Eat with your Eyes – Aesthetic Dining and the Art of the Table

Step inside Como House and discover a world where dining transcends mere sustenance and transforms into an exquisite visual and sensory installation. Delve into the artistry of tablescaping where motifs, colours, and designs converge in a rich tapestry of sensory delight.

Echoing the words of Mrs. Beeton in 1893, discover that ‘laying a cloth’ is not merely a mundane chore but a nuanced art form. From the meticulous Victorian tradition of napkin folding, boasting an impressive repertoire of at least 98 folds, to the pursuit of order and symmetry, table settings have evolved into immersive art experiences in their own right.

Journey with guest designers, creatives, and artists as they reinterpret the experience and spectacle of dining through reimagined tablescapes and compelling installations. Beyond just sustenance, dining tables bring together family, friends and culture, shaping identities, preserving traditions and igniting memory, and each piece in this unique installation is inspired by an object or story of a National Trust property.

As a highlight of the exhibition, marvel at the flamboyant ‘Table Dress’ (pictured) meticulously crafted by acclaimed costume and production designer Silvana Azzi Heras.

Purchase tickets for the Open House sessions or book a Guided Tour.