How To Set a Table That Brings People Together, with Steve Cordony
A table is more than just a place to eat. It’s where stories unfold, laughter echoes, and memories are made. For designer Steve Cordony, crafting a tablescape is an art form; an invitation and a way to create a stage where connection and celebration come naturally.
Following our New Zealand Wonderscape event at our Central Otago vineyard, we sat down with Steve as he shared his favourite tips for creating tablescapes that bring people together and elevate every gathering.
"I always start with a concept or story that I want to unfold during the event.”
Steve’s approach to hosting begins well before guests arrive
Every gathering starts with a concept or story, a spark that guides every choice. It could be a seasonal colour palette, a curated playlist that sets the mood, or a hero ingredient sourced locally. These initial ideas shape the experience, influencing everything from flowers and tableware to lighting and linen.
By building a tablescape around a clear narrative thread, Steve crafts experiences that feel grounded, authentic, and deeply personal. It’s this intentional layering of detail that transforms a simple meal into something memorable.
Steve’s love of entertaining began at home. His mother’s talent for setting the table – mixing dinnerware, arranging fresh flowers, and lighting candles – made every meal feel special. Today, he carries those lessons forward, infusing each tablescape with his interior design sensibility and a sense of theatrical flair.
By building a tablescape around a clear narrative thread, Steve crafts experiences that feel grounded, authentic, and deeply personal. It’s this intentional layering of detail that transforms a simple meal into something memorable.
Steve’s love of entertaining began at home. His mother’s talent for setting the table – mixing dinnerware, arranging fresh flowers, and lighting candles – made every meal feel special. Today, he carries those lessons forward, infusing each tablescape with his interior design sensibility and a sense of theatrical flair.
“Nature informs everything, from the florals to the palette and setting.”
Nature is Steve’s greatest inspiration. Whether it’s the greenery of native plants or the soft hues of coastal light, the outdoors inform the palette and textures he brings inside. His tablescapes often feel like an extension of the landscape; elegant but earthy, polished but never pretentious.
A well-designed table encourages guests to relax, share, and linger. For Steve, this begins with simple rituals that create a sense of ease and bring people together.
Small hosting rituals can make a big impact – whether that’s encouraging guests to kick off their shoes outside on the grass, or serving starters in a separate room to create movement and surprise. Place cards can add a personal touch and gently guide guests into enjoyable conversations.
Steve’s favourite ways to create a beautiful experience aren’t fussy or overcomplicated:
- Start with a white canvas: A crisp linen tablecloth and white dinnerware form the perfect base. Add greenery and soft candlelight for instant elegance.
- Layer in the senses: Think texture, scent, and sound. Soft linen napkins, fresh florals, and a curated playlist.
- Add a personal touch: Include one unexpected detail, like a handwritten note.
“The right lighting makes people feel at ease. The right scent invites them to stay.”
No gathering is complete without something in the glass. Steve’s pick? Cloudy Bay Pelorus, served with seafood, crudités, and canapés.
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Pelorus
Pelorus is the definitive New Zealand sparkling wine, and has been since 1987.
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“I hope my guests feel like they’ve just experienced a theatre show, with different acts and intervals.”
For Steve it’s not just about setting a table, it’s about curating a moment. His dream dinner? A long table on a stunning beach with Oprah, Beyonce, Tom Ford, and his closest friends and family. Extravagant, yes, but also rooted in what matters most: good wine, great conversation, and moments best served together.
In the end, it’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. A table thoughtfully arranged, a wine generously poured, and the simple joy of gathering with friends or family.
Because good times, like Cloudy Bay, are best served together.