The Wedding Edit Part 4: Luxury in Layers
One of the previous wedding trends I discussed was the rise of the microwedding and intimate gatherings instead of grand receptions. But no matter what size wedding you have, experts agree that couples want their tables beautifully styled like a dinner party, with every detail thoughtfully curated. It really captures the shift toward weddings feeling more personal, lived-in, and emotionally rich rather than overly formal.
According to Vogue, a growing trend in wedding table settings is the use of placemats. “Similar to interior design, placemats are the new draperies. Adding that extra lush layer ties elements of the room together and offers a pop of personality.”
As one who creates custom placemats for client events, I am certainly on board with this trend, but let’s take a look at what makes it so appealing, and how you can incorporate it into your event at any price point.
Part of the appeal is that layered tables with placemats soften the formality—guests feel like they’re sitting down at a thoughtfully prepared dinner party, not a staged display. It creates that intimate mood that invites lingering conversation amongst guests, creating lasting memories.
Placemats also introduce color, texture, pattern and personality in a way chargers alone can’t. Whether it’s woven rattan, embroidered linen, or something unexpected, each layer adds depth and intention. Mixing patterns, tones, and materials creates a look that feels collected and curated.
Another upside to placemats is that it is truly something that can fit in at any budget.
For those taking a high end approach, consider custom linen placemats with monograms. There are plenty of etsy shops that offer this option. Just make sure to give the seller plenty of time to fil your order!
If your budget is more mid-range, there are companies that offer linen and cotton placemats in every color imaginable to complement your palette, and some even have a few patterns available. One thing that I started offering to clients to create a custom look for their event was custom, layered, single-use placemats (such as the ones pictures). It’s a great way to introduce a signature print, as well as texture and color, which really pulls the entire design aesthetic together throughout the event space.
For those on a more limited budget, there are some pre-printed, single-use placemats out there. Or, I also offer a template set that allows people to DIY their own custom, layered placemats (Every purchase comes with a tutuorial).
Placemats have the opportunity to add that unexpected element that really gives the table personality. It’s an opportunity to add unique shapes, textures, colors, and patterns to the table, elevating the table when paired with the simplicity of white dishes. If you would like more information on how to get custom layered placemats, you can book a design consultation, or you can visit my shop page to explore template set options.
The Wedding Edit: Part 2
Wedding Trends for 2026 continue here at the Studio Edit with The Paloma Palette. A citrus-forward color story, the Paloma Palette features warm, sunset hues that evoke a golden hour cocktail on the beach. Think grapefruit pink, citrus orange, peach and papaya, layered with warm gold accents and beachy neutrals. The feeling is effortlessly festive and fun.
I recently hosted a bridal shower themed “She found her Main Squeeze” using this colorful palette, and it created a story that was beautiful but also playful. You can check out photos from that in my Gallery and on social media.
What I love about this color theme is that it is easy to incorporate into wedding decor, and can work with a variety of design aesthetics. Here’s a few simple ideas:
Flowers are the most obvious way to incorporate the color scheme into your wedding day. Ask your florist to incorporate sunset gradients into the arrangements with flowers that move from peach to coral to pink. Stems such as garden roses, ranunculus and freesia lend themselves to the breezy, citrus-hued feel. And don’t forget carnations - a vastly underrated flower that comes in just about any color, including hues that fit perfectly with the Paloma color scheme.
Linens: Napkins in particular are an easy, budget-friendly way to add a pop of color to your wedding reception. Whether you are using single-use or cloth, there are plenty of options to choose a single Paloma hue to tie in with your florals.
Add in small citrus details to subtly reinforce the color story. Grapefruit and orange halves are a fun (and fragrant!) way to decorate a variety of table areas. Bowls or glass vases filled with citrus with flowers tucked in are another way to incorporate the palette in a cohesive way.
Create a signature cocktail - the perfect opportunity to create an experience for your guests is with a signature cocktail, such as the Paloma, that ties into your palette and theme.
Pair the vibrant colors and fun cabana stripes with rattan and linen textures for a coastal or destination wedding. For a more modern or minimalist approach, use single stems in glass vases and a single hue for coordinating napkins as a nice contrast to white tablecloths. Or create a dreamy, romantic garden experience with slightly softer tones, vintage glassware, and plenty of candlelight for that signature Paloma Palette glow.
Don’t forget to check out Instagram and Pinterest to see how I incorporated this trend into a bridal shower and stay tuned for Part 3 of the Wedding Edit coming soon!
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.
Something Borrowed, Something Blue
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” This old English poem transcends time and culture, inspiring brides to incorporate these elements into their wedding. Perhaps this is why blue and white is such a timeless color palette and a popular choice of brides.
A lot of my client work is within the wedding space, and I’ve done multiple iterations of this timeless color combo. It’s the power couple of tablescapes. It can be breezy, sophisticated, or modern.
Why is blue and white so popular? The palette feels familiar and comforting yet always refined. It never reads “trendy,” which makes it especially appealing for weddings meant to feel classic years later. White brings purity and light; blue adds depth and calm. Together, they strike a perfect balance between crisp and romantic.
Blue and white is also one of the most versatile color palettes. It works in every season and setting: from breezy coastal venues, European‑inspired gardens, or winter ballrooms.
There are so many ways you can incorporate “something blue” into your color story. Whether you choose the soft blue of hydrangeas or delphinium, a bold blue and white chinoiserie vase, or custom placemats with the perfect shade of blue, you can create a cohesive theme that feels intentional without being overwhelming. To see some of the client events that use this dynamic duo, check out my gallery or my instagram!
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!
