One of my new year’s resolutions is to put more of an emphasis on making everyday moments feel more special. This includes putting on a podcast while doing my makeup, a good playlist while cooking dinner, lighting candles to journal by, and of course… setting the table for everyday dinners.
I was lucky enough to grow up in a family where home-cooked meals were the norm, and learned how to set a table at a young age. It never had to be anything over the top and extravagant–rather a beautiful compilation of pieces in your collection and laying around. Since then, I’ve learned to mix and match items I own and see how many different beautiful tablescapes I can create.
Though my collection of items to choose from has grown quite large over the years, I’ve maintained a specific formula I tend to stick to when choosing up my supplies for a setting. It will vary from time to time, but in general, this is my go-to. Here are my tablescape non-negotiables and links to some of my favorites in my collection. You can browse my ‘Entertaining‘ tab for more tablescape inspiration!
Tablecloth
This can set the tone for the entire table! If you’re unsure, I love to use a classic white or off-white linen, and then add pops of personality elsewhere throughout the tablescape. I love to get mine from The Company Store, Petite Plume, Tuckernuck or McGee & Co.
Napkins (used as placemats) or Table Runner
I realized a couple years ago my napkin collection could double as placemats by simply layering them on top of the tablecloth and letting the extra hang off the edge. It’s a nice way to add a contrasting fabric and extra depth to a tablescape. This can alternatively be achieved by placing a runner down the center of the table.
Chargers
One of my favorite elements–I love to add a natural textured charger to bring some warmth to the table. I have several go-to’s… these are nice and lightweight (great for everyday), these are my favorites for summer tables and I recently added this darker wicker version to my collection.
Plates
I’m a white plate gal 90% of the time, but I do love to mix and match textures of white plates. Depending on how busy the tablescape is, I’ll either use a matching set or have fun playing around with different textures/shades. Even if I don’t need it, I’ll always set the table with a dinner and salad plate, just to give it extra dimension. My go-to brands for dinnerware are Lenox, Potterybarn and Crate & Barrel.
Flatware
I have more flatware than I’d love to admit, but they all evoke a different feeling. I have this set from Lenox in both silver and gold, and they are definitely my most used. However, this bamboo-handled set gets used a lot in the summer, and this is also a great classic set.
Glassware
I’ve had an obsession with collecting glassware for years (this could be a whole separate post), but I usually like to layer a smaller water glass with a “specialty” glass–whether that be for sparkling water, a cocktail or wine. Glassware adds so much more to the table than you’d expect! I love playing with different textures of glass (bubbled, hammered, etc).
Napkins / Accessories
Another of my favorite elements! Lately, I’ve been loving the undone look of a napkin knotted and ‘thrown’ over the plate (pictured above), but I also using this as an opportunity to add in another rustic element with a napkin ring. These are a few of my favorites of each I’ve collected over the years–
Candlesticks
Whether I’m layering several candlesticks or just lighting one or two in hurricanes, it’s a non-negotiable! Nothing sets the mood for dinner like the soft lighting of a flickering candle. If open flames make you nervous, these are great to contain the fire.
Something Living
I always like to have something fresh on my table but it’s not always practical to make a whole floral arrangement. Sometimes, I’ll just use a couple stems in bud vases if I have them lying around, or even throw my potted plants on the table. In a pinch, I’ve also thrown basil or parsley into a pretty glass! It adds an organic element to the table that can pull the whole look together.
Something Extra
My last layer is what I call ‘something extra’–a pinch pot for salt or cheese, unexpected salt and pepper shakers, a handwritten menu, a water pitcher or ice bucket, ribbons on the glasses… you get the idea. A little something unexpected that adds a personal touch to the table.