Whether getting ready for a cozy dinner gathering or plotting a grand holiday soiree, table arrangements offer a delightful start to any memorable event. House of Hough, a specialty linen company, focuses on top-notch table-setting concepts that demonstrate a stunning table is much more than a well-chosen dinnerware collection.
A beautiful tablescape is an instant icebreaker and will make your guests feel at home. "To me, linens can make any space feel more inviting. They can serve as a backdrop for a large event or even a topic of conversation for a small dinner party," says the owner of House of Hough, Clara Hough. "They are an important part of the curating process of any event design, and when selected intentionally, they can make an impression."
House of Hough is a part of celebrations to suit every host or hostess, from elegantly understated to extravagantly bold arrangements. Clara has been in the industry for over 20 years and shares her expertise on holiday celebrations and tablescapes. We sat down with Clara to discuss how to make any occasion feel more special.
When do you suggest using different tones of flatware?
Different tones in flatware are always something fun and unexpected. There are no rules here; however, one must always ensure the table has a cohesive look. With that said, we suggest keeping traditional flatware if you are looking for a more classic look.
What do you suggest about choosing a napkin color? Should it match the flowers, tablecloth, etc.?
A napkin can serve as a final touch just as much as it can inspire the entire look of the table. One thing to remember is that it should always coordinate with the table's overall design. I have clients who create an entire mood board based on a napkin print from one of our collections, and that's always fun. Other times, we may use simple, elegant hemstitch napkins to add a final touch of texture and color contrast on an already elaborated linen.
How do you keep a tablescape light and bright while still using different colors?
Utilizing light-colored or neutral linens is key to achieving this look, as the color can always be brought in through the napkins, floral, glassware, etc. Another way would be to use muted colors and even tone-on-tone table linen with some pattern or texture and pair it with neutral florals or even some bold-colored accent centerpieces and place settings to make a statement.
Can textures be mixed with the wooden table, table runner, and napkins?
I think the word "match" is often misused in our industry. In reality, what one wants to look for when designing a tablescape is for all the elements used to coordinate and complement one another. The fun part of creating a tablescape is bringing different components and details together and making them work cohesively. By pairing our linens with patterned china, an array of flowers/candles, or even intricate heirloom pieces, the tablescape can exude richness and luxury while bringing in our clients' personalities.
What are some tips on making a moody setting inviting?
Playing with light and texture is key to creating an intimate tablescape. When hosting an event, I always prefer to utilize some type of illumination on the table. To get this look, use candles or battery operated lanterns (there are so many gorgeous styles nowadays) on the tables or simply position the table near the right window. Nothing beats good natural lighting.
Tell me about decorating with natural elements.
When working with textiles, the colors can sometimes be quite saturated; bringing natural decor elements such as fruits, wood, or florals helps soften the table's overall look due to their natural color variation and gradient. We especially love the holiday season when food is served on the table family style and becomes part of the decor.
Clara is originally from Venezuela and a proud University of Houston alumni. With a background in hospitality and a degree in business administration, she decided to launch House of Hough in 2005, which quickly became Houston’s best specialty linen rental company.
