Effortless elegance for Easter – table setting tips from Marie Michielssen

Looking for a personal touch to your Easter table? Serax's head designer Marie Michielssen shares her favorite tips for creating a setting that’s simple, thoughtful, and full of spring charm.

Seraxin pääsuunnittelijana työskentelevä muotoilija Marie Michielssen kattoi kanssamme pöydän pääsiäiseen. Ikkunalaudalla patsastelee vaikuttava Cosas Lindas -kynttilänjalka.

THE BELGIAN BRAND Serax is known for its beautifully raw everyday objects – practical yet poetic, and always rich in character. To celebrate Easter, we sat down with Marie Michielssen, Serax’s long-time head designer, whose background in graphic design shines through in her eye for composition and layered visual storytelling.

Her talent hasn’t gone unnoticed: Tableware International magazine recently named her Designer of the Year. This time, however, we’re not diving into her own creations, but discovering the Easter table she has styled. The result is a warm, layered and effortlessly festive setting, full of inspiration for creating a beautiful table of your own.

Michielssen’s Easter table is all about the timeless pairing of ceramic dishes and soft linen napkins.
You can elevate the setting with fresh branches or seasonal blooms for a soft, organic feel.

Hi Marie! What are your must-haves for a stylish Easter table?
“A stylish Easter table is all about simplicity and harmony. My must-haves include natural materials like linen tablecloths, ceramic tableware in soft tones, and handmade elements that add warmth. Fresh flowers or branches in organic vases bring a playful yet refined touch.”

Michielssen encourages mixing different materials. “A matte bowl next to glossy glassware adds a beautiful layer of contrast,” she says.

How do you combine colors and materials in a festive way?
“Start with a neutral base – such as a white or sand-colored tablecloth – and add accents in pastel shades or warm earthy tones. Mixing materials like ceramics, wood, and glass creates depth. A matte bowl next to glossy glassware or a rough linen napkin alongside a fine porcelain plate adds beautiful contrast.”

Thoughtful details make a table setting feel personal. Michielssen charmed her guests with a hand-decorated table runner.

Do you have any tips for creating an original table setting with a personal touch?
“Absolutely! Personalize the table with handwritten name cards or small gifts for guests, like a tiny vase with a single flower. DIY elements, such as dried grass napkin rings or a hand-painted table runner (tried this before and loved that!), make the setting feel extra special.”

”DIY elements make the setting feel extra special.”

How do you keep the table setting practical without compromising on atmosphere?
“Balance is key. Make sure the table isn’t overcrowded and choose decorations that don’t get in the way during dinner. Low floral arrangements or scattered small vases work better than a large bouquet. Stack plates and arrange cutlery in a simple yet elegant way to keep it functional and beautiful.”

Neatly stacked plates can add both elegance and ease to your setting.
Looking for a cohesive set? Piet Boon’s Base plate set is a timeless choice for spring gatherings and celebrations to come.

What is the biggest table-setting trend for 2025?
“Sustainability and craftsmanship continue to play a major role. People are increasingly opting for timeless tableware and handmade pieces that can be passed down for generations. Natural tones and asymmetrical compositions are also on the rise, creating a spontaneous and lively table setting.”

Get inspired

Serax
Eternal Snow stem glass
Serax
Cosas Lindas serving plate
Serax
Dune bowl
Serax
Dune cake stand
Serax
Fish & Fish glass
Serax
Zuma tumbler
Serax
Zuma plate
Serax
Terrazzo tray

See also:

All products by Serax >
All products by Marie Michielssen >

Text: Susa Pääkkönen Kuvat: Serax

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