How to bring masculine edge to your tablescape without going full-on camo.

Let’s be honest: in most households, it’s the women setting the table—and it shows. We lean toward florals, soft linens, and color palettes that skew light, airy, and feminine. But when half the people at the table are men—or when your guest list includes those who lean more modern, crisp, or cosmopolitan—it’s worth stepping back and asking: is your table balanced?

This isn’t about going full-on camo or ditching your style. It’s about applying the same principles we use in interior design to your table—a little yin, a little yang. Contrast. Weight. Balance.

If you’ve got blush napkins, think about what grounds them. If you’re using fine china, maybe your tablecloth gets a little rougher texture. If your centerpiece is floral, maybe the napkin rings are hammered metal.

Here are some of my go-to masculine-inspired elements that bring just enough edge to a beautifully layered table—and why they work:

Add Texture That Grounds the Table

Leather: A brown leather charger or placemat instantly shifts the tone. Use it to ground a pale or pastel setting.

Burlap or linen tablecloths: The texture softens the glam and adds weight without overpowering.

Wicker or rattan: Works year-round. Adds organic texture that feels neither masculine nor feminine—just cool and layered.

Raffia accents: Perfect for napkin rings or under-plate layering. Great in spring/summer tables but can carry into fall with darker tones.

Bamboo: Both the motif and actual bamboo products (like flatware or trays) add a grounded, masculine element while still feeling classic and versatile.

Tactile contrast: Pair smooth surfaces with rugged textures—polished glass next to raffia, or fine china over burlap. It adds tension and dimension.

Animal prints: Small doses like a leopard-trimmed napkin, zebra-patterned coaster, or cheetah-inspired plate add just the right punch of pattern without overpowering.

Bring in Metal for Strength

Copper or antique brass: Use it in napkin rings, candlesticks, or flatware. It adds a masculine, collected feel to the table.

Forged silver or pewter: More moody than polished silver—especially great with darker linens or candlelight.

Iron or matte black: Taper holders, charger edges, or centerpiece vessels. It gives that architectural edge.

Silver goblets and julep cups: Masculine and substantial, especially when mixed with delicate crystal or colorful stemware for contrast.

Choose Flatware That Adds Personality

Flatware might seem like a background detail, but it can instantly shift the tone of your table.

Brushed metal or wood-handled sets: Add texture and weight, ideal when mixing modern and rustic elements.

Camo flatware: A fun twist—when used sparingly—adds a touch of playful grit without overwhelming the design.

Chunky or oversized white flatware: Feels hardy and sculptural, perfect for grounding lighter place settings.

Bamboo or tortoiseshell-inspired handles: Earthy, organic, and full of personality.

Choose Colors That Bridge the Gap

Tortoiseshell glassware: These are the MVPs of masculine elegance. Brown-based, moody, but still versatile.

Deep neutrals: Think forest green, charcoal, navy, and rust. They pair beautifully with lighter tones and don’t feel seasonal.

Warm woods + bone tones: Keep things earthy and timeless. Perfect for placemats, coasters, or breadboards.

Centerpieces That Don’t Rely on Flowers

Sometimes it’s nice to skip the full floral arrangement and bring in other natural elements:

• Fruit: Use citrus (oranges, lemons), pomegranates, or eggplants for seasonal pop and unexpected color.
• Succulents or cacti: Easy to style, low-maintenance, and sculptural.
• Branches or herbs: Rosemary, olive, or eucalyptus add a fragrant, unfussy touch.

These centerpieces feel intentional without feeling fussy—and they don’t fight with the rest of the table.

Pieces That Mix Well 

These are the items I’m constantly reaching for when I want to ground a table or add that hint of structure:

• Brown leather placemats
• Tortoiseshell or smoked glass tumblers
• Hammered copper napkin rings
• Linen or burlap table runners
• Rattan chargers
• Matte black or brushed brass candlesticks
• Wooden cheese boards or carved serving trays
• Raffia-wrapped glasses or coasters
• Bamboo flatware or serving trays
• Woven water pitchers or ceramic jugs
• Silver goblets and julep cups
• Sculptural, rustic, or subtly patterned flatware (yes, even camo in the right moment)

(Shop my Amazon Table Finds and LTK Tabletop Picks)

Final Thoughts

A well-set table doesn’t have to be soft to be beautiful. Just like a well-designed room, it should have tension, contrast, and personality. Add some grit to your glam. Mix your metals. Layer the leather with the linen. Your table will look richer for it—and your guests (yes, even the modern woman in leather leggings and a crisp white blouse) will feel right at home.