How to style your dinner table, according to Lora Fonacier

Lora Fonacier welcomes us to her beautifully styled table display, featuring vibrant colours and feminine florals

A mother and a wife, Lora Fonacier finds plenty of joy in her home—in particular, her dining room, where an impressive tablescape is nothing out of the ordinary. While most people are accustomed to pulling all the stops only on special occasions, Fonacier has found joy in styling her table almost every day.

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Her Instagram account—aptly named Lora to her beautifully styled table, Sets the Table—documents her creativity as she plays around with textures, shapes, colours and patterns. “I grew up with an appreciation colours and feminine florals for well-appointed and inviting spaces because the women in my family, despite their varying styles, were very intentional about decorating their homes and hosting gatherings,” Fonacier shares. “[Setting the table] easily became my favourite domestic activity in adulthood; [it also] became a respite from [adulthood’s] inevitable stresses. Decorating and styling the home and table are such sources of joy!”

Above A portrait of Lora Fonacier

Above Quirky accessories and plates adorn the Fonacier’s table

A portrait of Lora Fonacier

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This vibrant zest for life is apparent even on Fonacier’s social media profiles. On it, one is greeted with a kaleidoscope of colour: from the purple and pink geometric plate she put out in support of the Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan tandem to an anthurium- shaped flower bowl paired with a green, leaf-shaped plate. “The myriad colours, patterns and textures in which I immerse myself at our garden are overwhelmingly inspiring,” she says. “My love for colour and my adventurous streak in combining them is just further emboldened when I observe gorgeous flora and fauna, especially in a tropical country like ours!”

There is also plenty of enthusiasm during the holidays. Fonacier is no stranger to elegant poinsettias, red and green goblets, and even mistletoe-themed linens. The ambience of the table only serves to enhance Christmas dinners and quality time with loved ones. It’s no surprise then that Fonacier deems herself as something of a sentimentalist. “When I put together tables or gatherings to celebrate a loved one, I either involve them in the process or make an effort to personalise elements that go into the table and the space,” she shares. “My love for vintage tableware comes from a place of nostalgia as well. I find myself reaching for pieces that were passed on from beloved family members or gifted by friends because so much inspiration comes from the emotions attached to them.”

Above Fonacier is heavily inspired by nature

Above delightful setup that embodies the lightheartedness of spring

Fonacier is heavily inspired by nature

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In fact, among her varied collection of tableware, the ones she loves the most are those she inherited from her grandmother. She often brings these out when family—many of whom live abroad—visit the Philippines. During this time, a grand reunion ensues, one that Fonacier is more than happy to host. “A bountiful Filipino feast served on gorgeous Filipino tableware is the best welcome,” she smiles.

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In that way, emotions play a huge part in how Fonacier entertains at home. “I’ve always thought of decorating and entertaining as a way to evoke the most pleasant emotions from all the loved ones who experience our home and our table,” she notes. “More than just creating beautiful visuals, I believe creating a backdrop for the warmest memories takes some sensory layering.” Bettering even some professionals in the styling scene, Fonacier shares some tips on how to recreate this dream tablescape in every home. As she’s mentioned, it’s all about tickling the senses. “We begin with what the eye can see, incorporate textures for a tactile experience, perfume the air with a lovely scent, and experience them all simultaneously to a melodious soundtrack. I suppose this is my best tip: to know why you do it, and for whom.”

Above A floral tablescape by Lora Fonacier

A floral tablescape by Lora Fonacier

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For Fonacier, a good arsenal includes a quality set of basic tableware that can be used as they are or become the foundation for more daring mixing and matching. Low vessels can be good for displaying flowers or foliage, and a mix of votive or candleholders is necessary for ambient lighting. “For scentless candles only,” Fonacier reminds us.

“There is nothing like vintage china, but the next best thing is finding modern classics when I shop,” she adds. Fortunately, the local homeware scene has grown quite well in the last few years. In her home, one will find well-curated items from brands such as Statement Theory and Russian’s. “I have also become quite the collector of Casa Juan and Liwayway’s Philippine-made and Filipino-designed tableware,” Fonacier shares. “Aranaz has branched out from fashion accessories to tropical decor that I love using to accessorise my tables. I also go crazy for linens! Likhang Balai’s weaves and Maynila Style’s embroidered napkins are definite favourites.”

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