Chef, author and tv personality Clodagh McKenna, known for presenting on ITV’s This Morning, told The Morning Advertiser (The MA) by “beautifully decorating” tables pubs can offer guests a more “memorable experience”, especially at Christmas.
She said: “Tablescaping is the art of beautifully decorating your table and elevating every occasion. Often conveying a theme or creating a different mood.
“It’s a brilliant, fun way to creatively change the atmosphere of a room. Using glassware, flowers, candles, centrepieces and other objects, you can be as elaborate, or simple as you desire.
“People want a memorable experience more than ever before and pubs can add lots of simple accessories to enhance the space to drive customers back to their outlet again and again.”
To help keep costs down and save time on preparation during busy periods, McKenna advised operators to opt for “low maintenance” décor that doesn’t need to be replenished too often.
However, the TV chef added the décor should still “soften the space” to make it feel “convivial and premium”.
Warmth and texture
“There is a reason people call it ‘The Great British Pub’; they have always been places and spaces where people gather to meet up with friends and family on a regular or special occasion.
“Especially during the festive period, people want to celebrate with friends and the setting is important to add to those cheerful memories.
“Adding candles or potted plants to the tables looks lovely and can be a great way to create a comfortable environment to socialise in. Dressing the room with fairy lights and evergreens is a lovely way to add warmth and texture for the festive season”, she continued.
McKenna, who hosted tablescaping masterclasses in collaboration with Peroni Nastro Azzurro at Winter by the River in London last month, added it was important to decide on a theme and “stick to it”.
In addition, the chef advised operators to source items that work with their chosen theme, plan practically and think about what would have the most impact in the space.
She continued: “You might choose a modern theme or stay more tradition or even a colour scheme, white and gold, for example.
“For my tablescaping masterclasses with Peroni, I chose a retro, festive theme with blue and white candy-striped tablecloths, set off with green foliage and touches of red. Maximalism is a big trend in tablescaping this Christmas – more is more!
“The menu design could echo the theme – if you’ve decided to decorate tables with reindeers for example, a reindeer image or illustration could be added to the menu.
Express creativity
“Alternatively, you can incorporate ingredients from the drinks into the tablescape – for example, the Peroni Black’beery Sour served at the masterclasses uses dried lemons and blackberries, which you could dot through the foliage on the table to create a thread between the table and the menu.”
With sustainability in mind, McKenna urged venues to avoid single use decorative items.
“Potted plants for example can last the whole season. Fairy lights and candle holders can be re used the following year.
“For the Peroni Nastro Azzurro masterclasses, I found some gorgeous, sugared pears, which I’m using for each session and can be used again and again”, the chef added.
However, the most important thing when it comes to tablescaping this Christmas is the “have fun”, McKenna concluded.
She said: “Tablescaping helps create an atmosphere and drives an elevated experience.
“During the festive season customers want to feel cosy and welcomed into the pub, and some light tablescaping can really enhance the cosy ‘home from home’ mood. It’s a great way to express creativity and transform a space.”
- See how to make Peroni’s Black’beery Sour cocktail, made in partnership with drinks expert Portia Freeman, here.
