Registry Style Inspo: How to Ace Tablescapes

We're willing to bet that wedding planning has taught you a thing or two about place settings… And while your wedding color palette will always have a special place in your heart, it might not be the vibe you're going for on a daily basis. So when you think about the not-so-distant future after "I do," what kind of aesthetic do you envision? Creating a registry is your opportunity to develop your style as a couple, especially when it comes to entertaining and the types of events you might want to host—or avoid hosting. Whether you're the cozy, barefoot host or the type to pull out all the stops, we've got tablescape inspo and tips for every kind of get-together.

1. Bright & Bold Brunch

When it comes to brunch, your tablescape should be an extension of the vibe you're channeling. For a casual, fun gathering, decorative vases, whimsical drink stirrers and textured glasses are an easy way to add some personality to your table. Incorporate seasonal elements (like fresh fruit and wildflowers) with bold patterns and colorful accents to create a playful, vibrant setting. Just make sure your arrangements are low enough that your guests are still able to converse with ease.

Get the look: 1. Corda Rope Vase, $399.95; 2. Rhodes Blue Studded Glasses, from $8.95; 3. Lemon Stem, $29.95; 4. Lemon Glass Stirrers, $24.95; 5. Marin Olive Yellow Linen Napkin, from $11.95; 6. Craft Tabletop Collection, from $5.95

2. Modern Cocktail Party

When hosting friends for cocktails and light bites, it's all about elevated comfort. The key to pulling off this subtly elegant aesthetic? Mixing and matching colored dinnerware with subtle geometric prints and textures like ribbed glassware to create a sophisticated yet relaxed feel. If you don't want to play bartender all night, make a couple of different big-batch cocktails in advance so guests can help themselves.

Get the look: 1. Beaded Tapered Chrome Candlesticks, from $39.95 & 12" White Tapered Candles, $6.95; 2. Marin Light Blue Linen Napkin, from $11.95; 3. Moxie Coupe, from $10.36; 4. Atwell Stackable Blue Ribbed Glasses Indigo, from $5.95; 5. Daisy Glass Stirrers, $24.95; 6. Chilewich Chase Optic White Placemat, $20

3. Backyard Chill & Grill

For a laid-back barbecue that's still polished and pulled together, it's all about bringing the alfresco California atmosphere to your backyard. Think: a light and bright color palette, natural wood accents and a bowl of fresh-picked citrus. Let your menu inform the design of your table—if you'll be eating family style, make sure you're set up with platters, tongs and serving spoons as opposed to lots of little individual plates and bowls.

Get the look: 1. Linen Eyelet Fringe Natural Table Runner, $79.95; 2. Linen Eyelet Fringe Warm Plum Napkin, $12.95; 3. Dune Wine Coaster, $29.95; 4. Gaby Dalkin Dinnerware Collection, from $8.95; 5. Sabre Ivory 5-Piece Flatware Set, $80; 6. Calistoga Wooden Bowl with Handle, $29.95

4. Cozy Dinner Party

When you plan to keep things on the intimate side, you want your guests to feel at home. Set the tone with stoneware dishes, vintage-inspired glasses and matching classic cookware. For the main course, let your dishes do the talking. Oven-to-table cookware, like a Dutch oven or braiser, brings a fun pop of color. The best part? It will take less time to set the table when some of your items (like that Dutch oven) can double as serveware.

Get the look: 1. Hayes Black Marble Board, $29.95; 2. Ema Small White Ceramic Vase, $24.95; 3. Le Creuset Cookware & Kitchen Accessories, from $17.95; 4. Megs Black Taper Candle Holders, from $18.36; 5. Hip Drinkware, from $7.95; 6. Craft Tabletop Collection, from $5.95

5. Outdoor Summer Soiree

Take your standard backyard BBQ to the next level once it's warm enough! Channel an outdoorsy vibe with a neutral, earthy palette and textural details like woven placemats, travertine napkin rings, flax table linens and wooden serveware. Pro tip: For an elevated look, start by setting the table with a proper tablecloth. Finish your table off with fresh herbs and branches or flowers for a natural pop of color. Et voilà!

Get the look: 1. Wood and Marble Salad Servers, $39.95; 2. Staub Sesame 5.5-Qt. Cocotte, $399.95; 3. Marin Warm Natural Oversized Linen Tablecloth, $199.95; 4. Hudson Natural Napkin, from $13.95 & Travertine Napkin Rings, $6.95; 5. Sabre Ivory 5-Piece Flatware Set, $80; 6. Antiguo Terracotta Vase, $49.95

6. Everyday Dinner, Elevated

Even if it's just the two of you, it doesn't mean every night has to be the same old song and dance! Try spicing things up by upgrading your daily flatware and dishes, for starters. Sleek gold-toned cutlery and minimalist stoneware offer a modern look that's still durable enough for everyday use. Simple additions like a linen tablecloth and acacia wood serveware keep things classic and cozy for a night in.

Get the look: 1. Marin White Oversized Linen Tablecloth, $199.95; 2. Marin Natural Linen Napkin, $11.95; 3. Craft Tabletop Collection, from $5.95; 4. Mercer Champagne 5-Piece Flatware Set, $74.95; 5. Bodega 7-Oz. Glass, $2.95; 6. Tondo Serveware, from $4.95

7. Tasteful Thanksgiving

There's no better time for seasonal touches than around the holidays, but this sophisticated tablescape is a far cry from your niece's homemade turkey decor. Bring on a touch of the unexpected (that still feels appropriately autumnal) with a chic print like this charming Buffalo plaid. Balance your festive pieces with minimalist accents like dried flowers, ebony chargers and moody candelabras. Remember: When in doubt, plan for one-third of your table accessories to be holiday-themed, and you can't go wrong.

Get the look: 1. Marin White Recycled Stoneware Dinnerware, from $10.36; 2. Sabre Tortoiseshell 5-Piece Flatware Set, $105; 3. Carson Ebonized Wood Charger, $24.95; 4. Marin Artisanal Tabletop Linens, from $7.99; 5. French 10-Oz. Wine Glass, $8.95; 6. Candelabra, from $39.95

8. Chic Holiday Hosting

Taking over hosting duties for the winter holidays is no small feat, especially when it comes to all that decor. Layer garlands or fresh greenery to create a runner, and disperse translucent glass candlesticks of alternating heights for a touch of twinkle. (Pro tip: Fragrant candles have their place, but on a dinner table they can confuse the senses. Rose-scented steak, anyone? No, thanks!) Finish your look with crisp white porcelain dishes, gilded flatware and subtly textured napkins for an elegant spin on holiday tradition.

Get the look: 1. Cortland 5-Piece Champagne Flatware Set, $64.95; 2. Marin White Oversized Tablecloth, $199.95; 3. Schott Zwiesel Champagne Glass, $15.95; 4. Marin Natural Linen Napkin, $11.95; 5. Milano Glass Taper Candle Holders, from $19.95; 6. Tour Tabletop Collection, from $8.95

Each of these picks has serious staying power, so you can remix them year after year for a fresh, new look. The best part? You can register for them all at Crate & Barrel.