Jet Acuzar: Tablescaping With Purpose and Emotion
For Jet Acuzar, tablescaping is an art form that aims to evoke harmony and balance in its elements and colors.
This story appeared in the Modern Parenting Mother’s Day and Father’s Day May 2024 issue.
Hospitality is ingrained in Filipino culture, and we take pride in making our guests feel welcome. This sense of belonging and togetherness is translated into the vibrant tablescapes that serve as the backdrop of many gatherings — whether for brunch, lunch, merienda, or even dinner.
In essence, tablescaping is a visual invitation to partake in the warmth of Filipino hospitality — a prelude to a delightful experience that brings people together, where every detail is a testament to the joy of having you at the table.
The Ways of Tablescaping
A master at her own craft, renowned interior designer Jet Acuzar treats tablescaping as an art form. She sets the scene with a vivid pink tablescape that uses bougainvillea blooms and vintage European and Irish tablecloths. Plates by Richard Ginori from Statement Theory, alongside placemats and butterfly-adorned napkins from Elizabeth Garcia. Cutlery and pink glassware are also featured.
Jet shares the thought process behind her many elegant table settings and gives tips on how you can transform your table into a stunning masterpiece for your next gathering.
1. Anyone can start tablescaping.
While most people begin from an inherent love for dinnerware or entertaining people at home, Jet’s story stemmed from something more. “I got into tablescaping when I had my kids,” she tells Modern Parenting. I was breastfeeding, and I couldn’t leave them. So that’s really when I began to host dinners at home.”
“Because I gained so much weight from pregnancy, I couldn’t wear the things I wanted,” she adds. So, I channeled that energy into my table. I started to dress my table because I didn’t feel like dressing up myself.”
2. Start small and slowly build your collection.
With all the dinnerware, glassware, and linens available in the market, it can be overwhelming for first-timers. Yes, it may be tempting to hoard and buy a wide variety for different themes, but Jet believes in gradually building one’s collection with pieces that are made to last.
“When I got married, my first set of plates was actually from Landmark because they were the cheapest,” Jet admits. “And over time, I started to build my collection, starting with a peaceful set of blue and white plates that my mother gifted me.”
3. Let emotion guide your tablescapes.
For Jet, tablescaping is more than just placing elements on a table—each element, color, and piece is purposeful and well-thought-out.
But ultimately, it all boils down to how the tablescape makes you feel. “It’s really what brings you happiness and joy or whatever emotion it is you want to evoke for yourself and your guests when they come into your home,” she opines.
4. Build a theme for a cohesive look.
The key to creating a cohesive look depends on elements like color, texture, shape, and material. After all, in Jet’s words, these pieces “need to have a good conversation for a tablescape to work cohesively.”
Gesturing to the tablescape she made, she adds, “This may be colorful, but I’m very strict about the color palette because it needs to have focal points. You need to know where your eyes are going to go in any composition — from the flowers to the candles, and plates.”
5. Create balance and symmetry.
Even with your emotions as your guiding point, Jet still believes in building a strong foundation of balance and symmetry.
“I think when I create a table, I always try to strive for balance,” she says simply. I like symmetry. So I always have even numbers, like two or eight candles, or if I do five, there’s one center that’s taller than the others—just centering and balancing it.”
“You can over- or under-decorate, but it really depends on your personal taste,” she continues. “There’s no judgment in how you want to create the table.”
Starting your tablescaping journey
Tablescaping can seem daunting, with social media feeds showcasing stunning visuals and just as many expert tablescapers—like Nicole and Te Whisenhunt, Nikki Menchaca, and Likhang Bali.
But for Jet, it’s all about finding pieces that you love and creating tablescapes that ultimately make you happy. “If you start buying, stick to the colors that you love — colors that make sense in your home,” Jet advises.
Stressing the importance of buying pieces that will last a lifetime, she details, “When you start to build a collection over time, you’ll see what you need and what it is it’s worth investing in. Anything that you purchase and use over a long period of time, is an investment piece that you really have to think about.”
Photos by ED SIMON of KLIQ, INC.
To read the full article, grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s special Mother’s Day and Father’s Day 2024 Print Edition—available on sarisari.shopping. Download the e-magazine from Readly or Press Reader for more exclusive features and stories.
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