I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

So I had no clue what tablescaping was nor did I know who Bugsy Drake was. But, I am an adventurous reader and I got curious. So here I am. And I learned a lot of fun new things to decorate a table, should I want that. For now, with COVID, the answer is no because we can only have 1 visitor around (I wonder if by the time this review comes up in May (it is late March now) things have changed, I hope so). But maybe when things are better I can try my hand at tablescaping with whatever I have in the house.

Tablescaping I found out is just a fancy way of saying setting the table. Haha, well, OK, it is fancy setting the table, but you get the idea. In this book we learn all the basics plus more about how to set a table. With various sections and various questions that one need to remember when you set a table. It was all very interesting to read and I loved that it wasn’t all fancy and chic. Instead you can also just set tables with whatever you have lying around in house. Vases, food, fruit, whatever else. And that made me happy, because when I started reading the introduction I thought for sure this was going to be fancy and expensive. Now a whole world opens to me. I learned so so much while reading this one. New words, new terms for things. I love it! I had so much fun reading and learning and soaking up all the information. However, I do have to say that I guess I will eventually run out of ideas. I may buy an item or so extra once in a long while, but I am trying to not clutter my house with stuff I barely use. During this COVID time and when I moved 2 years ago I really got rid of a ton of items and I am not planning on adding a lot of things back. Why would I buy a skull when I only use it once? Or why buy fancy plates when I only use them a few times? I just don’t have the space for it all, plus again, clutter no thank you.

The first part of the book is all about how to set the table, hints, tips, and everything you may want to know about tablescaping. Each part is about another part of tablescaping. From decorations to centerpieces to completing the table and making it all come together.
The second part is all about inspiration! With several themes from Glam to Elegant and how she made them, what to drink, some music ideas, and more. I really loved this part and loved seeing some more of Bugsy’s amazing tablescapes.

I also love that we learn some folds for napkins. I am not sure if I am going to be remembering those, I just don’t have any napkins in my home (we never use them) to try things out. But I still appreciate they are added and that we even get some tips on how to make sure the fold holds (starch everyone, starch). Also DANG that lotus fold. That is just too gorgeous! I wouldn’t even be able to use a napkin then. Haha.

I liked the additional “Bugsy on Board” pieces scattered throughout the book. They were tons of fun to read.

The photographs are really pretty and it made me want to step into the book and just sit at the table!

All in all, I enjoyed this book and I learned a lot of new things, got new tips, and I am feeling quite creative. I would recommend it!