Authentic American culture has always been a mix of many cultures and styles. Every nationality brought something unique, especially when it comes to everyday life. People who came from Europe, Asia, Latin America, and other regions brought their customs, their cooking, and their own style of decorating.
As a result, American table traditions evolved from a beautiful mix of influences-creating a bold and distinctive style that reflects its multicultural roots. That’s the spirit we’re celebrating today.
American Eclectic Vibes: A Little Bit of Everything, From Everywhere
According to design historians, eclectic style has always had a strong presence in the U.S., a timeless favorite that never really went out of kind. Rooted in that rich mix of influences, American table aesthetics evolved into something truly its own, with hints of country, Scandinavian minimalism, retro flair, and beyond.
You’ll often find country-style coziness mixed with clean Scandi lines, retro vibes, and even colorful ethnic prints all in one space. Sure, it might sound like a design disaster, but with the right approach, it looks amazing. But when curated with taste and intention, it becomes something extraordinary, a layered composition where each contrasting element finds its place.
When it comes to table settings, they’ve taken on details from all kinds of fashions.
We spoke with luxury decor experts from MDMAISON, and they shared the key features that define the American modern eclectic style:
Country Chic
Handmade-looking ceramics, straightforward shapes, and rustic jars bring the feeling of a countryside home to your table. A few key names to know: Vietri for beautifully handmade ceramics from Italy, Côte Table for elegant French country dinnerware and glass, and Mason Cash for timeless English cottage charm.
Scandi Minimalism
Plain linens and sleek, undecorated dishes keep things feeling calm and help balance out bolder pieces. Manufacturers that create this kind of design include: Iittala (Finland), Stelton (Denmark), and Muuto-known for modern Nordic style.
Retro & Mid-Century
These styles show up through ’50s diner-inspired dinnerware, tinted glass from the ’70s, and vintage porcelain pieces that bring a lovely touch of nostalgia. Some beloved names in the world of tableware: Fiesta Dinnerware, with its joyful retro energy; Dansk, a pure expression of mid-century modernism; and Rörstrand, Sweden’s legendary maker of timeless and storied ceramics.
Boho Ethnic Style
You’ll find Eastern patterns on plates, Moroccan glasses, and colorful Mexican ceramics-all adding richness and personality to the table. Great examples of unique tableware include Casa Cubista’s hand-thrown ceramics from Portugal, Serax’s globally inspired Belgian collections, and Xenia Taler’s fun, boho-style plates.
Contemporary Industrial Loft
This style leans on raw elements, metal candleholders, rugged wood pieces, and upcycled tin cans turned into vases, for a touch of urban New York chic. When it comes to classic design, standout names include Revol (France), Salt & Pepper (Australia), and the beautifully crafted collections of LSA International.
How Americans Are Styling Their Tables
It would be a mistake to overlook the influence of other specific styles that are often featured in the interiors of American residences, luxury hotels, yachts, and private jets. Yet the comeback of eclecticism remains a constant-an ever-evolving thread that continues to shape design in meaningful ways. More and more, people are ditching the “one-set” table and mixing things up-blending grandma’s porcelain with sleek underplates or setting colorful modern glassware next to artisanal cutlery.
The result? Super inspiring and totally impressive! Mismatched plates, once a style no-no, now speak of a confident, elevated aesthetic-one that fits just as beautifully on your terrace as it does in a villa or on a yacht.
We identified 6 foundational elements that shape a true eclectic tablescape. If you’re aiming for a well-balanced and visually harmonious mix, these are worth considering:
- Go for unique or designer plates. Mixing different shapes and prints is a fun way to make the table feel fresh and personal. Mix in a vintage serving dish, a sculptural Limoges porcelain plate, or earthy hand-crafted ceramics to create that perfectly eclectic table vibe. Mixing and matching is super trendy these days, and no one’s confused by it anymore. For inspiration, check out pieces from Bernardaud, Ginori 1735, Villeroy & Boch, or Hering Berlin.
- Flatware in different styles and materials. For a fresh look, try mixing pieces from different sets and even different metals. Your primary utensils could be contemporary-think Mood Egg by Christofle-while the dessert flatware adds a touch of tradition, like the intricately designed Ercuis Du Barry in silver plate.
- One-of-a-kind glassware and cool bar pieces. Here’s your chance to have a little fun. Try crystal flutes-or even extra-fine flutissimos-for serving sparkling wine. Baccarat has some stunning options. When serving cocktails or even just water, colorful glassware, like Helle Mardahl Studio’s dreamy pieces, adds a fun touch. For whiskey or cognac, go for weighty Bohemian crystal tumblers from Artel with hand-cut detailing.
- Striking accents and vibrant design elements. A thoughtfully mixed American tablescape loves a splash of color, patterned fabric napkins, rainbow candles, unexpected napkin rings, fresh flowers, or even a pile of citrus for that extra flair. For example, Americans love adding seasonal touches-like decorating Thanksgiving centerpieces with pumpkins or using pine branches and candy canes at Christmas.
- Playing with contrasting textures. Another popular (and super effective) trick is using texture contrast. The feel of smooth versus rough, glossy versus matte adds richness, whether it’s in your plates, glasses, cutlery, or fabrics. Glossy or matte, smooth or textured-have fun with it! Porcelain next to wood, stainless steel beside glass, ceramic paired with silver, designers say: the bolder the blend, the better the result.
- Vintage finds and personal touches. More than any trend, what defines modern American eclectic style is soul, your story, your objects, your fingerprints on the table. Antique trinkets, cherished heirlooms, delicate porcelain figurines, or souvenir plates from your travels-all of these can seamlessly become part of your tablescape, creating visually stunning moments.
Parting Advice to Keep in Mind
With a thoughtful approach, you can combine a wide range of pieces without falling into visual clutter. Eclectic style thrives on breaking tradition, but always with a strong sense of balance and harmony.
If you’re asking yourself where to source these distinctive, high-quality pieces for an eclectic tablescape, rest assured, you have two excellent paths to explore.
Option 1: go on a personal hunt. There are countless online shops and curated platforms offering one-of-a-kind, creative pieces for table styling.
Option 2: or, you can team up with professionals who’ll help design an eclectic table setup for you, and handpick the most unique, exclusive pieces delivered right to your door.
