When decorating, homeowners, whether they know it or not, partake of centuries of tradition in creating a tablescape, many of which have been painted by masterful artists. The organization of decorative elements on top of a table, console or chest of drawers is an art on its own. This is a great and inexpensive way to freshen up your rooms.

Tablescaping is not just for one style of decorating. The approach you take to your grouping should be in sync with your style of decor. This means a more sparse arrangement may be the way to go with a contemporary interior, while a more clustered grouping may feel more at home in a traditional setting.

Of course, tablescaping needn't be still. This is one aspect of decorating that can be ever changing, even with the items you already own. You might even change your arrangements every time you dust. When grouping accessories, everyday items such as vases, bowls, lamps and books can and should be used. These ordinary items add interest and become the finishing touch to any room. Tablescapes offer an opportunity to personalize your interiors. They are also the perfect location for special items, such as objet d'art, a coveted heirloom or a memento from an important occasion.

Clustering your accessories will allow you to explore your creativity and show your own style. Clustering doesn't mean cluttering. A careful editing will be necessary in order to achieve a decorative look that isn't messy. Don't be afraid to move things around from room to room. An arrangement in an unexpected location can prove to be a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Just like a painting, your tablescape should provide a variety of textures, colors, shapes and sizes. Integrating these elements will allow you to compose groupings that are visually appealing and add that special flair to your tabletop.

A feeling of unity is the goal with tabletop accessories. A unifying color may be a solution for some, while another approach might be using a bold color for one item. Another concept to consider when arranging your tabletop is the use of pairs — for example, a pair of candleholders or a pair of prints on easels. Then balance the arrangement with a few unique individual items. Also, pairs don't have to be the exact item, of the exact size. Feel free to pair a couple of different items as long as they are similar.

Floral arrangements, a bowl of fruit or a basket of vegetables can be included in your tablescaping. These items make your tabletops come to life and always add a splash of color. You can also use seasonal plants and flowers to make your decor adapt to holidays without the need for much redecorating. Best of all is that tablescaping can be accomplished without an incredible investment of time. So get to work and turn your coffee table, entry hall console or hutch into a work of art.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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