- Paul Ishwood
- Dec 13, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 12
The Art of the Table: A Critique on Modern Tablescapes
and a Nod to Timeless Elegance
By Paul Ishwood
Charlie implored me to pen an article on the subject of table settings, a task I find particularly distasteful, almost to the point of being gauche. I am perpetually astonished that such a topic has eluded Nicky Haslam's notorious list, not once but presumably multiple times. Nevertheless, one must keep the proverbial wolf at bay and thus undertake what is necessary. However, it's undeniable that the art of table setting has descended into sheer lunacy.
I vividly recall, back in 2017, laying eyes upon Ivanka Trump's Thanksgiving table, adorned with a caption suggesting a solution for those perplexed by table decoration. The consensus, seemingly transcending party lines, deemed it an abomination to aesthetic sensibility. Alas, fast forward six years and that very tableau may well have been the harbinger of the current stylistic chaos we witness. Today's tablescape trends veer towards the absurd, whimsical, and at times, downright repulsive. It's evident that I harbour no affection for these overzealous displays. My preference lies in the simplicity of a pristine white tablecloth, tastefully accented with silver, candles, floral arrangements, a fruit platter, and, naturally, an assortment of glasses. For a more detailed exposition on this, one might consult Jasper Conran's works.
