It's fun to set an elaborate, awe inspiring table now and then...but let's be truthful... most of us don't dine like the Downton Abby bunch every night!
That got me thinking... What if we had a "formula" for setting a pretty, tasteful table that could be easily duplicated and embellish at a moments notice... one that was so easy we would all want to use it for an everyday meal or company. One that we have tucked away in our minds so setting a table would be a breeze!
Over the next year I'm going to set a table each month using this formula, adding seasonal touches but keeping the "basics" the same.
Over the next year I'm going to set a table each month using this formula, adding seasonal touches but keeping the "basics" the same.
Here are 10 steps for making that happen...
1. CHOOSE AN EASY FOUNDATION
My round kitchen table is set for four, but it could easily be set for six as well. Because I want this table to have a relaxed feel I used two runners (Pottery Barn) instead of a table cloth. I don't have to iron them as I would a tablecloth.
2. USE WHITE DISHES
The real secret to this table is to use white dishes! White dishes are cameleons! They can work into the background of any table setting... they play nicely with anything you put on the table on the table!
I collected these interesting white dishes (HomeGoods) with a thick raised design border. Lots of interest without adding an additional color.
Use dishes from the same set! This is easy-peasy... they are already sized to go together!
3. CHARGERS AND PLACEMATS
Chargers and placemats are not a "must" but they give a boundary to each place setting.
I chose one with an organic feel. Chargers and placemats can be quite inexpensive, so they are fun to change out!
4. USE YOUR EVERYDAY FLATWARE
Just make sure your everyday pieces are in good shape. Remember we are setting a casual table... so silver or special flatware is not necessary.
My flatware (Oneida Outlet) is years old! It has a good weight to it and works with almost every table I set.
If you don't have a good everyday set of flatware, now's the time to start looking for one.
5. USE CLOTH NAPKINS
Cloth napkins make the most modest table look more upscale! If you are just starting out, choose the best white napkins you can find. White crisp napkins will elevate any table.
For this casual table I chose these Indian print napkins (HomeGoods). I tend to gravitate to greens and an organic feel when setting an everyday table.
The napkin ring is a jute string tied around it. Very unexpected and fun!
Come back tomorrow and I'll show you how to make this easy napkin flatware pocket.
6. FIND ONE GREAT GOBLET
My bubble goblets go with almost anything. I picked them up for 97 cents each on sale at Reading China And Glass. Again, not fancy... but very versatile and pretty!
7. MAKE CENTERPIECES SIMPLE
Remember this is a casual table... you don't need to have an elaborate centerpiece!
I used these little topiaries from my dining room as the centerpiece. Shop your house to see what you can find!
8. FILL THE LEFT CORNER
I think filling the left corner of each placesetting gives it balance! Today I filled it with tiny salt plates and wooden salt spoons.
Each month I'll show you some other fun ways to use that lonely left corner!
9. USE AT LEAST ONE OTHER PIECE TO FILL SPACES ON YOUR TABLE
I'm using a white woven bread bowl (local food shop) as "fill" in this tablescape. It gives our eyes something else to look at and will hold offerings of crusty bread.
10. MAKE CLEAN-UP EASY
A table isn't casual if you have to dry clean or hand wash items on the table. Extra work like that makes me not want to set a pretty everyday table!
Everything must be easy to clean-up and put away! Be kind to yourself!
It may be casual but it is beautiful, Yvonne! Love the raised pattern on those dishes. Great idea using two table runners. I have a round table, too, so this would work for me as well. Love that napkin and the pocket you made. I look forward to seeing that "how-to"!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great and helpful post, Yvonne!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
Teresa
xoxo
Oh, this is a beautiful table and not too casual in my eyes! Thank you for the tips because no one sets a table better than you!
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Lovely post. I like how you used two table runners instead of a tablecloth! Love the napkins, too!
ReplyDeletebeautiful table and great tips!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this! I'm having friends over for breakfast soon and plan to set a casual but pretty table. I have boxwoods growing all around my house so I may use your idea and try my hand at preserving some boxwood branches with glycerine and making 2 topiaries for the table. Still trying to decide what to use for chargers because my chairs are backed with rattan and I don't think basketweave chargers look as nice with the rattan. Too much natural weave all at one table. Also, I have some white coffee mugs I love that match the white plates, but I never ordered the cups and saucers that go with the set. Do you think it's okay to put the mugs on the table without saucers?
ReplyDeleteAlthough it's mostly white and maybe that's why you call it simple, (I don't, lol)..I find it beautiful and elegant and with lovely elements, specially the great white dishes and stemware. I have such round table and it's great for a less formal setting. Thank you for the wonderful tips, dear Ivonne. Big hugs,
ReplyDeleteFabby
Lovely lesson! And I think you are onto something with your "left corner" idea. Can't wait to see your other suggestions for that spot!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful table and I love your dishes.
ReplyDeleteThe runners work great on the table.
Denise
Yvonne....gorgeous table...the only advice I would add is to be careful when selecting centerpieces - if they're too tall and "clunky" they can impede conversation; however your round topiaries allow people to almost see through them!!!!! When people are setting the table they are typically standing, so they can easily miss a centerpiece that's too tall - the other idea is if you absolutely LOVE the tall centerpiece, take it off the table when the food is served. Your tables always look amazing!!!! I look forward to seeing other versions on this theme!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJust lovely Yvonne. Love the jute string idea too.
ReplyDeleteSam
Fabulous! We just had a couple to dinner this past weekend and I set an all white table. Love those white bubble goblets. I can't wait to see the coming months!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful! This is a fantastic tutorial! I really appreciate you sharing this! =D
ReplyDeleteYour table is just beautiful, Yvonne, and your tips are definitely going to be put to use. I never thought of the "left corner" and filling in spaces. Great advice!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Simple, yet beautiful! Love your pretty dishes!
ReplyDeleteYvonne, you are a master at the art of tablescapes. I always enjoy viewing what you have coordinated. Thank you for sharing your great gift with all of us.
ReplyDeleteI'm so in agreement with you here. Boy, I wish that we had a Home Goods. I view so many great finds from HG. Love the textures, the organic nature of your table. Beautiful! I look forward to the variations! Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteSimplistic elegance :-) What a pretty table. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering how to share with my future daughter in law the steps for setting a nice table, and you just did it for me.
Totally luv the raised design on the dishes.
Hugs, Gee
These may be silly questions, Yvonne, but 1) do you serve family style, and 2) do you keep the centerpieces on the table while dining?
ReplyDeleteI'm not a tablescaping pro (obviously), but I've often wondered how to keep everything pretty AND functional.
Great questions... I usually don't serve family style because I just don't have enough room on my table. I have a large island close to my table and I usually serve from there... more buffet style or I plate everyone's meal. The next question is such a good one!!! If a centerpiece is too tall I will remove it from the table before serving. These topiaries have a lot of room to see through so I'll leave them on.
DeleteThanks for asking!
I always enjoy seeing what you bring to the table Yvonne! Love your 'fill in the left corner' tip' and your little salt spoons!
ReplyDeleteOh so lovely and perfect. you suggested a decorating book a few months back and i don't remember what it was called .could you please let me know the title again.I think the young lady also had a web site. Thank you , Hannah
ReplyDeleteIt is called "The Meghan Method". Great ideas for decoration.
DeleteYes, thats the one , thank you so much.
Deletegreat suggestions and tips. My favorite is casual :)
ReplyDeleteYvonne,nothing here that isn't the absolute truth.. I love that you laid it all out! Of course having stunning white dishes makes everything come to life! Love the topiaries too..gorgeous.. xo marlis
ReplyDeleteI love your beautiful creamware. Your settings are so warm and inviting, any guest should feel so welcome to be invited to your table.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, it's true that a pretty table doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming. Your formula proves it! Love your white dishes. I've been trying to add more white dishes with great texture when I find them. You taught me that!!! '-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all your great ideas. ~ Sarah
So lovely!
ReplyDeleteYavonne-you just know how to do it every time! A moment of joy spread on site to cheer me on this dismal day in Colorado (but I'm happy anyway!) Thank you dear.
ReplyDeletePamela
Your table is so lovely and your tips are fabulous!!! I pinned, bookmarked and favorited this post because of the wealth of information you shared, too. I can't wait to see what you do with it next month!!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Yvonne. I have clear bubble glasses that I love and good quality white linen napkins. I am slowly building up my white dishes (I really want Italian Countryside, but til I get a part time job, not in the budget) Great post. xo
ReplyDeleteI want the urns and topiaries. Love them.
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely stunning. So beautiful~we have such similar taste. New follwer as of today :)
ReplyDeletemelissa@thetinsel.com
Yvonne,
ReplyDeleteWoW!!!
What a lovely, classic, casual tablescape, dear friend!!!
I love the GREAT advice given here!!!
White dinnerware, everyday flatware, clear glassware...easy peasy, indeed!!!
Thanks for reminding us to "shop the house" for those centerpiece needs!!!
I'll be watching each month, I often look back into your archives when needing tablescaping inspiration!!!
Fondly,
Pat
You make even casual look special, Yvonne! You've shared some great tips and I look forward to the napkin fold.
ReplyDeleteLove everything about it! Those glasses are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteLove your dishes and your tips are great and appreciated too.
ReplyDeletegorgeous yvonne. elegant and understated lovely.
ReplyDeletesmiles to you.
michele
Such understated elegance. I love everything about it. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty table indeed! Love those goblets and the napkins too. All of it is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous table setting and the topiaries are great centerpieces.
ReplyDeleteSuch an inviting table, the salt plate is such a fun and unexpected twist. Love it!
ReplyDeleteLynn
Lovely Table!
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be great fun to watch your formula during the next months as the seasons and holidays change, can't wait! Love the white plates and especially the individual salt bowls and spoons. Never thought about the empty left corner, now I am going to think about this every time! What an inspiring and thought provoking post!
ReplyDeleteJenna
You can make a "casual table" elegant!...casually elegant I say!..just beautiful Yvonne!!
ReplyDeleteYou are SO right that white dishes are the chameleon of the dish world! They can take on whatever form you need them too at any given time. This is a great example of a casual dinner table that can still make everyone around it feel special. With its easy clean-up and organic elements, you just can't go wrong!!! Very pretty!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful table and you are right, casually elegant!!! I adore the bubble glasses, and of course the DISHES!!! I am betting you got the topiaries at Old Millhouse???? Lovee them! XO
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I could have a room full of dishes and it still wouldn't be enough! I love your salt cellars!
ReplyDeleteYou always create just lovely tablescapes and this is certainly one of them!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips for easy table setting. Your table looks beautiful even with its simplicity.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
I'm planning to have a candle light dinner with my girlfriend for the upcoming weekend, these table arrangements was fabulous. i really love. Thanks for the wonderful tips
ReplyDeleteSo stunning! Love the soft neutral palette and so agree about using cloth napkins, they do add a special something. I buy them so why not use them! I use them much more often now....makes sense. You MUST do a tabletop book Yvonne!
ReplyDeleteYour table is always stunning! I adore your use of neutrals! Your napkin pouches with jute string are so cute! You always set a gorgeous table!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration! I’m trying to decide on my table gameplan!
ReplyDeleteI love all of your posts. I always learn something each time! Thanks! Your table setting is so lovely.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and helpful as usual. Now I hope you will plan a post on storage, storage, storage! Where and how do you keep everything? I realize you have a house and I am living in a one-bedroom apartment, but I'm sure some of your storage ideas could be applicable to my situation as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial! I love your simple but very elegant table. One question, would you still use 2 runners for a rectangular table? We don't have the money to replace our breakfast room table yet so was wondering.
ReplyDeleteI would probably do one runner and then placemats at the other places. Use great straw or willow place mats with a table like this!
DeleteThanks for sharing this great tutorial, it's so full of tips for us to set the perfect table. I always love visiting your blog and gaining so much information and knowledge.
ReplyDelete