Entering an events space these days means stepping inside a fantasy world. It's all about turning dream spaces into reality, and to do such tasks takes a village—from setting up the design and adding the little details to making sure the lights hit everything perfectly and the music flows seamlessly with the atmosphere.

During the second run of Finding Your North last March 14 and 15, 2026, Solaire Resort North’s premier celebration fair and event showcase, local event suppliers gathered to present services and inspiration to soon-to-wed couples, families, and individuals planning to mark life milestones. Among the highlighted elements of the fair were the tablescapes designed by some of the leading Filipino event stylists.

In a conversation with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, event stylists Teddy Manuel, Ralph Copiaco, and Nikki Chatto shared more about their designs and how each setup reflects not just current trends but also deeply personal stories.

Being more open to color and moving away from safe palettes is one of the trends Nikki observed in the industry. Clients are becoming more adventurous when it comes to table settings and event setups and have developed a growing interest in unexpected elements, like incorporating produce, unconventional materials, or sculptural forms.

Those elements can be seen in her “Vesper Bloom” tablescape. Its colors are inspired by the rich purples, blues, and soft pinks of a sunset. Adding charm to the look are surreal elements, such as a sculptural overhead installation that mimics a drifting cloud and natural and painted vegetables for an unexpected touch of whimsy.

“We’re noticing more clients gravitating toward edible details like fruits and vegetables integrated into the tablescape,” Nikki muses. “It adds texture and visual interest, but also doubles as a thoughtful takeaway for guests—something they can bring home beyond the flowers.”

Teddy also looked at the beauty of the sunset for his tablescape, leaning more toward its warmer and softer glow. Dubbed “Golden Hour,” the design features layers of amber, burnt orange, and gold tones, paired with reflective elements and sculptural florals that almost feel like they’re suspended in time. It’s both immersive and intimate—like sitting inside a quiet, glowing moment.

For this year, Teddy is seeing a shift to experiential intimacy, where the design is not just about how the table looks, but about guests becoming part of the story. For him, a tablescape should invite conversation, not compete with it.

“There’s also a conscious move toward sustainability, with designers reimagining materials and finding beauty in what already exists,” Teddy says. “It’s thoughtful, intentional, and deeply personal.”

Novels, fables, and other literary works are expected to influence many event setups and tablescapes this year. A good example of this is Ralph’s design, playfully titled “Wonka in Wonderland.” As the moniker suggests, it merges the enchanting world of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” with the confectionery charm of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

“Imagine a place where Willy Wonka has taken a stroll through Wonderland and painted everything in chocolate,” Ralph explains. “A dreamy, post-Alice escape where teacups whisper secrets, sweets sparkle with mischief, and the ordinary happily forgets how to behave.”

One thing that Ralph sees influencing the scene is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). For him, the use of AI and other innovations will help create out-of-the-ordinary settings—designs where anyone can wander, dream a little bigger, laugh a little louder, and believe.

From bold, unexpected elements to designs rooted in narrative and emotion, these tablescapes reflect a growing desire to create experiences that linger long after the celebration ends.