tips + tricks for an easy tablescape

It’s that time of year where we freshen up our houses, clean all the things and actually get a little organization done, {if we’re lucky}. A fresh new look at the table is a great way to make things feel a little special, whether you’re celebrating the end of exams/graduations with kiddos, entertaining a group of friends… or you just want the meal to feel special. Meals are a celebration and a table can be an experience in itself. If you’re familiar with us, then you know we love a good tablescape. Christy wrote in and asked one of our favorite questions: 

“…I would love to make my table feel special for a family who is visiting this upcoming weekend. It’s my first time to host and I’m not even sure where to begin. We never registered for any china and I would love some simple solutions. Do you have any tips for an easy tablescape?…” 

So today we’re covering… you guessed it: tips + tricks for an easy tablescape!

1. Tips + Tricks Easy Tablescape: Think in Terms of Diverse Layers

I’ll explain more of this below, but bring in layers with various colors, fabrics and more for the table. It helps to create interest in different ways, from table runners, to napkins, paint, chargers and more. The more varied and interesting it is, the more inviting and fun it can feel. Start with a good base, and build on what you love. 

2. Tips + Tricks to an Easy Tablescape: Say Goodbye to Matchy-Matchy.

I have ten places at this massive table. This way, we have plenty of space to entertain. So all those little place settings for your table, they don’t have to match. In fact, some of the more interesting pieces will happen when they’re diversified or mismatched, and pieced together. This is where the fun layering bit from above comes in!

In the past for big gatherings, I’ve simply collected plates over time. And then alternated the layers, so that multiple looks can work well together.

The key is repetition, so that it looks intentional. You can have the same look by finding subtle similarities in the things that you use, and unifying them. It helps to keep the vibe fun and easy going, layered and interesting. 

3. Tips + Tricks to an Easy Tablescape: It Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive. 

Best advice I was given right before we got married? Don’t register for fine china. So I didn’t. 

In the south, I may as well have told everyone I don’t like sweet tea, and slapped someone’s grandma. People weren’t sure what to do with me, even though I registered for practical things. Which makes me sound like an ingrate, because boundaries. But really. They didn’t know what to do with me when I didn’t register for that fine china. And I ended up with a lot of heavy crystal, instead.

Which I exchanged for my every day plates. Which I still have.

It’s something I’ve never regretted. I do love collecting fun plates and glasses and napkins galore, for photoshoots and entertaining. I have plenty to work with. But if I’d been stuck with fine china, I can guarantee you I would have never used it, and then felt terribly guilty about that fact. It would also be collecting dust in a china cabinet right now, so there’s that.

All of the finds you see here, every single one has been collected over time. They’re all from Target, Amazon and Walmart. I think there’s something about mixing them up, that makes them feel eclectic and fun. 

These are all affordable pieces that really bring a table to life. And layered together, bring a richer meaning to the word community than the matching fine china that would still be collecting dust. They also make for good stories when people ask where I got them, since most of them are actually paired with a ridiculous adventure or two. 

It’s just a different way of looking at it, but something to consider. Take the pressure off and just enjoy creating with layers and diversity.

4. Tips + Tricks to an Easy Tablescape: Centerpieces Can be Practical. 

Grocery store flowers! We’ve said it a million times. These are so great! In the spring, you’ll find them paired with fresh cuttings from our own yard. Each year I’m a haphazard gardener, and pull from the beautiful roses in our yard, and the zinnia seeds that I love to plant. And that’s it. They make for lush additions when you add greenery, and even the tulips can be fun. Trader Joe’s + Publix + Fresh Market for the win. 

When it comes to flowers, check out a post here where we shared 1 bouquet 5 ways: it shows some diverse and easy ideas with none other than grocery store flowers. It’s all in the presentation, y’all. We believe in treating yoself around the home, and this is the fastest way to brighten up your spirits with some fresh flowers. 

5. Tips + Tricks to an Easy Tablescape: It Doesn’t have to Be Neutral. 

Clearly, we don’t do neutral. And even if you prefer it, you can still put a pretty spin on it all with a touch of color, as seen above. Here we have mismatched plates, but they’re all unified with black bowls on top for an understated look.

When it comes to color, we think it should be embraced. Combine a whole array of fun to make it all feel celebratory. You don’t have to be afraid of color, so the more you bring to the table, the more vibrant it will be. Think in terms of tying it together in various ways, along with colors that work well together. You never know what combos you’ll find!

6. Tips + Tricks to an Easy Tablescape: Have Fun!

I feel like this is probably our “suggestion” for everything. But there’s just no point if house stuff stresses you out. We believe in letting your personality shine, and enjoying it all. And when that happens, it gets a little easier. Enjoy the process, and let ideas come naturally. There’s no reason to get caught up in those old school rules of proper table settings, because while your grandmother’s table is lovely, it’s also quite exhausting to feel like you’re constantly being judged if the fork isn’t in the right position, and your napkins aren’t folded properly.

Life’s too short to fuss over proper fork placement. Do what you love, and leave the stressful stuff in 1956. 

So these are our top tips for an easy peasy tablescape… we hope these got your wheels turning. Don’t let fear or intimidation or traditional {ridiculous} rules hold you back. You’ve totally got this. 

Have an inspired day!