You’ll definitely want to check out inspiration and seek advice from this Wilmington tablescape designer this holiday season.

If you have explored our blog before, then you will have heard of Wilmington tablescape designer Heda The Table. Heda Waldrep found herself masterfully setting tables in her own home and for friends. These days, she can do it for anyone. Ahead of your event, book her to look through your very own inventory of decor, place settings, and more and she can help you use things like you never have before. Plus, she can bring in her styling expertise and style your table for your next big event. Check out beautiful examples of her work here.

Here are a few of her top tips for the holidays:

Start with a charcuterie board

Charcuterie boards are the first place to start if you are intimidated about hosting or cooking for a gathering. Heda said they are simple, take little time, and require just some planning and shopping.

First, select some cheeses. Heda said she generally tries to use hard cheese, semi-soft cheese, and soft cheese on each platter. Then she grabs at least two varieties of crackers, some nuts, and maybe two types of meat (she suggests pepperoni and salami). Next, she places the cheeses and meats in different sections, dividing them with crackers, nuts, or dried apricots. 

“I promise you cannot go wrong putting together a cheese board,” she said.

No Special Boards Required

Heda says to not fret or fear if you do not have a special board for cheese. 

“You could use a plate, a tray, a favorite platter — don’t be afraid to make it different,” said Heda. “Sometimes I even use a pretty wooden cake stand to place the cheese on, including a doily. There are all kinds of ways to do charcuterie it will make you and your guests feel special just that you took the time to arrange something.”

Create the Perfect Setting

After creating a charcuterie board and pairing some wines with the cheeses (she is certified in wine pairing), she likes to create the perfect table setting. To do this, she says she does a “table and food pairing.” Considering the menu, she then schemes up what table would work. Tacos? She uses bright colors from Mexico. Chinese fare? She finds ways to make her table reflect that cuisine. She suggests mixing tapered candles and votives. Then layer the table with placemats, chargers (those oversized plates) with plates on top, and salad plates. 

Heda says, “the placemats, and the settings, they don’t have to match perfectly, just fit into the same color scheme.”

Invoke and Create Memories

Heda’s entire business started when she wanted to create memories for her daughters. As a military family, they moved often and she said she could make something a constant in their lives — sitting down for a family meal. They each had a wooden napkin ring. Every night they set the table with them. Today she recommends adding little memories to your table. Perhaps memories from 2023 or items collected while traveling. All those things tell a story.

“Everyone has a story and sharing stories is what the table is all about,” said Heda. 

Check out Wilmington tablescape designer Heda The Table to learn about her services for your next get-together. Plus check out her Instagram to get inspired.