Ever wondered how a fashion designer entertains at home? Lucinda Chambers, former Fashion Director of British Vogue and founder of the beautifully curated shopping platform Collagerie, is renowned for her vibrant, expressive style, both in fashion and interiors. Her eye for color, texture and detail is unmistakable, and her home is every bit as joyful as her closet.
In an exclusive for Homes & Gardens, Lucinda shares her exquisite Easter table decor, brimming with character, charm and personal touches, along with her expert advice on how to recreate the look in your own home using her favorite Easter decorating ideas and tablescaping tips.
Homes & Gardens' How I Host episode
Lucinda’s 7 secrets to setting a show-stopping table
1. Start with the tablecloth
‘The tablecloth, for me, is a starting point – it’s my base camp – I work around that and things start to come together,’ says Lucinda. Don’t be afraid to go big and brave on color and pattern. ‘An energetic print is perfect for Easter'. This will set the tone for the rest of your table in a fun and vibrant way.
2. Mis-match plates, prints and flowers
‘I love mismatching plates,’ says Lucinda. Try using a mix of old favorites, new and vintage plates and don’t worry about whether it all looks the same – it all contributes to the sense of charm and eclecticism. ‘Similarly, I mix faux, dried and fresh flowers – I love all three. Have fun with the table laying, mix up the prints. It should be a feast for the eyes.’
3. Consider a color thread
‘There’s often a color thread that runs through my table settings’. Choosing a consistent color palette or pairing can help the whole look hang together and ensure that it looks intentionally styled rather than a jumble of things together, particularly when you’re mismatching pieces and prints. ‘For Easter, opt for optimistic, spring color ideas,’ advises Lucinda.
4. Little upgrades make all the difference
‘At Collagerie, we often refer to “The One Thing” that can make a big difference – it could be the addition of a table runner or a change of glassware,’ explains Lucinda. ‘I like to use a mix of high and low glassware. And I don’t buy full sets of plates or glasses, I’ll often buy just two plates at a time or a couple of napkins – I like to add on bit by bit all the time.’
5. Create a centerpiece
‘I always make an Easter tree – it adds height and depth. I drag branches in from the garden and hang anything and everything from them, from vintage ribbons to papier mache eggs, it’s a very soothing thing to set aside time just to focus on this,’ says Lucinda. Start with a tall glass vase or even a vintage jug, add some seasonal sprigs and hang a mix of handmade decorations, children’s favorites and shop-bought accessories to create your own unique look.
6. Re-use old greeting cards and jars
Save old Easter cards and write your menu on the back of them or use them as place cards, for a pretty, seasonal and sustainable touch. ‘I really like doing menu cards as then your guests have the anticipation then the realization moment,’ shares Lucinda. ‘And I can’t bear to throw away glass jars, so I’ll fill them with miniature eggs or pop a scrap of vintage fabric over the top and a brown paper name tag tied around it.’
7. Add the finishing touches
‘I keep a special box for all of my Easter bits and pieces, including decorations and cards and it’s always lovely to unpack them and have everything in one place. I like to scatter a mix of different things around, that have Easter, egg or spring themes and they just light up the table.’
A gallery of Lucinda's divine design details
Shop this joyful look
Whether you're hosting an Easter lunch, a spring family supper, or simply gathering friends to enjoy the season in style, a beautifully layered table sets the tone. Lucinda shows how just a few thoughtful details – fresh flowers, playful color, and personal touches – allow you to create a setting that is joyful and uplifting. How do you decorate your table for spring hosting? Tell us in the comments.
