Top Tips from Eliza Manners on how she creates her Sustainable Tables!
By HOPP TeamEliza Manners' 'Sustainable Tables' are ready-to-buy table settings using only 'pre-loved', otherwise know as antique or vintage, items. The ethos is creating stunning one-off table settings that have a minimal impact on the environment.
All of the pieces are high quality and are mostly made in the UK. By using old items and giving them a new lease of life through pairing of wonderful colours and themes, there is no recent manufacturing and minimal transport - therefore having a small carbon footprint.
Where are you writing this from?
I am at my family home, Belvoir Castle, in Leicestershire.
What or who inspires you at the moment?
In terms of design inspiration I get a lot of inspiration from nature. Looking at all of the wonderful colours that are paired together in nature can be a great way of seeing what will work when designing a table.
How do you start your day?
I start by making a juice and looking at my stock. If I look at them first thing in the morning then I will have all of the colours and themes in my head which helps me to think of what other items I need to complete the table settings.
What are your favourite accessories to use when laying a table?
I think that flowers and greenery are a definite must for every table, so having beautiful vases to put them in is very important
Imagine you were hosting a party: please pick who you would use!
Tatiana Alida is a friend and I ADORE all of her designs, so this would be great to create wonderful invitations.
Private Drama Events sounds amazing. I love immersive experiences, and having stories being acted out at a party would be a real centrepiece for the event.
Doggart and Squash would be the caterers - they're the best!
What are your 5 top tips for styling a tablescape?
- Choose a 'theme' and stick to it
- When you decide on an item you love, pick out the colours from it to help make a cohesive tablescape.
- Odd numbers usually works best with decorative items such as candles, vases etc.
- Always use flowers and greenery to add some extra character to the table setting
- And remember... REUSE, REDUCE, RECYCLE - you can be creative with this!