Gingham Décor Ideas for a Fun, Picnic-Inspired Easter Tablescape

'Tis the season for setting festive, Easter-friendly tablescapes, and there's no pattern that evokes the spirit of spring like gingham. "Gingham is a classic check that, for me, is a sign of spring and freshness," says interior designer Mitchell Hill. "For Easter, we would wear gingham-smocked outfits, but as an adult, I see it as a nostalgic reference that can liven up any garden party with a classic twist." Interior designer Marika Meyer of Marika Meyer Textiles agrees, noting that gingham is the ultimate chameleon pattern. "This versatile check works in any scale and easily pairs with any pattern," she explains. "In its smallest scale, it can read like a woven, adding a subtle layer of interest, like another texture. And in a large scale, it's bold and graphic—the color choice can make it feel sweet or sophisticated."

Traditionally associated with picnic-friendly checked tablecloths and linens, gingham, says Leigh Jones of The Very Thing, Ltd, can serve as a neutral building block for other elements of your tablescape. "The pattern is open to interpretation with different sizes and colors," she explains. "For a more elevated look, consider a gingham with a larger print as a starting point for your spring tablescape," noting to add fresh florals and colorful plates and serveware into the mix for more visual intrigue. Better yet, let the picnic-inspired print physically lead you into the great outdoors—a safer place, should you be hosting a small group come Easter.

Have we convinced you to add some gingham décor to your holiday table settings? From pastel-toned checked placemats to gingham-painted pitchers, we rounded up a few of our favorite pieces to play with this Easter.

For an artisanal spin on classic gingham, look no further than this set of hand-painted ceramic dinner plates. Molded from low-fired clay and finished with eco-friendly glazes, these unique stoneware dishes are truly one of a kind—and, surprisingly, dishwasher-safe.

Shop Now: The Mangata Experience "Galatia" Gingham Picnic Ceramic Plates, $60 for four, etsy.com.

No picnic-style spread would be complete without a gingham table runner. This 100-percent cotton option features a cheery two-tone blue check design and is affordable, to boot.

Shop Now: Bed Bath & Beyond Buffalo Check 108-Inch Table Runner in Light Blue, $18.99, bedbathandbeyond.com.

A gingham pitcher with a free-form silhouette combines two spring décor trends. Not only does this shapely stoneware jug feature a classic checked print, it boasts a cool asymmetrical design that celebrates the unfussy, fluid shapes typically found in the great outdoors.

Shop Now: Gracie Oaks "Mapleview" Gingham Stoneware Pitcher, $46.99, wayfair.com.

Colorful gingham-print placemats can brighten up an Easter tablescape in no time. "Gingham shares a certain crispness with spring, with a simplicity and a uniformity that has made it open to creative interpretation," says Sandy Chilewich, the founder and creative director of Chilewich. "Our 'Rhythm' weave celebrates the fundamental and familiar checker print while reimagining it at a new scale and with unexpected color combinations."

Shop Now: Chilewich "Rhythm" Rectangle Placemat in Wildflower, $18, chilewich.com.

A sleek tablecloth in a small, baby blue gingham print can quickly turn your table into a picnic-inspired scene. Handwoven in Chiapas, Mexico, this 100-percent cotton tablecloth features a softly fringed edge that brings a casual vibe to any setting. "We have a gingham tablecloth that we keep in the back of my husband's car," says interior designer Ashley Whitaker. "I pull it out every time we stop for a picnic lunch anywhere."

Shop Now: Heather Taylor Home Mini Gingham Baby Blue Tablecloth in Large, $258, heathertaylorhome.com.

A sprightly set of cloth napkins can make a big impact on an Easter tabletop. These cotton-linen blend napkins come in a peppy watercolor-style print and boast a hand sewn blanket-stitch edge for a sophisticated finish.

Shop Now: Ballard Designs "Bitsy" Gingham Napkins in Pink, $31 for four, ballarddesigns.com.

Pastel-hued gingham placements are a surefire way to evoke the spirit of spring on this holiday. These round cotton placemats are designed in a sunny pale yellow checked print and boast a simple scalloped edge.

Shop Now: April Cornell Cottage Check Placemat, $25 for four, aprilcornell.com.

A gorgeous vintage-inspired gingham tablecloth can transform an entire table into a picnic-friendly setup in seconds. This pale pink-and-white checkered linen pays homage to spring, while supplying a pretty splash of color.

Shop Now: Maison de Vacances Vintage Checkerboard Tablecloth in Bois de Rose, $199, cutterbrooks.com.

For a contemporary take on traditional gingham napkins, dress up your Easter table with a two-toned checked design. This oversized linen napkin is hand-loomed and yarn-dyed from 100-percent Belgian linen, and features an eye-catching edge in a contrasting color. "Our oversized linen gingham napkins are casual and sophisticated," says Monelle Totah of Hudson Grace.

Shop Now: Hudson Grace Blue Check Napkin, $24, hudsongracesf.com.

A beautiful hand-painted gingham jug can moonlight as a striking centerpiece on an Easter tablescape. Inspired by antique French crockery, this pitcher was molded to resemble a traditional cheesemaker's milk jug from the Southwest of France, making it the perfect vessel for serving beverages—or holding blooms—on a table.

Shop Now: Vaisselle Drink Me Gingham Jug, $110, libertylondon.com.

For a stunning set of gingham dinner plates that's safe for outdoor use, consider these melamine accent dishes. Lightweight and shatterproof, they are as easy to transport as they are fun to look at.

Shop Now: Ballard Designs Gingham Melamine Accent Plates, $29 for four, ballarddesigns.com.

Nothing says spring like a gingham glass filled with an ice-cold drink. Whether you're serving freshly squeezed lemonade or Easter brunch cocktails, this red checked drinking glass will energize your tablescape without sacrificing functionality or style.  

Shop Now: Inspirationz Store Red Gingham Drinking Glass in Clear, $12.74, cafepress.com.