraging when it comes to florals,” she says. “Trends reflect a broader movement toward simplicity, sustainability and personalization in design, making tablescapes both visually appealing and thoughtful,” says Valeria Zozaya. “Be creative with items you already have and bring nature to the table,” says Casper. “Adding moss, branches, stones or dried flowers from outside are always a beautiful addition.”

“Setting a beautiful table can certainly enhance the dining experience,” says designer Joel Baird, whose elegant blue and persimmon “Family Table” was one of the most inviting at the event. Drawing color from the rug, he crafted a family farm-to-table theme with antique Blue Willow plates, persimmon accents and a rustic and approachable table made from two pieces of oak surrounded by mismatched chairs. He says his table reflects both tradition and trends, which include “lots of layers of china and florals ... There is also a resurgence of Grandma chic as florals and patterns are also popular.”

Immersive, themed dining experiences are also a trend, says designer Sharon Gamblin, whose “Divine Dining” evoked an Asian theme using black, white and silver elements. “Think 'Downton Abbey,' 'Gilded Age,' 'Bridgerton,” she says. “I always lean into my themes,” she explains, adding “It helps to give my table a strong and focused look.”

Debi Hollis reminds hosts and hostesses to “keep it simple,” adding “Designing and entertaining don’t have to be over the top for people to enjoy it.” Planning the menu and table in advance will help you feel more relaxed, she says. Valeria Zozaya, who crafted a “Hounds and Tweed” vignette, agrees, reminding hosts and hostesses to “enjoy the moment” and “focus on the company, not perfection. Guests appreciate your presence more than flawless execution.” Finally, don’t let the planning overshadow the reason for gathering, designers counsel. “If you put too much emphasis on the decor, you’ll miss the point of enjoying those who you wish to spend time with,” says Debi Hollis. Theresa Sullivan agrees. “Once guests arrive, be part of the celebration and go with the flow.”

“Start early and get over trying to impress your guests,” advises Cynthia Hahn. “The crystal isn’t reserved just for holiday entertaining anymore. Let’s bring it out for an impromptu dinner on paper plates too… Enjoy the luxury of gathering together, which is a welcome break from the often fast-paced, disconnected and messy experience that is today’s daily life.”

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 8

Michigan Design Center

700 Stutz Drive, Troy

Nonperishable food item or monetary donation of your choice to Gleaners Community Food Bank.