Dallas-based designer Courtney Petit grew up in the world of design and developed her eye for aesthetics at an early age. “Believe it or not, I’ve been scouring antique markets and auctions since graduate school! My mom did this with me as a child so I guess you could say it’s in my blood”. We have been fans of Courtney’s beautifully elevated, yet approachable lifestyle from the time we spotted our hand embroidered Florentina napkins in the sweetest of tablescapes she had set for a birthday party. We were blown away by the beauty and whimsy of this welcoming table and were soon emailing her for tips on creating a similar experience in our home.
Courtney studied design in Florence, Italy and spent two years studying decorative arts and European antiques with Christie’s Auction House, eventually launching Courtney Petit Design in 2024. Her extensive knowledge, experience and passion for design and fine living is backed by an investment in the exploration of global textiles and artifacts over years of travel. We knew she would be the perfect one to turn to for her expert eye and ability to embrace finer pieces, like our hand-appliqued and embroidered pieces and marry them with more casual block prints.
We are excited to share this latest Style Guide with Courtney Petit where she generously shares all her tips for creating 2 different tablescapes that are not only visually stunning, but also comfortable and functional. “Ensuring guests are comfortable and I’m able to enjoy time with them is the most important part of the tablescape” says Courtney. This down-to-earth and thoughtful approach to excellent design mirrors what we do at Marigold Living. We bring high-quality, well-designed home linens meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans in India that are easy to maintain so you can enjoy them for years for special occasions and for everyday beautiful living as well.
Enjoy the short clip of the lovely tablescape in Courtney’s sunroom, highlighting our Birds on Vine tablecloth, Janvi napkins in green and Florentina embroidered napkin:
Creating an elegant tablescape that is welcoming and functional for both the guests and the hostess to enjoy
“I use layers of textures and colors…add personalized items like monogrammed napkins, and incorporate practical elements like easily washable tablecloths…”
Q: We love how you describe your style as both elegant and practical – which is exactly how we hope our textiles are! How do you manage to strike that balance when you’re creating a tablescape?
A: I like to keep a couple of things in mind as I’m crafting a tablescape:
Functionality: I incorporate practical elements like easily washable tablecloths and versatile dishware. It’s important that while the design looks refined, it also serves the needs of the guests and is easy to maintain for easy clean up so the hostess can enjoy time with her guests! Ensuring guests are comfortable and I’m able to enjoy time with them is the most important part of the tablescape.
Layering: I use layers of textures and colors to create depth and interest but keep the overall look cohesive and not overly fussy. The more color the better!
Personal Touches: Adding personalized or unique items, like handmade place cards or monogrammed linens brings a touch of elegance that also reflects the host’s personality.
By blending these elements, I aim to create a tablescape that is not only visually appealing, but also functional and welcoming for guests to enjoy.
Courtney’s tips on styling our refined all-white, hand appliqued Liana tablecloth with Florentina embroidered napkins
“I selected rattan placemats that offer a contrast in texture without competing with the fine linens, a china pattern that goes well with the napkins, and added accents from my personal collection of Herend, silver and glassware that enhance the elegance of the linens while adding some whimsy to the table.”
Q: Our Liana applique tablecloth looks gorgeous on your dining room table paired with our Florentina embroidered napkins. How did you go about envisioning the look and selecting the tableware to accompany this all-white, refined piece as the base?
A: The Liana applique tablecloth is one of my favorites! When envisioning the look, I started with the tablecloth as the foundation because of its elegant and refined all-white base. From there, my goal was to ensure everything on top of it does not compete, but compliments the beautiful features of the Liana tablecloth.
Texture and Pattern: I selected tableware that offers a contrast in texture without overwhelming the elegance of the tablecloth. The more casual rattan placemats contrast with the linen, but don’t compete and set the stage for the china pattern which goes nicely with the Florentina embroidered napkins.
Harmonious Accents: I incorporated accents that tie the entire look together from my personal collection of Herend, silver and glassware. These elements complement the more refined aesthetic of the tablecloth while adding a touch of whimsical to the table.
Balance and Proportion: The aim was to ensure that while the tablecloth is the centerpiece, the accompanying tableware and accessories support and enhance its elegance rather than overshadow it.
How to incorporate Indian block prints in an all-American home
“By integrating Indian block prints thoughtfully (choose patterns and colors that complement your existing décor) and gradually (start with incorporating smaller accent pieces), you can infuse your home with a touch of global charm!”
Q: Your sunroom is to die for! We love how you incorporated our bright block prints into such a classic space with rattan furnishings and the traditional black and white checkered floor. What’s your advice to someone who is less familiar with Indian block prints on how to incorporate them in their all-American home?
A: Thanks for the complement on the sunroom! It’s a fun room to entertain in, but also read a book and enjoy all the natural light. Here’s my advice for seamlessly blending vibrant prints into a classic American setting:
Start Small: Begin with smaller accents like throw pillows, table runners, or lampshades. This allows you to introduce block prints into your space without overwhelming existing decor.
Choose Complementary Colors: Opt for block prints in colors that harmonize with your current color scheme. Neutral backgrounds with vibrant patterns can add a fresh touch without clashing with your existing decor.
Mix with Classic Elements: Combine block prints with traditional or timeless pieces, such as rattan furniture or classic textiles. This helps balance the boldness of the prints and integrates them smoothly into a more traditional setting.
Layer with Textures: Incorporate different textures alongside the prints to create depth. For instance, mix block print cushions with woven fabrics or leather to add visual interest and comfort.
Balance Patterns: If your space already features patterns, such as a checkered floor, choose block prints with simpler or complementary patterns to avoid visual overload. This helps maintain a balanced and stylish appearance.
By integrating Indian block prints thoughtfully and gradually, you can infuse your home with a touch of global charm!
Building a beautiful and diverse collection of tableware and accessories without spending a fortune is achievable
“…shop sales at department stores that carry high-quality items, antique markets, auctions, online marketplaces…Combine higher-end items with budget friendly-finds…and build your collection thoughtfully over time.”
Q: We are floored by all the amazing tableware and accessories you have used in both your tablescapes – so tasteful and imaginative! What’s your advice on how someone can source and build a collection like this without breaking the bank?
A: I’m fortunate to have a collection of goodies – but it did not come overnight! Believe it or not, I’ve been scouring antique markets and auctions since graduate school! My mom did this with me as a child so I guess you could say it’s in my blood. Building a beautiful and diverse collection of tableware and accessories without spending a fortune is achievable – here are some tips:
Mix High and Low: Combine higher-end items with budget-friendly finds. You can elevate the look of more affordable pieces by pairing them with quality basics or by adding stylish accents like elegant napkin rings or decorative placemats. I have some fabulous green, Dodie Thayer cabbage pieces – and have mixed them with white, cabbage plates I purchased at Walmart!
Shop Sales and Auctions: Keep an eye out for sales at department stores that carry china, crystal or sterling patterns you want to collect. Many high-quality items can be found at a fraction of their original price. Online marketplaces and discount retailers can also offer great deals. You can find full sets formal china and sterling silver at auction for a fraction of what the retail price. Some of my best acquisitions have been at auctions.
Thrift and Vintage Finds: Explore thrift stores, flea/antique markets, and vintage shops for unique and often budget-friendly items. You can find one-of-a-kind pieces that add character and charm to your collection.
Build Gradually: Instead of purchasing everything at once, build your collection over time. This allows you to focus on quality and find pieces that truly resonate with your style and needs.
No rules for mixing and matching – “if you love how something looks together then use it!”
“A tablescape is the place to push your boundaries with textures, colors and patterns since it is for a brief moment in time.”
Q: We are all about mixing and matching block prints and thought our Janvi Green napkins went perfectly with our Birds on Vine blue and green tablecloth. Are there any patterns or styles you feel go together best or conversely that you generally avoid mixing?
A: I really don’t think there are any rules – if you love how something looks together then use it! The beauty of putting a tablescape together is that it’s for a brief moment in time – for a dinner, lunch, tea or breakfast. This is the place to push your boundaries with textures, colors and patterns because if it does not work, you just take it down when the meal is over!
Small details make all the difference for elevating a table setting
“…layered linens, folded napkins, a clean stylish centerpiece with fresh flowers or candles…and putting accents like small pitchers, figurines, candy in pretty containers…it’s these details that make the table look inviting”
Q: What are your go-to “quick tricks” for setting a table to make it look special and elevated? What are your must-haves for a formal table setting versus a more casual one?
A: Here are some quick tips – for both a formal and informal table:
Layered Linens: Use a tablecloth as a base, then layer with a contrasting or complementary placemat. This adds depth and visual interest in no time.
Charger Plates: Incorporate charger plates beneath your dinner plates. They add a touch of elegance and help elevate the overall look of the setting.
Simple Centerpieces: Opt for a clean, stylish centerpiece like a vase with fresh flowers, or a few candles. Keeping it simple yet chic can make a big impact. For those of you that live near a Trader Joe’s – they have fabulous florals that do not break the bank – cut and put in a pretty pitcher or vase and you have your center piece and can enjoy it for days after around the house.
Folded Napkins: Use creative napkin folds or napkin rings – even a simple pocket fold can look very polished and shows care to your guests.
Accent Details: Incorporate small details – they make all the difference. Fresh flowers, folded napkins, putting items you collect on the table (small pitchers, figurines, colored candy to nibble on in pretty containers, really anything goes)! It’s these details that make a table look inviting and make it more than just a place to house tablecloths and napkins – a table can hold so much more!
Invest in unique pieces that stand the test of time
“I choose items that not only look beautiful but also serve a practical purpose…”
Q: As a seasoned designer who decorates and styles many spaces for yourself and clients, what do you look for when sourcing different brands and styles?
A:
Versatility: I prefer items that offer versatility and can adapt to various settings or occasions. For example, an antique chest of drawers can be used in a living room, bedroom, or den (and I’m sure lots of other spots!). It’s a good investment piece that can adapt to various rooms and any home a client may move into the future. I encourage clients to invest in pieces that stand the test of time.
Uniqueness: I seek out pieces that offer a unique touch or distinctive design element. Unique items add character and a personal flair to the space and make it feel like home because there is usually an interesting story in how that unique piece was acquired (ie, Facebook marketplace, antique store, flea market or something handed down from a relative).
Functionality: Beyond aesthetics, functionality is key. I choose items that not only look beautiful but also serve a practical purpose and enhance the usability of the space for each family.
Incorporate personal elements like getting your monogram embroidered on napkins
“…[personalizing] really adds a meaningful touch and makes a home really feel like home.”
Q: Your monogram on our Florentina napkins is such a fun way to further embroider and customize our pieces. Are there any other ways you incorporate your family or more personal elements when you’re designing for yourself or clients?
A: Incorporating personal or family elements into design really adds a meaningful touch and makes a home really feel like home. By blending these personal elements into the design, it becomes more than just a decorative choice—it turns into a meaningful representation of the client’s story and identity. I was with a client selecting a beautiful pink grasscloth for a room in her home – we were struggling with two choices. When we looked at the name of one wallcovering which was 1934 Pink Charming – she said that was the year the house was built. We knew that was our right pink…..!
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