5 Table Styling Secrets from Our Most Elegant Event

Today on The MOD Blog, we explore the secrets to designing a captivating tablescape, inspired by one of MOD Design Events’ most memorable occasions — the Royal Henna Night of HRH Sheikha Hissa Bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The Colours

It might seem like a given, but do we truly understand the importance of colour? Colour is rooted in symbology, heritage, culture, and myth. It defines the mood we want to convey — whether in the shade we paint our walls, the ensemble we choose for dinner with friends, or even the accessories we reach for. There’s a reason we gravitate toward specific hues: colour reveals something about our inner selves. Understanding its power is key when mapping out a tablescape. In the TGHOH (The Grand Halls of Heritage) project, the signature colour — lavender — was selected by HRH herself. Lavender symbolises calmness, purity, devotion, and serenity. With that in mind, we curated every element of the tablescape accordingly: the plateware, glassware, napkins, floral arrangements, chairs, pillows — even the table colour itself. Because colour is, first and foremost, the most important component in determining the energy your tablescape emits. | Explore The Film

The Right Flowers

HRH’s fondness for lavender made it a natural inclusion. But, as in life and in design, too much of a good thing can be just that — too much. We needed a flower that would poetically complement the lavender seen throughout the bridal seat area, without becoming repetitive. Enter: the hydrangea — a timeless, versatile bloom that adapts effortlessly to a wide range of themes. Whether you're styling a dinner soirée, a high tea, or a royal celebration like this one, hydrangeas offer an instantly mesmerising visual and emotional effect. Selecting the right floral element is essential to any tablescape — and this isn’t limited to grand events. You’ll see the transformation even in a modest kitchen setting. So, when choosing your flowers, go beyond colour coordination. Choose stems that spark joy, pique curiosity, and above all, speak to the soul.
| Image from MOD

The Glassware

Glassware and cutlery are foundational, and their selection should depend on the occasion: Is it a luncheon or a dinner? A wedding or an intimate gathering? For TGHOH, an evening celebration, we chose glassware with subtle undertones that echoed the event’s palette — specifically, hints of bottle green. These tones played beautifully against the lavender floral notes and complemented the muted grey of the table and the soft silver of the cutlery. Glassware that is overly ornate can distract from the overall experience. Instead, opt for clean, contemporary forms that offer a sense of quiet sophistication. Let the glass reflect the mood — not compete with it.
| Explore unique glassware

The Table Style

Yes, the table itself matters. A truly cohesive tablescape cannot sit on a base that isn’t thoughtfully chosen. Two-in-one solutions might work for shampoo, but they don’t work here. For this event, we used several table styles — but the main dining tables were circular with hollow centres. As MOD produces bespoke furniture, we crafted these in a matte cement finish, chosen to echo the event’s modern-heritage narrative. The result? A raw, organic grey table surface offset by deep purple hydrangeas, a whisper of green in the glassware, and a minimalist approach to plateware and chair design. It told a story — one that captivated without overwhelming.

"Ultimately, the secret to an unforgettable tablescape isn’t just in the concept — it’s in the execution. And more than anything, it’s in staying true to what speaks to you"

- MOD

The True Secret

Ultimately, the secret to an unforgettable tablescape isn’t just in the concept — it’s in the execution. And more than anything, it’s in staying true to what speaks to you. Butter yellow and sapphire blue may not be everyone’s cup of tea… but maybe they’re yours. And that’s more than fine — sometimes the most unexpected pairings are what linger in memory. We hope these ideas serve as inspiration for crafting your own meaningful, magnetic tablescapes. And as always, follow The MOD Blog for more styling secrets and design discoveries.

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