Well, the State Fair Tablescape Competition Judging has begun! (Or maybe it begins tomorrow. Anyway, the setup is complete as of 44 minutes ago.) I just got back from the capital where I and 19 or so of my fellow Oregon tablescapers labored over our tables to get them just exactly – beautifully – right. And beautiful they were! I think the tables get more and more amazing every year.
The State Fair Tablescape Competition Judging
If you’re just joining us here in the Mantel and Table Tablescape Competition section of the website, you can get a little background and information on the sport from previous posts I’ve written about it. State Fair Tablescape Competition #1 – Planning, State Fair Tablescape Competition #2 – Setup, State Fair Tablescape Competition #3 – 2019 Reveal, and How do you win a really fabulous prize at the table setting competition?
This year’s preparation was particularly interesting, and I’ll go into more detail about that in another post. But tonight, I want to share one of the important, but rarely discussed, aspects of the preparation. That is, “What will the judges think of my table?”
Taking Tablescape Chances
I went out on several limbs with my table this year, and went with some things that might not have clear cut judging results. I made some decisions based solely on my own preference, and some based on how I thought the tablescape competition judging would go.
So in this post, I’d like to break down all the areas I’m specifically curious about. I’ll take you on a little journey through my decision process. And when the competition’s over, I’ll share how those areas speced out with the judges. (Or judge. We never know who or how many they are.)
I know I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating: I don’t do the tablescape competition to win. I do it for the fun and the inspiration and the community. But we all would like to win, so “what are the judges going to think” is always in the back of our minds.
Round table
The first thing I did to suit myself this year, was to make my table round. The theme for the formal category was Birthday Luncheon. I’ve had tea parties on my mind for a while now, so I thought I’d have a Tea Party as my sub-theme. Plus, I’d always wanted some of these April Cornell table linens, and a round table suited them exactly.
Which brings me to my first tablescape competition judging question. The rules say that each piece in the place setting has to be one inch from the edge of the table. Also, though the rules don’t mention this, it’s pretty standard that the bottom of the plate and the bottom of the silver sit level on a straight imaginary line. With my round table, only one of those scenarios can happen.
Either the pieces are all one inch from the edge, or the pieces are all on the same line. I went with them all being one inch from the edge, since that was the option specifically called out in the rules. I have to admit, it bugged me a little bit to have the place setting curve like that. But I managed to reconcile myself to it! And since the menu obscures the bottom of the plate, the curvature won’t be that noticeable anyway. I’m hoping the roundness of the place setting won’t be a problem for the judges.
Different china patterns
It’s kind of a long story how I ended up using the Wedgwood blue with my pink linens. But ultimately, I didn’t have – and seriously couldn’t justify buying – enough Wedgwood for a tea set and two place settings. I do have a Wedgwood teapot, but not the creamer and sugar bowl. And I didn’t think having different patterns in the actual tea set would be that great. But I was sold on the blue and pink color combination, and I really wanted that tiered tray!
So I just got two luncheon plates to match it, and used my white china for the tea set and remaining plates. I’ve seen tables where mixing china was marked down, and I’ve also seen some where it’s fine. So I’m curious what this year’s judges will think of that.
Serving pieces
Usually, the tablescape competition judging does not include serving pieces. We just set the place settings, and only very rarely include food either. (Fake food, of course. No real food, liquids, or flowers are allowed.) But since my table was for a tea party, I thought it would be proper to have the tea set on there. And of course, my tiered tray.
So since I had some serving pieces on the table, should I put the rest of them on too? I went back and forth and back and forth, but finally decided to go all in. I added the little plate for lemon wedges, and the little bowls for clotted cream and lemon curd. And the appropriate spoons and tongs. It did make the table a little more crowded. But I think it’s better than having just some of the pieces and not others.
Dessert plates
The Table Decorating Handbook doesn’t say anything about where to put dessert plates. And of course at a real luncheon, they would probably not be on the table at all, but brought in with the dessert course. However, I did get marked down one year for not having them. Last year I emailed the organizers, and they confirmed that the dessert plates didn’t need to be on the table.
But this year’s rules didn’t reflect that clarification, and I never got around to asking again. Plus, the cake was already there, and obviously wouldn’t be “brought in later.” So, I went ahead and added the dessert plates too! The downside is that they take up a lot of real estate and are kind of boring in their flat round whiteness.
Place cards and Tablescape Competition Judging
Adding the dessert plates also meant that I had to move the place cards to the side. If the tablescape competition judging is following the rule book to the letter, the place cards shoud be directly above the plates. I won first place one year with offset place cards, but you just never know!
Honestly, trying to second guess the judges is a crazy-making game. But it kind of adds to the fun for me, and I can’t wait to see how each of my “areas of concern” are treated.
I’ll probably have my answers by the next time we meet, so I’ll plan to update this post with the judges’ remarks. Be sure to stop back by and see how it all turned out!
In the meantime, leave me a comment and let me know what you think of the table and my possibly questionable decisions!
Update with the results!
Well, the results are in! Check out The Very Surprising Results of the 2023 Tablescape Competition.
Oh Barbara , you know these competition tablescapes are my favorite posts! Ginger & Fred remain my
Blue Ribbon winner .( even though that beautiful table didn’t receive the Blue ) it should have .
I’m sending you photos of the 25 th Anniversary China that a collect and you can share it with the lovelies who
follow and love your blog as much as I do !
Now how will I get the perfect china to you , sounds like the long awaited trip to the Rose city needs to happen
this year !!
Say Hi to Ropin Rosie for me , the whole state of Montana smells like hay as we are haying from sun up to after
midnight …that’s the Queens “we” this princess doesn’t hay anymore HaHaHa she tablescapes 😂😊
HA! Good for you Princess! I can only imagine you’ve paid your hay dues! So glad you like the tablescape compeitions! I can’t wait to see your anniversary china pictures, and yes you should definitely make a trip out here very soon. Ropin Rosie says Hi back, and asks you to remember her to her ranch friends! So sweet of you to visit – I always love to hear from you!!
My opinion is the pink floral tablecloth overpowered the delicate pale blue Wedgewood. Also, the pink floral arrangement was too dominant. A solid white or brocade white cloth would have let the Wedgewood be the star of the table.
Thanks Pamela – I love to get different takes on my tablescapes. I’ll definitely set some more with the Wedgwood and try out your suggestions. So many beautiful options. So glad you stopped by and left a comment. Hope you have a great week!
I wish our fair had such a fun competition. Good luck, your table is gorgeous. Our garden club has a flower show that included a table setting competition every other year. This the year so YAH.
Hi Pamel – thanks! Your garden club flower show tables sound fun! HAre you going to do one this year? I’d love to see pictures – it’s always great to get ideas from other tablescapers. 😊 Thanks so much for stopping by, and Happy Tuesday!
I am in the process of doing the same things that you talk about here in your post and that I am preparing for a competition at our local county fair. So many variables and like you say one time the place cards were offset but they should be in the middle and you still won. You just never know. When I was showing horses we used to keep a card library on judges that we would show in front of and what they liked and what they didn’t like. If we knew who are judges were going to be, we could all start card libraries on tablescaping judges and no a little more in the prep. What to expect and what to plan for. Can’t wait to hear how you did and how your questions got answered
How fun that you’re another competitive table setter, Marilyn! So you know all about this! Keeping the card library is brilliant! I wish we could know who our judges are, and that they would stay the same from year to year. Just like we set tables to please our guests, we should be able to set tables in the competition to please our judges! 🤣 ANYway, I can’t wait to see what they think of it all, too. Good luck on your own county fair!! Send over a picture if you have a minute – I’d love to see!
A Tablescape competition?! What a BRILLIANT idea! And what great fun. I would love to attend such a thing. Your table is beautiful! You should be proud. The tablecloth is gorgeous, and I love the blue three tiered tray.Everything looks magazine worthy.
Isn’t that crazy?! Whoever thought of that? But I guess there’s a competition for just about everything! Maybe your state or county has one too. 😊 So glad you like this year’s entry. Thanks so much for popping by!
I’ve never been to a table setting contest (or a state fair for that matter) but I’m intrigued by your posts about your experience and love hearing about your design process. I think you’ve got a winning table! Fingers crossed for you!
Thanks Sandra – I’ve been crossing my fingers too! 😊 I’ll report back on how it goes! Thanks so much for stopping over, and Happy Weekend!
Its’ a beautiful table Barbara – no matter what the judges think!! But of course I hope you win too. I love your pink and blue color theme. The blue Wedgewood is gorgeous and the AC linens are perfect for your table. And those teapot place card holders are absolutely adorable. I don’t think you made any questionable decisions here and I hope the judges love it for the beautiful table that it is. Good luck my friend and I’ll be cheering for you!
Ha- thanks Kim – you’re a great cheerleader! 🙂 Aren’t those little place card holders darling? Thanks for the vote of confidence – can’t wait to see what they think!
Was so looking forward to your ‘reveal’ for this year’s State Fair competition. Absolutely beautiful. Love the tablecloth, the adorable teapot placecard holders and going with a round table. The flowers look great in the wine bucket – how creative is that. Can’t wait to hear all about it. A bit busier table makes for much better pictures for sure. Wishing you luck.
Thanks so much Janice! It’s always so fun to so how it all comes out. Results soon! 😊
Stunning as always. We”re planning on going to the fair and I’ll be sure to swing by the table settings.
Yaay! Can’t wait to hear what you think of the table in real life, and you’ll love everybody else’s tables too – they’re all really great this year! Thanks for stopping by, Holly!
So pretty, my friend. I love the wedgewood and pink table linens. The place are oh, so, pretty and tie everything together beautifully. Crossing my fingers for a first place ribbon.
Ha – thanks! I’ll take all the finger crossing I can get – the competition is particularly stiff this year! Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you’re doing well and staying cool out there!
Your table looks beautiful Barbara! The Wedgewood tiered tray really pops and draws you right in~ I also love the cake and how the flowers match the pretty linens and placecards. What fun to be able to participate in this contest every year, but I would struggle with all those rules! I like to set non traditional tables and usually break a lot of rules 🙂 The round table is perfect for your birthday tea party for 2, I can’t wait to hear how it all turns out!
Ha – Jenna you are not alone with the more casual table setting! Our fair has 4 or 5 categories, and only one of them has all these rules! Most people just like to set their tables the way they want – the way we do in real life! 😊 I’ll try to get pictures of some of the other tables too, so you can see how creative people are with their entries. Thanks so much for popping over – it’s always so nice to see you!
Oh, your table is amazing ! I love the different patterns, and the tea pot place cards are so cute. I love to decorate a table, and many years ago won for table setting at a cooking contest. Since then I love to “fuss” with my table whenever we have guests. I can’t wait to hear the results ! Good Luck !
Oh that’s great that you won for your table setting Ann! Fussing is so fun, isn’t it?! I can’t wait for the results either, and to share them with you. I know you guys will celebrate or commiserate with me! 😊 Hopping over to Our New Vista now!
I thought your table was stunning, Barbara. The blue of the Wedgewood is a perfect foil for the pink in the tablecloth and gives the eye a break. The plain white dishes are restful and allow the patterning in the beautiful tablecloth to shine. I don’t think the serving pieces should detract from the setting. You need them to make the setting authentic. You did a great job. It will be interesting to see the judges’ comments. Best of luck!
Lynne
Thanks so much Lynne! Your comments are validating! 🙂 I probably could have titled this post “The process of overthinking!” But what the heck, it’s fun to try to figure out what’ll do well and what won’t. 🙂 We’ll see what we get! Hope you have a lovely week till next time!
Oh my gosh Barbara! This is so fun.I wish we had such opportunities to showcase our tablescapes where I live! Your table is truly a delightful setting to celebrate a birthday luncheon. I personally really like the mix of the Wedgewood with the floral linens. Love how you thought outside the box and went with a round table! Can’t wait to here what the judges thought!
I know – I think every county and state fair should have a tablescape division! 🙂 It was almost an accident that I put the Wedgwood on the tablecloth in the first place, but I’m glad I did. These next few days are so hard to wait through, but I’ll update you when we get the results. Have fun in the meantime!
I am so delighted with this! When we lived in San Diego, the annual San Diego County Fair was HUGE! It ran for a full month, with hundreds of thousands attending. My favorite place to go was the ‘Home Arts’ section filled with sewing projects, knitting, quilting, etc, AND the table setting contest. I absolutely loved it and looked forward to it.
Moving here to NE IN, the county fairs are tiny. So we ventured out to the Indiana State Fair, fingers crossed, hoping to find the same level of beauty in the ‘Home Arts’. No such luck. And then your post shows up! I am thrilled and delighted to read your post about the table setting contest. (Sorry for the super long intro!) I love your table, and it is so interesting to realize all the tiny details included in the rules & regs, and how you made decisions on which direction to take. Your table is simply stunning, and those tiny teapot name place holders are TOO adorable! Thank you for the lift in my heart! I cannot wait for your future posts!
Oh I bet you miss your big fair Kristine. They’re so much fun to cap the unofficial end of summer. I’ve noticed the tables getting more creative and traditional at our fair in the last couple years – maybe yours will do better next year. Thanks so much for stopping over – I’m off to see what you’re up to next!
I love the table setting especially as it is Wedgwood Blue which I grew up with at my Grandmum’s house. The Wedgwood tiered server is so pretty and being round fits in great with the table shape.
Here’s wishes for you to win and Good Luck!!!
Hi Pam! I have wonderful Wedgwood memories of my grandma too! 🙂 So glad you like the table. I can’t wait to see what the judges think too. Hope you have a great day out there!