A Citrus-Inspired Spring Tablescape

This casual dining space is given a welcoming touch for guests by layering warm oranges, tangy yellows and small blue accents for a cool balance.

Table runners usually have the most impact when placed on rectangular tables. If you're setting up your springtime spread on a round table, you may want to consider layering runners for more wow factor. First, steam or iron the runners to ensure they sit flat. Then, crisscross the runners over each other, and let them hang approximately six inches below the edge of the table.

Floral offers the perfect chance to work citrus hues into your tablescape in a fun way. This arrangement was made with parrot tulips, yellow roses, fern leaves and a few dianthus. Anytime you're putting together a bouquet and want to add a small pop of spring green and rich texture, two or three stems of dianthus will do the trick.

Layering several shades and tints of the same color is a designer trick for making a space seem more complete. When laying out your dinnerware, avoid a matchy-matchy look by pairing dinner plates, salad plates and chargers in similar colors with different intensities and patterns. Here, cool blue tones are used to balance the warmth of the oranges and yellows.

It's important to ensure your tablescape, although temporary, blends seamlessly with the permanent elements of the room. If it doesn't, the overall effect will appear random. All you need to do is work in at least one shade found in a major element of the surrounding spaces to make the color scheme relevant. Here, the salmon tone of the rug is brought upward to the table setting with canvas napkins in the same tone.

Shapes play a large role in tabletop design. To keep the ensemble from looking flat, aged-brass napkin rings in sea urchin and hexagon shapes were added for sheen and richness.

To add extra depth to the table, stick with metallic flatware that also introduces texture. Here, pewter flatware with a hammered finish introduces a vintage touch.

Bring the bright hues of citrus fruits directly to the table — literally — with drink garnishes. Both lemons and limes work well for just about any type of drink, with or without alcohol. Although lemons are universally used to add a little zing to ice water, limes are a more surprising option and a perfect fit for spring.