Matilda Bea's Wedding Tablescape Suggestions Are Stunning

Matilda Bea is a self-described dinner party obsessed girlie who’s known for her “extra” approach to hosting. Her elaborate tablescapes, personalised touches, and Come Host With Me videos have gained her hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of views. Who better then, to suggest a show-stopping tablescape? Matilda popped by The Townhouse to curate one for a bride, and while she was there, we also asked her a few things: her idea of the perfect three-course menu for your Big Day, what to give guests as wedding favours, and for her wedding registry gift ideas (so that your hosting can look as effortless and stylish as hers). Spoiler alert: Get ready to add a lot of stripes to your wedding list...

I grew up in a household filled with girls who were all passionate about hosting. My mum has three sisters, so family gatherings were always lively and full of love. I think our love language is acts of service and gift-giving, whether it’s cooking a meal together, spending time together, or just finding ways to make any occasion feel extraordinary. My mum, in particular, taught me so much about cooking - she's truly brilliant, and I’m always learning new tips and techniques from her.

It really started when I met some incredible friends from all walks of life, and I just knew they'd get along. I felt this deep desire to bring everyone together, to introduce them to each other, and to share those moments. When I purchased my first home, that really kicked it into high gear. I’ve always been obsessed with homeware, interiors, and creating spaces that feel cosy and inviting. As I began decorating, I started inviting my friends over more and more. Whether we’re cooking together, making cocktails, or just watching a movie, I truly cherish the time we spend at home. We’re definitely more of a dinner party kind of crowd than a clubbing crowd, and it’s just such a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Whether it’s using my pizza oven in summer or making festive Christmas cocktails in the kitchen, those moments always feel special.

For me, a dinner party is all about creating an atmosphere that's both vibrant and welcoming. When it comes to tablescapes, I love playing with colour - Summerill & Bishop is a go-to brand for me, especially their striped linens. The quality is unmatched, and they work beautifully all year round. They also offer great sizing options, which is perfect for larger gatherings. I’d say my taste is vibrant, but I also love balance. While my kitchen and dining space is quite neutral, I embrace colours when it comes to entertaining. Personalisation is key when I am planning a dinner party - whether it’s thoughtful place names, bespoke gift bags, or beautiful floral arrangements, I love adding personal touches that make each guest feel special.

I absolutely embrace the “extra” label! I love going all out when hosting because it’s about making each moment feel truly memorable. From vibrant, mismatched tableware to extravagant florals, I believe it’s the little details that create that “wow” factor. Every element - whether it's the food, the decor, or the ambiance - is carefully considered. I think it’s these thoughtful touches that make my dinner parties stand out and feel uniquely special.

One dinner party I can’t wait to recreate this summer is a vibrant pizza party. I love having interactive activities at my gatherings - it’s a perfect way to bring everyone together and introduce new friends. For this one, I envision the decor being super colourful, with a bold red and pink tablecloth from Summerill & Bishop setting the tone. The welcome cocktails would be beautifully displayed on a vibrant drinks tray, adding a pop of colour and excitement right from the start.

The atmosphere would be relaxed and fun, with guests gathered around the pizza oven in the garden, tossing dough and creating their own custom pizzas. I’d be in the mix too, chatting with friends and topping up drinks as the night unfolds. It’s all about creating a space where everyone feels engaged and the energy flows easily. The candles would be lit, casting a warm glow, and the overall vibe would be light-hearted and easygoing - just the kind of evening I love.

If it were winter, I’d switch it up and go for something cosier. Think cocktails and appetisers to start, with maybe a DIY cocktail bar featuring all my favorite glassware and a bespoke cocktail menu for guests to experiment with. There’s something so fun about letting people craft their own drinks while mingling, and it adds a touch of creativity to the evening. The vibe would still be very interactive, but a little more intimate and warm - perfect for chilly nights.

Gift bags for this kind of event would be playful and thoughtful - perhaps a set of personalised cocktail stirrers or alternative barware for guests to take home. I want everyone to leave with a smile, a memory, and a little something to remember the evening by!

1. Atmosphere is everything – The setting can completely transform an evening. Dim the lights, play some background music that complements the vibe, and use candles or soft lighting to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Don’t underestimate the impact of the right lighting and music - it sets the tone!
2. Personalised touches – The little details make a big difference. Show your guests that you've put thought and care into their experience. Even something simple, like serving a dish that’s one of your guests personal favourites, can make people feel truly special.
3. Flow of the evening – Make sure the pacing of the meal feels natural and relaxed. Give guests time to enjoy the food and conversation without feeling rushed. If it’s a longer meal, consider breaking it up with small activities like a toast or a fun game, so everyone feels engaged throughout the evening.

It’s easy to feel like a wedding breakfast is this monumental event with a lot of pressure, but at its core, it’s really just a large dinner party. The key difference is the significance of the occasion, but the overall principles are the same. It’s all about deciding how many people you want there and how formal you want the event to be. If you have fewer guests, for example, you might want to go all out with the decor, making it feel intimate and personal.

Ultimately, it’s important to commit to what your stress levels can take. Yes, the day is special, but what matters most is that you enjoy it and have fun. The goal should always be to create a space where everyone feels connected, relaxed, and part of something beautiful. If that means a laid-back, family-style dinner with a few heartfelt speeches, or an elegant formal meal with toasts and dancing, it’s about what feels right for you. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, what makes the wedding breakfast truly memorable is the joy of bringing everyone together.

I've had a few calls with brides recently chatting about styling, venue visits and all the exciting details of wedding planning. I came to The Wedding Shop to help a bride build her dream gift list. To bring it all to life we styled a dreamy Galentine's inspired tablescape, layering stunning tableware, linens and candles, it was such a lovely way to see how everything comes together, and see how she can recreate it at home.

To complement that menu, think elegant, but not overly formal tablescapes. I love using varying heights when it comes to candles and flowers - tall candles with low floral arrangements create a dynamic visual. The colour palette should complement the season and venue too - picture rich tones for autumn, or soft pastels for spring. Beautifully textured linens, crystal glassware, and personalised place cards will elevate the experience and make each guest feel cherished.

I love the idea of gifting something personal and meaningful as party favours. A tailored poem or an illustrated notelet that highlights a favorite memory with each guest adds a personal touch. You could also do a flower bomb with seasonal blooms, or a set of personalised matches - something small yet thoughtful to remind guests of your celebration. It’s the kind of detail that lingers long after the party’s over. A mini bottle of champagne and matching glassware always goes down a treat too though!

If you're engaged The Wedding Shop is a must-visit. Creating a wedding list is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning! When choosing for your gift list, seeing everything in person makes such a big difference. It's so special to experience the pieces you'll have in your home for years to come in real life.

My taste is vibrant, but I also like balance. I’ve had so many friends tell me they got lots of white items for their wedding gifts, so I love the idea of adding something fun and colorful. The best wedding gifts for me would look at home in any neutral kitchen, but also have that "extra" factor for entertaining. 

1. Addison Ross Grinders – These salt and pepper grinders add a pop of personality to any dinner table!
2. Global Knife Set – A high-quality knife set like this is a must-have. It’s an iconic brand, and it’s something that will last for years. It’s an investment in both the aesthetic and functionality of your kitchen.
3. Robert Welch Cutlery Set – My own parents still talk about the cutlery set they were gifted on their wedding day and I find that so special. It's defintely worth investing in one that you'll use for decades to come.
4. Summerville & Bishop Tablecloths – Their striped linens are one of my go-tos when tablescaping because they look great all year round. The quality of these is excellent, so while expensive, they're worth it.
5. Le Creuset Shell Casserole – These are kitchen classics for a reason! This shade of pink brings the traditional pot right up to date.

Pro tip: Don't forget that The Wedding Shop Gift Gurus can help you put together a gift registry that will make hosting feel effortless. Appointments with Gift Gurus are complimentary and can be booked online.