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| Tablescape would have points taken off for unevenly placed flatware |
Taking risks. out-strategizing the opposition. Creative coordinating.
If these all sound like Dan Campbell's approach to a winning football team, he shares the same qualities of those who take setting a table to a whole new level with Competitive Tablescaping.
While many of us may be seasonal table decorators - those that get the calling during the holiday season to bring out the "good china" and splurge on festive and fragrant centerpieces - there are others who view tablescaping as an art worthy of competition - as stiff as your grandmother's starched linen napkins.
In a recent NYT's article "Inside the World of Competitive Tablescaping", the word "tablescaping" is credited to British designer, David Hicks. In the 1960's, he defined the term as the "discipline of selection". Though this craft was the focus of many state and county fair competitions prior to its mid-20th century label, its resurgence has tablescape devotees upping the ante for game day. These are not just tables set with damask tablecloths and matching dinnerware, but rather, tricked out tabletops that push the boundaries of traditional dining decor.
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| The big day is here. Finalizing the game plan. |
At the Los Angeles County fair, tablescape participants bring their imaginations and glue guns to the arena, ready to assemble well crafted table vignettes in four hours or less.
Judges look for creativity, originality, use of color, correctness and presentation - having qualities that not only tell you something but make "you feel something".
To achieve those feelz, participants focus on themes ranging from historical palaces to quiet parlors such as "Lunch at Versailles" and "Helen's Birthday Party". The latter's imagined host is a "lonely cat lady" whose guests include three of her current feline friends, Princess Fishbone, Mr. Tinkles and Muffy 2, along with an urn holding Muffy 1. (Could the sequel to Helen's Birthday Party be "More remains of the day"?)
Although, clearly imagination is key in this place-setting sport, competitive tablescaping isn't just a free-wheeling exercise - there are rules. Tables are standardized to 40 by 60 inches and must be set for at least two people (or, apparently, pets, living or not).
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| Behind the scenes prep. Napkin folding can take more time than one may think. |
Judges take points off for obvious detractions such as unevenly spaced flatware or a wrinkled tablecloth. Scores are posted publicly, so fairgoers can see judges' notes along with the tablescape. Comments such as "inconsistent napkin pattern" or "a dessert spoon would have been nice" are just a few examples of reviews that lance the competitor's heart faster than an ill-placed fish knife.
As one who loves tablescapes, I can appreciate the work and devotion that goes into a beautiful and well-balanced design as well as the stress of timing and coordination to achieve that goal. My recent holiday tablescape suffered from some last minute changes and my flatware was slightly askew. If I was competing, I'd surely receive a judge's disdain in the comments section.
So whether you're facing a blank canvass tabletop in Los Angeles or an as-of-yet-unknow AFC team in New Orleans, we're looking forward to the next Super/"Souper" Bowl event!
