Eating, besides sewing, is one of my favorite things to do. And until recently I thought I was the only weirdo who likes the table to be set at all times. But I’m not. I discovered others!!!
Yup, there’s always dishes on my table. I don’t know why. Maybe I go through too many model homes… It just gives a lived in and welcoming feel (at least for me). Anyway, I just wanted to share some table settings with you. They can both be done without costing a lot of money.
The first table setting was ours for Mother’s Day. For family get-tos it’s always better to have a more relaxing atmosphere. So you’ll want more neutral colors, but not dark. Keep it light and airy. Think: Fresh Air, a Bright Sunny Day…
If you sew. You can make your own linens, which is awesome. Otherwise you’ll need to buy them. But seriously, making your own table cloths and runners is super easy!
On this table everything is mix-matched (glasses and chairs) but still in a set pattern. Vases can be purchased cheap at a dollar store. And while you’re there pick up candles, napkins, water pitchers, and little touches like gift boxes (filled with chocolate) for your guests.
For the vases, just be ghetto and go cut a couple twigs/branches from outside (after checking for bugs).
Have ugly rented chairs? Take any left over fabric from your runner and make a half moon shaped slip cover (just for the top back piece). It’ll help blend them in.
IKEA has the coolest decorative paper napkins ($1.49-1.99 for 30) that can be mixed with your cheaper dollar store ones.
This is my setting at my home right now. My house (work in progress) is super small (under 1000 SQ FT!!!) and being done in a mix of traditional and modern with black, whites, beiges and hints of red and green. I didn’t catch it in the picture but I have this chandelier hanging over it.
(Bummer that I didn’t open the blinds…sorry about the pics! They suck)
The dishes, glasses, and center piece (including most of the goodies inside) were purchased at Tai Pan. The distressed bowl was $4, feather balls $2, plastic green bushes $3. The realistic apples were purchased at Target. I found these in a pack of six on clearance for $3.42! The white table and bamboo place mats were at IKEA. The Sake can be purchased at any grocery store. I bought these because they come with little white cups (good for serving dipping sauce).
How to Plan a setting on a budget:
1. What are you working with? Gather the chairs, glasses, dishes, and everything else you have. From there you can make a list of what you’ll need.
2. Get Inspired! Look around online or get home magazines (I like a few of Better Homes). TRY TO FIND IDEAS THAT WILL MATCH WITH THE THINGS YOU ALREADY OWN!
3. Go shopping! I take the mags to the stores with me. And be very picky about the cost! You don’t need to pay a lot. Most everything you need can be found for less than $5.
4. Have a friend (preferably with similar or good taste) help. That second opinion helps every time.
Happy Dining!
