Tablescaping, the art of composing a visually intentional dining table, has grown in popularity in recent years. And its own creative community is populated largely by women who found, often in the compressed solitude of the pandemic years, that the table was one of the few spaces still entirely their own.

Annabelle “Anna” Fernandez, a wife, a mother of three, and a former banker, began tablescaping during the pandemic. The practice started as a quiet, grounding ritual for her while she cocooned during prolonged lockdowns. "I truly enjoy the creative process, using everyday pieces and finding inspiration within my own home to style a table. I’m not afraid to reuse, mix and match, or decorate with both fresh and faux flowers or plants," she says.

From tablescaping for family and friends, the creative escape introduced her to fellow tablescapers in the country and those from the US, Canada, Spain, Chile, Switzerland, Australia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

To get her started, the tablecloth or runner serves as her blank canvas. Its colors, patterns, textures, and hues often set the tone for the entire tablescape. From there, she starts layering details, mixing pre-loved pieces with newer finds, until her vision comes to life.

"I also make it a point to support Filipino-made products by incorporating at least one local piece into every tablescape. I’m drawn to items that feel intentional yet easy to live with, simple salt and pepper shakers, locally made linens, and everyday pieces that elevate the table without trying too hard," shares Anna.

For SM Home, Anna centered on pieces that felt intentional yet easy to live with—pieces that were aligned with her personal style. She chose blue-and-white plates and blue-and-yellow linens from SM Home.

"These are versatile pieces that can adapt to different themes while remaining simple enough for everyday use. To me, SM Home offers essential pieces that serve as a foundation, items that can easily be elevated depending on the styling and décor you pair them with," says Anna.

Known as Charm in the tablescaping community, Germaine Reyes is an entrepreneur and insights strategist who helps companies grow. A mother of three and a lover of good food, music, and pets, she has been tablescaping for more than three decades, mostly during Christmas, New Year’s, and whenever she entertains guests at home.

While tablescaping serves as her "me" time, her family also enjoys each new setting she prepares. She also enjoys meeting new friends from the local tablescaping community and abroad. "We celebrate each other’s creations, learn from one another, and inspire each other to keep creating. I truly enjoy this part as well, as it expands my horizons and lets me learn about cultures and traditions," says Germaine.

Recently, she has found fulfillment in delivering tablescaping sessions to empower women and fuel their passion. Through the process, Germaine helps them express themselves and create tables that reflect their style and story.

When tablescaping, she usually starts with a piece that speaks to her, a tablecloth, a set of plates, a decor or centerpiece, or even a color, depending on her mood. From there, she builds by layering textures and mixing elements until the table comes together. "My inspiration often comes from everyday moments, seasons, travel, or even simple color combinations I haven’t explored yet, or perhaps a forgotten piece that I would like to feature to honor its history or its beauty. I enjoy the process of bringing together pieces that may not seem to match at first and allowing the table to evolve naturally," she shares.

In collaboration with SM Home, Germaine created a tablescape inspired by the festive mood of the Chinese New Year. She picked the pink paper lantern and used it as a centerpiece vase, the starting point for her tablescape. She added the teal hand towel with flowers, then combined pink plates with the mint green fern plates to elevate them, creating a garden or picnic-like setting. "It was a whimsical table in the end. I was happy to showcase how everyday pieces can be reimagined and how unlikely combinations can still feel harmonious when styled with intention," states Germaine.

Lorelei Mae Garcia Parayno, or Tweetums to family and friends, started tablescaping after a senior officer’s wife, as a host, showed her beautifully crafted tables. "Those settings weren’t just decor; they sparked joy and a sense of possibility in me," reveals Lorelie.

A full-time homemaker to a retired military general, mother to five sons, and a grandma to a two-year-old toddler, her passion for tablescaping grew after joining an online community three years ago, where like-minded tablescapers encouraged her and shared their artistry.

Lorelie shares, "What I love most about tablescaping is the transformative power of small details to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere; the creative process of pairing colors, textures, and motifs to tell a story at the table; and the happiness and shared moments that tablescaping fosters among family and guests."

More than just "me" time, tablescaping is very much a family affair for Lorelie. "My husband and my five sons are my top supporters and admirers. They gift me an assortment of tabletop necessities. They also join in by helping with photos and reels for my social media, turning the process into collaborative moments that we all enjoy."

Tablescaping for her begins with a mental image of the desired theme, color palette, and accessories that will bring it to life. From a rough arrangement, she mixes and matches tableware and linen, creating a harmonious color scheme and textures. She then refines balance, height, and focal points until the table feels cohesive and inviting. She also incorporates locally handcrafted and handwoven products, weaving them into the design to highlight community artisans and sustainability.

To those interested in tablescaping, Lorelie says, "Start with what you have—raid your cupboards, go to thrift shops or garage sales for unique items, find some inspiration online, and experiment with themes, colors, or personal interests. Make it yours and just have fun with it!”

SM Home is her "go-to" home store, and this time, she decided on a green and gold themed tablescape. "Being a part of the Philippine Army community for almost 38 years inspired me to design a table that honors our lives in the Army. Thus, the use of the Army's signature color, green, with touches of my favorite, gold, which also symbolizes resilience, peace, and harmony," says Lorelie.

Retired special education teacher Chitty Cruz inherited her interest in tablescaping from her mother's love for tableware and entertaining guests. She started by exploring home stores and flea markets for tableware and began collecting Christmas dishes that soon became part of the family feast and tradition.

"I was raised to believe that fine china was only for special occasions, but during the pandemic, that belief shifted—we started using the 'good stuff' every day," says Chitty.

Married with three adult children and retired since the pandemic, she now finds plenty of time for tablescaping. Usually, a backdrop fires up her creativity. "However, sometimes, the plates or other tableware like glassware and cutlery will dictate the table I will set. I often find inspiration from other tablescaping friends who have posted their beautiful tables on Instagram. Scrolling through them is an eye candy fix like no other!" she shares.

Chitty also finds excitement by joining the weekly challenges posted in online communities. "Learning from others and developing my own creativity are the most satisfying experiences," she adds.

For the SM Home tablescape, Chitty highlighted the versatility of items by incorporating other materials into one cohesive arrangement. As a result, "It pushed me to think beyond the obvious and explore more creative ways to bring all the elements together harmoniously."

For women wanting to explore tablescaping, Chitty says, "Start with what you like. Whether you’re a minimalist, a maximalist, or somewhere in between, your table is an expression of you and your sensibilities. As your confidence grows, don’t be afraid to try something new. Instagram and Pinterest are bursting with ideas to try!"

SM Home has everything you need to start your tablescaping journey—from versatile everyday dinnerware, tableware, and linens to the finishing touches that make a table feel entirely your own. With 77 branches nationwide, discover pieces that inspire, mix, and layer beautifully — just like the women who taught us that the most meaningful tables begin with a single, intentional choice. Visit your nearest SM Home or shop online at sm.home.ph.