Easy, affordable tips to style your table
I truly love entertaining. Yes, it’s a lot of work no matter how you slice it but, it also allows me to put smiles on everyones faces and fill their bellies! Food brings people together in a way that nothing else really can which is why entertaining with a stellar menu is super important. However, as I always say, to truly enjoy yourself you MUST be a guest at your own party. That means, when the guests arrive, so do you. You should have a drink in your hand and be socializing with everyone else. You should not be in the kitchen playing caterer or bartender.
All that being said, let’s talk table settings. More importantly, how to curate an amazing ambiance while not breaking the bank. Entertaining can become expensive if you let it, but I have some tips to keep the costs down while still impressing your guests.
Tablescape tips:
Work with what you’ve got! If you’re on a budget, this should be at the top of your list! What plates do you have? What type of utensils? Napkins? Vases? Table cloth/runner? Build off of what you have! Do you have white plates, red napkins, and a beige table runner? Or maybe you have some mis-matched plates and cups. How can you pull it together. Go on Pinterest and search! “Red and Beige table settings” or “mixed pattern dinnerware”. You’d be surprised on the inspiration you’d find for unlikely pairs. It may be that all you need are some napkins to tie it together!
Flowers and Greenery do wonders! You can jazz up any table or bar with a few flowers and greenery. Farmers markets and Trader Joes are my favorite places to get flowers because their CHEAP! And stick with the season, if you’re trying to use Peonies in September it’s gonna cost you.
Use food to decorate! Food is the best centerpiece to the table and good news, it’s already in your fridge or pantry! Seasonal fruits are such a beautiful way to elevate your tablescape while keeping with the seasonal colors and flavors of your menu. Places all your citrus in a large bowl; create a “runner” in the middle of your table with autumn squash, whatever you have, use it!
CANDLES! My favorite way to add a little ambiance is candles. And you can get inexpensive, plain pillar candles pretty much anywhere that sells home goods. Get unscented! You don’t want your guests confusing what they’re smelling with what they’re eating.
Simple is always elegant. Enough said.
Start with basics. If you’re new to entertaining and want to start building your table setting collection it’s best to start with some basics. Get a set of neutral cloth napkins and a few different rolls of ribbon to tie the napkins with and change up the color scheme. Get a set of plates. Any color or pattern that you love is perfect! Just make sure the napkins don’t clash. Get a large serving plate and bowl to start. You can build a starter entertaining set for very inexpensive if you shop around. I’m all about the discount retailers when it comes to my home goods.
Lastly, beg, borrow, or steal. Ok, don’t steal, but definitely borrow and maybe beg a little bit. A perfect example of this is when we had our girls 2nd birthday party. I was making cupcakes and wanted a cupcake tower but didn't have one. I rarely make cupcakes so I didn’t want to buy one either. I knew one of my friends had one so I asked to borrow it. Easy as that. Don’t waste money on things you won’t use again.
I hope these tips have helped you plan your next great party while keeping you on budget! Most importantly, I hope you enjoy yourself!
