We share tablescape ideas around here a lot. We know.
Probably to the point where you’re rolling your eyes at the screen saying, “Enough already, y’all.” It’s just that we love the idea of gathering at the table, and making it special. It’s a very seasonal thing for us, and a great way to celebrate. But also, simple. You may also be new around here, and you’re all, what is she talking about? So this is one of the reasons we’re sharing again today. Because it’s about more than just the tablescape.
It’s a tradition at our house, and not in the starched-tablecloth-fine-china-omg-you-broke-it-don’t-touch-anything kind of way. It’s more of a come as you are, fading tradition, let’s gather as a family kind of thing. We think that the most freeing part of it all, is that you don’t really have to have rules since it’s a great way to express yourself and have fun with your family.
I don’t know about you guys, but our very best convos happen around the dinner table. And we’re not about to give that up, the more our kids grow.
So we thought we’d share some of our faves for a little inspiration if you’d like to start your own tradition: tips and tricks for an easy holiday tablescape. Along with a sneak peek of all things holiday at our house.
• All about the layers.
Geometric with organic patterns, neutral texture with colorful fabrics… plates that contrast, and metallics that give a little extra sparkle, are just a few of the endless ideas you can choose from.
It’s so fun to build a multi-dimensional surface with the items you can find around your house.
One would say that tie-dyed blue is not the most trad choice for the holidays. But since we adore blue, {shocker} we decided to balance it with a touch of rustic, metallics, and jewel tones to tie it all together.
Choose elements that add interest and dimension to your surface. While neutrals and monochromatic are still a big deal, we personally love color. Every day of the year.
It doesn’t have to be much, but just enough to add interest, no matter what you choose. Think in different ways like these, and we guarantee you’ll love what you create!
• Cheat with fabrics
Once upon a time, {probs circa 2006ish?} I was fed up with super pricey table runners and zero options when it came to accessories. I was just a young mom standing in a store, asking for something to work with my budget. I was daring to go beyond my involuntary Arthur Court collection bestowed upon me by well meaning shower-goers. #allthegrapes
Today, I think that the whole industry has come a long way, but that’s how it was. When I went shopping at the fabric store, I realized that the options were so much more varied. {At a fraction of the big box store (see: PB) price.} Alongside the sizing options so that it actually works with your table. No more limitations.
And the rest was history.
I have a stash that I use around my house all the time, but from table runners to tablecloths that I collect over time, the possibilities are endless.
You can even use a selvedge {yes, I like that spelling better} edge in place of a hem, and use it again in another project, later. We love the idea of versatility when it comes to what you can do. Our point? Think outside the {fill-in-the-home-store-here} box.
Even better, use the big box store to grab up your fave thing, and then fill in the blanks with more of your faves for a one of a kind look. I’m looking at you, Arthur Court lovers.
• Flowers don’t have to be pricey
I took flowers to a friend’s house this year for a photo shoot. When I left, I left the flowers there to say thank you, and she tried to pay me for them. I was shocked when sister handed me 60+ bucks, in hopes to make up for said flowers. “Uh, sorry?” I laughed, a little confused. “First of all, these are a gift. Secondly, they’re from the grocery store and my yard.”
So don’t get too excited? True story.
Bonus round: I loved the shock on her face because that means they’re like, really pretty.
Our very favorite source right now? Kroger. Yes, if you have a Kroger near you, GO! They have a wider array of shades at better prices, until we can fill them in with our annual roses and zinnias in the yard. They’re our favorites. We’re veteran flower hunters and think you’ll love them.
So when in doubt, head to the grocery store and check out what they have! You probably won’t be disappointed. No matter what the season. And any little bouquet – no matter their origin – takes your gathering to instant level fancy.
{Not super fancy though. More like fun fancy.}
That’s my little side point that I usually share. But there are no flowers in this shoot, so cool story bro. We know people usually love to have flowers at their table, so regardless of my shoot here, this is one of our fave tips to share.
If you don’t feel like using flowers, it’s so easy to bring in interest with a large and in charge container. It can hold anything, from something a little more seasonal, like white branches… to touches of more color {finally! She’s making her point!} with fun ornaments.
I shopped the house and TADA! Insta-multi-colorful-tablescape.
• Watch the clearance aisles
Something tells me I’m the only weirdo who occasionally scours the discount dollar spots at Tarjay, but they have some of the best options when it comes to all things easy place settings.
I combined these melamine plates with our diy drink charms + napkins and fabric and… the rest is history.
We love layering the cheap and easy with nicer and hard-to-come-by elements to make keep it interesting and fresh. No fuss and fun.
• Break the Rules
You know we had to throw that one in there. We’ve shared quite a few tips + tricks here in the past, but if we have to say one thing, it would be to let it reflect you. This isn’t your grandmother’s table, and it’s not your grandmother’s china. Gone are the rigid rules of the past. It’s fun to let your table have a little personality and fun, and while traditions are important too, we say put your own spin on them.
Embarrassing confession {and I really can’t believe I’m sharing this}: every time I set the table, I get insecure and google the correct way to place the silverware. I know the correct way from years of deep southern infusion, but it freaks me out. Like I’ll get something wrong. A. WHO CARES and B. Anxiety. How much do we really carry over from our childhoods, and it TRULY doesn’t matter?! It’s like I’m using google as my security blanket so no one will make fun of me? I’m not sure. Still trying to figure that one out.
Don’t get me wrong. Tradition is great. Like cursive writing, I still think it’s important to know. But sometimes we let it lord over us and keep us {and our children} from enjoying our own homes, and that’s when it’s stupid.
In other words, don’t let the old etiquette book hold you back from doing what you love. Put the forks on the wrong side. Live on the edge, and don’t include a spoon. When you have a little fun, the table {and everything else you do} will reflect that. Deep conversations in easy settings are what’s important to us. Building relationships. Not fussing over my linen and heavy, impractical crystal bowls, from our wedding that we didn’t even register for so thank you so much because I’m not an ingrate but also where do I put this so no thanks and also we’d elope if we could do it all over again. Happy national run on sentence day. I’ve slowly filtered out, BTW.
Now if only I could take this massive life lesson and apply it to my literal life… hmmmmm ;} Yay giant metaphors!
So what are your favorite cheater’s tips + tricks for an easy tablescape? We’d love to hear!
Have an inspired day!
Anna says
Such lovely photos and beautiful advice! You guys have the most wonderful posts