Create a Dreamy Color-Blocked Tablescape in 5 Easy Steps

Published on June 16, 2025

With summer entertaining around the corner, we're taking inspiration from this magical tablescape arranged by British homewares retailer Addison Ross at New York’s Whitby Hotel. Known for colorful lacquered accessories, the brand's co-founders Sarah and David Ross ran an array of pastels and jewel-tones, as well as their new Icy and Frosty salt and pepper mills, along the table in a look so showstopping that guests audibly gasped upon seeing it. We’ve got their top tips for giving your next dinner party an equally dramatic setting.

1. Start with Accessories

Use interchangeable pieces like colorful placemats, candleholders and candlesticks, salt and pepper mills, and even those trendy and oh-so-cute rechargeable lamps as your base. Once reserved for restaurants, these little table lamps are now a favorite home accessory that can be used indoors or out.

2. Create a Rainbow

Pick flowers to match the different colors you’ve gathered, then group like with like. For large parties and a voluminous color block effect, group flowers with four place settings of a single color, as Addison Ross did here. For smaller parties or a more kaleidoscopic effect, group them with two sets of place settings, opposite each other.

3. Layer Like a Sandwich

Apply the “sandwich theory” by balancing colors at the base, middle, and top of your tablescape. The simplest way to do this is with colorful placemats, medium-sized flower arrangements (low enough that you can see each other across the table) and a range of candlesticks in varying heights.

4. Balance Bold with Neutral

Anchor striking groups of colors with neutrals. For example, break up each block color with white vases and candleholders. Grounding the tablescape with a white tablecloth lets all the colors stand out, while crisp white plates, napkins, and clear glassware keep the overall look polished and inviting.

5. Echo with Intention

It’s ok to mix tones if you don’t have multiple colors in the same hue. Addison Ross paired pastel table lamps and salt and pepper mills with sapphire-toned placemats and coasters, for example. Also, consider repeating the colors of your tablescape in food accents like edible florals in a summer salad.