Lemons, Linens, and Layers: A Designer’s Approach to Beautiful Tablescapes
Step into the home of interior designer Emily Wolowitz, and you’re immediately greeted with warmth, elegance, and an effortless sense of style. Known for her ability to curate spaces that feel both collected and comfortable, Emily brings the same thoughtful approach to her tabletop design as she does to an entire room. For her, the dining table is more than just a place to share a meal—it’s a canvas for creativity, personality, and seasonal expression.
“I always set my table with the season in mind,” Emily says with a smile, as she adjusts a delicate floral arrangement. “I am absolutely in love with the Tania Bulhões Limoeiro collection, which is so colorful and full of joy. Yellow, green, and pink are some of my favorite warmer weather colors, so I really wanted to play those up through linens, florals, and even by using fruit as decoration.”
In this recent design, photographed in her light-filled dining room, Emily showcases her signature style: fresh, layered, and deeply personal. At first glance, the table feels like an invitation to linger. A mix of textures, from natural woven chargers to polished porcelain, balances refinement with approachability. For Emily, this balance is intentional. “I prefer to mix and match china and glassware,” she explains. “And I always incorporate some natural textures so that the table doesn’t come across as too formal. Natural woven chargers and my favorite bamboo Sabre flatware are a nice way to make a china set feel more relaxed and approachable for everyday use.”
Emily’s Touch
Emily’s love for design began early. Growing up in a family that valued hospitality, she developed an appreciation for the art of entertaining and the beauty of a well-set table. After studying interior design and working with several top design firms, Emily launched her own practice, where she has become known for creating homes that feel timeless, layered, and deeply personal. Her work often features a blend of classic and contemporary influences, with an emphasis on color, texture, and meaningful details.
Emily believes that the home should tell the story of its owners, and she applies that same philosophy to her table settings. “The most beautiful tables are always the ones that feel most personal,” she says. “It’s important that they are collected and a reflection of what you love.”
This approach resonates in every detail of her design—from the carefully chosen china to the handwritten place cards created by her children. “My kids will usually write and decorate the place cards for our guests, which is a great activity for them while I’m working on the table or meal,” she shares. It’s these small, thoughtful touches that transform a beautiful table into a memorable experience.
The Star of the Table: Tania Bulhões’ Limoeiro Collection
For this tablescape, Emily turned to Tania Bulhões, a Brazilian brand celebrated for its luxurious porcelain, home fragrances, and accessories. Known for its artistry and craftsmanship, the brand brings a sense of joy and elegance to everyday rituals—a perfect match for Emily’s design philosophy.
The Limoeiro Collection, which Emily chose for this table, is a vibrant homage to the lemon tree, a symbol of freshness and vitality. Each piece is adorned with delicate hand-painted lemons and green foliage, creating a look that is both timeless and lively. The soft curves of the porcelain and the intricate detailing speak to the brand’s dedication to quality and artistry.
“I am absolutely in love with the Limoeiro collection,” Emily says enthusiastically. “It’s so colorful and full of joy. It immediately made me think of summer, of warm weather gatherings with friends and family.”
Emily enhanced the collection’s cheerful yellow and green tones with Heather Taylor Home linens, a staple in her entertaining repertoire. “I use Heather Taylor Home linens for almost everything because I can throw them in the washing machine and they come out looking perfectly worn and never wrinkled,” she explains. The linens’ casual elegance complements the refined porcelain, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and ease.
Details that Make the Difference
Emily’s tables are never static; they’re layered with elements that feel collected and lived-in. For this design, she incorporated fresh lemons as both a decorative accent and a nod to the theme of the china. Scattered bud vases hold soft pink roses and blue thistle, while tall candlesticks add height without obstructing conversation. “For centerpieces, I try not to prevent friends and family from speaking across the table,” she notes. “I like to use tall candlesticks and bud vases with lower floral arrangements so everyone can clearly see one another.”
Glassware, too, plays a role in Emily’s vision. Rather than sticking to a matching set, she opts for a curated mix, which adds visual interest and a sense of history. Her choice of bamboo-handled Sabre flatware reinforces the relaxed elegance she loves. “It’s a nice way to make a china set feel more approachable,” she says.
A Reflection of Personal Style
Ultimately, what sets Emily’s tabletop design apart is its authenticity. It’s not about perfection; it’s about personality. From the woven chargers to the hand-drawn place cards, every detail tells a story—her story. It’s a philosophy that resonates with those who seek to create homes that are not only beautiful but also meaningful.
“The most beautiful tables,” Emily reminds us, “are always the ones that feel most personal.” It’s a sentiment that feels especially relevant today, as more people embrace the art of entertaining at home. In a world that often moves too quickly, Emily’s approach encourages us to slow down, gather around the table, and savor the simple joys of good food, good company, and good design.
As she stands back to admire her handiwork, the effect is undeniable: a table that feels warm, inviting, and undeniably joyful—just like its creator.
