Think Outside the Box
A few years ago, a client asked me to do the tablescapes for a Beatrix Potter- themed gender reveal. The mom-to-be wanted a classic, English garden feel, and I immediately knew that vintage silver would be the perfect way to execute this theme.
One of the easiest ways to elevate a tablescape is to swap standard vases for unexpected containers. Thinking outside the box here adds character and quietly reinforces the theme.
For this client, using vintage silver tea pots, sugar and creamer sets, and even silver baby cups, created a collected look and a sense of nostalgia. Vintage or heirloom-inspired containers add emotional weight to an event, especially one celebrating new life. They feel sentimental, even if they weren’t passed down.
When using unique containers, repetition matters. Sticking to one material—like silver—keeps the look cohesive even when shapes vary. Using a variety of pieces such as taller teapots, mid-sized creamers, and petite baby cups, creates visual interest and movement across the table.
So where to start? When trying to find unique containers, start by looking around your house to see what you may already have that can be used. You’d be surprised by what can be turned into a floral container! Browse thrift stores or antique malls. Once you find one or two pieces you can hone your search for additional ones.
When choosing flowers, make sure you keep them scaled for the container. You want unique vessels to be part of the floral design, not hidden by the arrangement itself. Here, small baby cups held a single rose, a sprig of greenery, and just a hint of baby’s breath. They looked so sweet scattered on the tables. Larger florals such as hydrangeas were reserved for the larger tea pots.
When you think outside the box and choose more unique containers for the flowers, you invite guests to lean in, reminisce, and connect. And that’s the true magic of a well-designed table.
Pull up a Chair…
There’s something powerful about the dinner table. It’s where we gather, celebrate, and connect. It’s a place where we can linger, enjoy meaningful conversation, and make memories. And for me, it’s a place where I can express myself creatively.
Some of my most cherished childhood memories happened around the fun and beautiful tables my mother set for us, and that inspired me to create those memories for my own children. In 2022, I decided to turn that passion for beautiful tables into a business designed to help others create special moments of their own.
If you are new here, my name is Amy Wheeler, owner of Wheeler Haus Design& Decor, a unique design studio focused on tablescape design. Tablescapes are more than just pretty plates and flowers. It’s about creating a feeling - a moment in time.
I started this blog as a new way to connect with clients, fellow creatives, and anyone who loves hosting, entertaining, or simply making everyday moments feel a little more special. Whether I’m designing an intimate dinner, a milestone celebration, or a large-scale event, my goal is always the same: to create tables that feel warm, approachable, and thoughtfully layered.
My design philosophy is rooted in accessibility. I believe beautiful tables don’t have to be expensive or overdone. I love mixing high and low elements, repurposing pieces in unexpected ways, and finding small details that make a big impact. A great table should feel welcoming, not precious—designed to be used, enjoyed, and remembered.
Here on The Studio Edit, I’ll be sharing a mix of inspiration and practical ideas, from flower arrangements and place settings to behind-the-scenes looks at real events I design for clients. You’ll find styling ideas you can actually recreate, and a glimpse into the process that happens long before guests ever take their seats.
This space is meant to feel like a conversation—one where creativity is shared generously and beauty feels attainable. I hope it inspires you to gather more often, set the table with intention, and find joy in the details.
Thank you for being here. I can’t wait to show you what’s coming next!
