Meet Sonal Kanodia | Table Decor Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonal Kanodia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonal, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am the founder of Table Tales by Sonal, a specialized design service that transforms ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences through the art of tablescapes. I create immersive, visually stunning table settings and dining environments for intimate gatherings and special occasions, allowing hosts to offer their guests something truly memorable without the stress of planning and execution. I noticed a pattern in how we gather. Most social events follow the same template: food is served, conversations happen, perhaps games are played, and then everyone goes home. But I wanted more. I wanted to create gatherings that linger in people’s memories for weeks, months, even years after they’ve attended.
Through Table Tales by Sonal, I transform ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences. The carefully curated decor complements the food and conversation, elevating the entire event into something truly special.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I specialize in the art of tablescapes—meticulously designed table environments that transform ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences. While many focus on the menu or activities, I’ve dedicated my craft to creating immersive settings where every visual element contributes to a memorable atmosphere.
My passion lies particularly for intimate gatherings where connections run deepest. I believe that beautiful entertaining shouldn’t be reserved only for grand venues or special occasions—it belongs in our homes, around our tables, where life’s most meaningful conversations unfold.
The greatest challenge in my journey has been explaining what “tablescapes” truly mean until someone experiences one firsthand. It’s a concept that’s difficult to convey through words alone—the way thoughtfully arranged elements can completely shift the energy of a gathering, elevate the dining experience, and create a backdrop for memories that linger long after the last guest departs.
At the heart of my work is a simple belief: smaller gatherings make bigger memories.
When everyday dining tables become stages for meaningful moments, we rediscover the joy of gathering together. That transformation is what Table Tales by Sonal is all about.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend visited San Diego, I’d take them to La Jolla Cove to see the sea lions, followed by a hike at Torrey Pines for stunning ocean views. We’d explore Balboa Park’s museums and gardens, then hit the Gaslamp Quarter for dinner and drinks. A day at Coronado Beach is essential, paired with local craft breweries like Stone and Ballast Point. We’d eat our way through Little Italy’s food scene, catch a sunset from Sunset Cliffs, and finish with authentic Mexican food in Barrio Logan. No visit would be complete without experiencing our perfect weather while paddleboarding in Mission Bay or catching waves at Pacific Beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family and friends have always been my most enthusiastic audience. For years, they’ve enjoyed my gatherings and experienced firsthand the environments I create. Their consistent encouragement to “give access to more people” planted the seed that eventually blossomed into my business. I particularly credit those friends who kept bringing new people to my gatherings, saying “you have to see this for yourself.” Their belief that my approach to hosting was something extraordinary gave me the confidence to consider sharing my passion more broadly.
Every time someone told me “I’ve never experienced anything like this” or “I wish I could create something like this for my own gatherings,” they were unknowingly pushing me toward the realization that I had something unique to offer.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletalesbysonal/