* disclaimer: This post is not for those of you who are seasoned tablescapers, but for those who feel they can't set a pretty table for some reason or another. You seasoned tablescapers can still look at the photos, though!
No excuses ladies (and gentlemen)!
You can make a beautiful tablescape using what you have.
All you need to do is: shop your house.
I don't want to hear " I don't have enough sets of dishes".
I'm going to let you in on a secret... neither do I!
There's more than one way to set a table and the most beautiful ones are a mix of different textures and layers. It's the same as decorating a room. Don't make everything match.
I'm going to let you in on a secret... neither do I!
There's more than one way to set a table and the most beautiful ones are a mix of different textures and layers. It's the same as decorating a room. Don't make everything match.
I have the usual white tablecloth with the gold textured topper. Then I added a white napkin with some lace detail. OK, these were already on the table from last week, along with the textured round chargers.
I brought a beautiful pot of geraniums in from the deck. They've really grown a lot in the past few weeks!
Dishes are Mikasa Italian countryside(my every day dishes), paired with some inexpensive salad plates purchased several years ago. Glasses are from Target. The candle holders are actually lucite glasses I found at HomeGoods awhile back.
See... simple.
I don't want to hear " I'm a busy mom and don't have time to set a pretty table".
Secret number two: have them do it.
How?
Set a couple of different place settings and take pictures of each one.
Then print them out and put them up on your bulletin board. When it's time to set the table, get the photos out and let your kids choose the photo of how they want to set the table. They can look at the photo for reference.
I did this when my girls were small. I think they were 4 or 5 when we started doing it.
I don't want to hear " I'm a busy mom and don't have time to set a pretty table".Secret number two: have them do it.
How?
Set a couple of different place settings and take pictures of each one.
Then print them out and put them up on your bulletin board. When it's time to set the table, get the photos out and let your kids choose the photo of how they want to set the table. They can look at the photo for reference.
I did this when my girls were small. I think they were 4 or 5 when we started doing it.
Now go shop your house and set a pretty table!
Pam
joining:
Pretty table and great tips. I have Italian Countryside, too, and love it. Linda
ReplyDeleteI've said that again and again. Mix it up! It's fun. You've set a beautiful shop the house table, Pam!
ReplyDeleteI agree! And your table is so pretty! Love the greenery
ReplyDeleteBeautiful greenery and I love your table. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHope to see you on my blog:)
Well done, Pam! I do hear, "I don't have a lot of dishes" an awful lot. I understand that not everyone has (nor WANTS, for that matter!) a lot of dishes taking up valuable cabinet and drawer real estate in their homes, and it's NOT necessary. The trick to being a good tablescaper really is to be able to create different looks with whatever you have available. Whether it's 2 sets of dishes or 200, "shopping the house" along with lots of imagination often yield the best results. We've been short on $$$ like many people over this past year, and I have had to really think about how to use what I already have rather than running out and shopping all over the place which uses a lot of expensive gasoline as well as the cost of the new item. I have surprised myself over and over again at just what I can do!!! This post really IS for both seasoned and novice tablescapers. It's a lesson we should all revisit from time to time! Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteSimple is beautiful and that is your table fam.
ReplyDeleteLove your kitchen scheme. Ahhh... drooling your kitchen... Me LOVE.
Greetings,
/CC
What a pretty table you have there.
ReplyDeletePat
I totally agree with you! I think your table is simply sweet as can be.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips for letting the little ones help!
Have a great day~
Aledia @ Plum Perfect
I really do love dishes, but I got rid of everything "informal" that I have and bought white. At the time, I thought it was a hard decision, but I've never been sorry.
ReplyDeleteI still have two sets of china, but that's another story.
Ellen
Beautiful table!
ReplyDeleteYour table is so pretty {as always}. I love that you used the geraniums as the centerpiece...that is the hardest part for me! Great job and wonderful tips!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Well said and done. I am not a tablescaper at all but my nearly a tablescape post was so popular maybe I should rethink my habits.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! Your table turned out so lovely. It is always fun, I think, to use the same dishes in different ways. Especially with your Mikasa "everyday" dishes, can't go wrong with those, and those salad plates are adorable. Great post!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty Pam! I love the textures, the colors and the live plants. Nice job!
ReplyDeletePam
Simple but still a pleasant setting to sit down to a meal. Great advice for getting them started young. Not to brag but my blog has really influenced my friends and family to step it up! They are so much more aware now. We used the same placemat/chargers this week. Aren't they the best? Good advice to everyone about shopping the house.
ReplyDeleteRobin
Robin Flies South
Love your sweet table. Geraniums are some of my fav flowers. I have those salad plates too.. I love how you paired everything.. looks great. xo marlis
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see you encouraging the next generation to enjoy the art of gracious entertaining. The tablescape is lovely...full of great design choices. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It is wonderful that you are encouraging the next generation. Making dinner together a priority is one of the best things a family can do. A pretty table shows the importance we place on that.
ReplyDeleteI love the table, but I really love the idea of taking pictures for the kids to set the table! So smart!!!
ReplyDeletePam,
ReplyDeleteWhat great tips!!!! I love that big happy geranium in the middle of your table!
Pam,
ReplyDeleteYour table and dining area is beautiful.
Very good words of advice, and well taken.
You did a fabulous job!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Great table and I LOVE your salad plates! Beautiful pattern!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. It's so down-to-earth. Thanks for encouraging us all.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful table Pam..and I do love your tips. You are spot on. Enjoy the weekend..where is the sunshine today in the Carolina's?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.. Love the help you are getting!!
ReplyDeleteHow pretty ....It's so good to inspire ourselves to set a pretty table!
ReplyDelete