A sweet reader named Monica wrote in recently, and wrote a little something like this:
I love your festive tables, no matter what time of year. I have been perusing your blog a lot recently, and I love all of your ideas. I have the honor of hosting Thanksgiving at my house this year, my first with the husband in the new house. The pressure is on. (I know not really, but I would love to have a pretty home ready for the holidays.) I just can’t seem to put a finger on what makes it work. I would like to look into some of your ideas, and apply it in my own way and I was wondering if you could give some of your best tips for pretty table settings. I would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you so much in advance!
‘Tis the season for tablescapes. Well, we think all year is the season, but Fall seems especially so. While we’ve written a few tips and tricks in the past, we thought today would be great chance to round up a few of our favorites… new and old. Tablecapes are one of our favorite things as they’re a great way to exercise your creative muscles in the hospitality arena in small ways when you’re ready to try something new without losing your sanity or your pocketbook.
So without further ado… a few easy tablescape ideas, along with our favorite tips and tricks.
1. Why So Serious?
First things first, drop those rules. I think that for a very long time, I was a bit hindered by all the prim and proper that came along with ‘official’ tables. I even thought I needed a fancy dining room set when we were first married to be a good hostess. I just had to have one, and it resulted in buyer’s remorse. And I’m not even talking about all the little elements: Should I put the dessert spoon to the left or the right of the salad fork? It’s that scene from Titanic circa 1997 where Molly whispers to Jack to work his way from the outside, in. Cue table-related-panic-attacks all in the name of being right, proper and cultured.
While there’s certainly a time and place for proper table settings… like that candlelit retirement dinner for grandpa… it’s also okay to not stress quite so much. Our own home is one where I want my kiddos to be comfortable. We believe in barefoot soirées, and laughter-filled dinners, and we let our tables reflect that. So let it go, and get creative with bundles of silverware, funky patterned napkins or stacks of fun plates to free up your hinderances. Just remember not to get so caught up in it all when it comes to people pleasing. The key is, to have a little fun so it’s reflected in your end product.
2. Cheat Where You Can
From fabrics to shopping your home for great accents, don’t worry about cost on the regular run-of-the-mill additions when you can add the most interesting of accents in easy ways. I hold on lots of scraps from old projects for napkins, place settings and table cloths. I find the perfect additions in the dollar bin at Target, and the clearance section of World Market.
Layers of patterns in dishes for fun contrast and designs are a fun element as well. One arrangement included a turkish tea towel for the table runner, and napkins found on clearance at Target. We’ve even combined napkin rings with a little stick on velcro around simple Ikea napkins. Nothing fancy here: most of our plates are wedding gifts or originate from Walmart and Target. The more creative, the better in our book.
{From our very own fabric line coming this November – found exclusively here!}
We bring in pieces from all around the house, practically begging borrowing and stealing from our own spaces to make fresh looks. We do simple things like this, to save big while bringing in great character. You’ll be amazed at what a little relocation and layering can do for your own table, from your own home.
3. Carry Through The Color
The masses are afraid of color. It’s true. Neutrals can be beautiful in their own way, but don’t be afraid to bring in fun color for your table. Everyone will have their own taste and takes on it all, but it’s a great way to accentuate a collection of unexpected combos for that real wow affect. Choose a few colors with fabrics as your base and carry it through with little touches like dishes, centerpieces and all those accents. Layer it on your table like you would your favorite outfit, and accent it with the ‘jewels’. Even the candles can complement your end look.
Use little plants as place settings, or simple napkins tied together with twine. Flavored sodas for touches of color that work well with the fabric. It makes for great personal touches that inspire those amazing table convos.
4. Contrast Ups the Anté
Keep it fresh with combos from jute and fine china to crystal with casual fabrics… think in terms of fun materials, and you can never go wrong with unexpected ideas.
Contrast at the table is always a winning element. Use hand painted place settings against polished silver, or burlap block printed runners with your grandmother’s best vases.
It’s the fun combinations that keep a table interesting and just as much a part of the meal as the meal itself. Truth be told, it’s your greatest ally. We could eat delivery pizza, and my family would be happy… as long as the table is pretty. It’s the fun in all those little things. And whenever we set it for the shoots we do, we always leave it that way until they’ve enjoyed it.
But a little home cooked {or catered (shhh) food} never hurts, either.
5. Bring In Some Height.
It doesn’t have to be super high, and you don’t want it to become a conversation blocker, but bringing in varying heights with elements like centerpieces, candles and all things table dressings are a great way to add interest to your table.
Think of your table like an even plane and a standing challenge to see what you can do with it to mix it up a little with height and symmetry. Those are two fun tools to incorporate into your final look.
6. Nature is your best element
It’s no secret around here that we love flowers. But guess what? They don’t have to be pricey. A lot of what you see is nabbed from our own yard, alongside grocery store and Costco gatherings. A flower is a flower, and it’s possible to have them on a pretty-frequent basis if they’re affordable.
We can also easily mix those with feathers and branches for a fall approach, or any combo from the produce aisle of the grocery aisle.
You never know when you’ll find inspiration in the unexpected for great colorful centerpiece ideas. Use this as your crowning touch in a well-balanced arrangement, and you’re always sure to make a statement.
7. Celebrate the Every Day.
It Doesn’t Have to Be a Special Occasion, and you don’t have to go over the top. From s’mores parties to dining alfresco, the every day is one of our favorite non-special occasions to celebrate. Just dressing up the table for the heck of it – It’s their favorite thing. And sometimes, it’s just the little things that matter. We love celebrating the little things and we think that pretty tables should be easy enough to create without feeling we’re breaking the bank… or our necks.
Create with layers from shopping your home, and you’re sure to have a great time expressing yourself in fun ways with creative tablescapes!
We hope this helps, Monica! We know you’ll kill it this Thanksgiving! In a good way. Not from stress. ;} Because I know we can all use a little less of that.
What are your favorite tips for for creating easy {affordable + low maintenance} tablescapes in your home? We’d love to hear!
As always, have an inspired day!
Layla K says
These are so gorgeous and I love all your tips. So lovely!
Jenna says
This is so great! I always tend to search for official table cloths at the box stores and never really considered the plain old fabric approach. Light bulb! And I love your tips for flowers!
Anna says
My favorite recommendation is layering dishes. So true- I use this all the time! It’s a great idea- use it all the time !
Abbey says
Awesome tips and as always gorgeous settings. I SO want to come to dinner at your house someday! …..And thanks so much for linking over to us 🙂
tiffany says
I’m so late to this post, but so glad I came upon it! Just beautiful and inspiring…
Rose L. says
You certainly put a lot of thought into your advice. Like reading from a decor magazine!