Tablescaping: Fresh flowers for a memorable dining experience

23 November 2022
Tablescaping floral arrangement

We’re marching towards summer, the season when entertaining friends, family and loved ones gets a whole lot easier. Socialising and parties are always on the agenda – great company, a beautiful spread of food, fine wines and, of course, a tablescape of party flowers to add the finishing touches.


Whether celebrating a special occasion, acknowledging a life milestone, or simply having an overdue get together, food plays major role. A delicious meal unites people, but sometimes you want the event to be even more special. With careful planning, coordination, and creativity, a floral tablescape transforms the table into an oasis of style and sustenance.


What is tablescaping?

Tablescaping refers to an Instagram trend of heavily decorated tables using freshly cut flower arrangements, candles, or other items - highly visual, creative, and utterly inspirational. Creating the perfect tablescape means the fine details collectively make a huge impact. Things to consider: the crockery and tableware being used, the location of the table, the lighting, the time of day your event is happening, and of course, how you are going to use flowers to dress the table.


Decorating a garden or dining table is no new idea. Table settings at a wedding for example, typically have table floral arrangements to match the wedding bouquet, but now it’s been adapted for the more casual everyday scenarios.


How to use flowers for tablescaping

At our Victoria Street florist (Christchurch), we have decades of experience crafting table top flowers for our clients, and offer you guidance for how to successfully use flowers for tablescaping:


·        Choose a theme and colour palette


The first decision to make is the theme and colour palette you wish to use. These are the foundation for the table display and gives direction to all your other decisions. From gorgeous jewel tones through to an elegant white bouquet, use the flowers to articulate the theme.


If you don’t have a theme? Enjoy the creative freedom but restrict the number of colours you use to two or three.



·        Big is not always better


The temptation is to go all out on floral arrangements and have large extravagant table top flower designs. For example, lily flower arrangements are incredibly beautiful, but unless you trim the stems right down, they hinder conversation between guests on the other side of the table. In our view, it is best to keep the arrangements low on the table, and a posy in a jar is a fantastic solution. If you want to add depth to your tablescape, place tall elements such as candles.


TIP: Always be mindful of how fragrant the flowers are – some have an incredible aroma which may play at odds with the food you are serving.


·        Embrace greenery


Table top flower arrangements are not limited to flowers. Incorporate foliage and greenery between the individual flower arrangements. This gives a really lush feel to your tablescape, an abundance of nature – a simple but highly effective addition.


You are more than welcome to visit us at Court Florist to see the flowers we have for inspiration and further guidance. You can order flowers to arrive in time for your special occasion or take advantage of the same day flower delivery (Christchurch) service. Whether you wish to create your own table top flowers, or would like us to craft them for you, we’re more than happy to help. 

a person is holding a bouquet of white roses and yellow flowers .
by Simon Mullinger 24 July 2026
Send romantic wedding anniversary flowers in Christchurch. Custom bouquets, milestone blooms & guaranteed same-day delivery when you order by 2 PM.
Happy Birthday card with pastel roses and handwritten text
16 June 2026
Looking for the perfect birthday flowers in Christchurch? Read our local florist guide on choosing the best birthday flower bouquets and local delivery.
Elegant dining table with a large purple, white, and gold floral centerpiece in a candlelit restaurant
25 May 2026
Celebrate silver and golden milestones with stunning wedding anniversary flowers. Order luxury gift baskets & arrangements for same-day delivery in Chch!
Flower shop storefront with bouquets in front and “Court Florist” sign on the window
20 April 2026
Spoilt Mum this year! 🌸 Discover the best Mother's Day flowers & gift baskets in Christchurch. Order by 2pm for same-day delivery. Shop the 2026 guide now!
A smiling graduate in a cap and gown holds a large sunflower bouquet on a university campus during autumn.
12 March 2026
Celebrating a UC or Ara graduation in April 2026? Order fresh, local graduation flowers from Court Florist. Order by 2pm for same-day delivery in Christchurch.
Woman smiling, holding large bouquet of pink and red flowers at open doorway.
17 February 2026
Forgot a birthday or anniversary? Don't panic. Order by 2pm for guaranteed same-day flower delivery across Christchurch. Trusted local florists since 1937.
Man smiling, giving flowers to a woman with mountains and city in the background.
22 January 2026
Send the perfect gift this Feb 14th. Our Christchurch Valentine's Day guide covers red rose trends, local delivery tips, and how to make fresh flowers last longer. Read more.
10 December 2025
Hosting Christmas this year? From selecting the perfect centrepiece to timing your lilies to open on the big day, here is your ultimate guide to festive styling from Christchurch’s premier florist.
Bouquet of vibrant roses in shades of red, pink, and orange in a glass vase.
23 November 2025
Summer flowers in Christchurch: the ultimate guide to the season’s best blooms Meta description: Summer is here. Discover the best seasonal flowers for weddings, gifts and home décor with Court Florist. From peonies to hydrangeas, we guide you through the season.
by Simon Mullinger 9 November 2025
When you’re hosting a celebration, whether it’s an elegant dinner, a birthday brunch, or a festive Christmas party, you can rely on flowers to set the tone. They bring life, fragrance, and colour to your home, elevating it from the everyday to somewhere even more special. As any experienced florist in Christchurch will tell you, floral styling is about more than simply decoration, it’s about creating atmosphere, emotion, and memory. Aside from in a vase, you may be wondering how to display fresh flowers. With years of experience between us, the creative team at Court Florist have put our heads together to define the most inspiring ways to incorporate flowers into your party décor: Create an entrance that wows Although they shouldn’t, first impressions matter, and your doorway is where the celebration begins. Welcome guests with a burst of flowers that captures the mood of your event. Think lush orchids, fragrant roses, or vibrant seasonal flowers . A wreath on the door or garland draped around the doorframe instantly signal that this is a special occasion. If time is tight, order same day flower delivery Christchurch to have your chosen flowers arrive fresh and ready to display. As local florists, Court Florist can create custom entrance pieces to perfectly match your party’s theme and colourway. Transform your table with flowers A well-designed floral centrepiece is the heart of any party table. Choose flowers that complement your décor. Think soft blush tones for elegant dinners, or bold sunflowers and dahlias for relaxed, outdoor gatherings. Mixing textures (like eucalyptus, berries, and delicate flowers) adds richness and dimension. For a cohesive look, echo smaller arrangements along the table or scatter single stems in bud vases. Pair your flowers with candles or fairy lights for evening events to enhance that soft, ambient glow. Hosting a Christmas party? Add a few sprigs of pine and clusters of berries to your Christmas flowers arrangement for a festive flower display. And if you’re after something show-stopping, Court Florist creatives can craft bespoke table designs tailored to the space, for a real touch of floral luxury. Dress the bar or buffet Your drink station or buffet table deserves floral attention too. A few thoughtfully placed posies instantly elevate even the simplest setup. Try weaving long stem flowers through a garland that runs along the bar or tucking small posies between serving platters. For a creative twist, float flower heads (like hydrangeas or garden roses) in wide glass bowls of water, very simple yet striking. Or freeze edible petals into ice cubes for an extra touch that will get everyone talking. Calendula, borage, nasturtiums, and lavender are always popular. From centrepieces to ice cube surprises, flowers bring joy. For the freshest, most exquisite flower arrangements, source locally from the best florist in Christchurch – field fresh, hand selected flowers. At Court Florist on Victoria Street, we’re renowned for creating custom flower designs, so if you would like any advice or guidance about the best flowers to use to support your vision you are welcome to visit, order flowers online or call 03 379 8255.
Show More