Hello friends. I am a bit embarrassed to admit that it has been almost 6 weeks since I wrote my last post. I didn't intend on taking such an extended break, but sometimes life happens and ultimately gets in the way. The life interruption was primarily due to the weather. While we maintained electricity during the great snowmageddon, we had very limited internet service. There were some days we didn't even have cell service, not to mention, we were without water for 4 days. Obviously the lack of water had no bearing on my being able to post, but the lack of internet and cell service absolutely did. I'm not writing this to complain, but simply to explain part of my prolonged absence. In retrospect, we faired better than soooo many others in our town and certainly in our state. Many people had no electricity or water. I'm thankful for the electricity as we stayed warm, we were able to prepare simple meals, and our pipes didn't freeze. So many others were not as fortunate and are still trying to recover.
Anyhoo.......I recently posted this Easter tablescape on my Instagram feed, and several people private messaged me asking how I go about building a tablescape and encouraged me to share more table decor. Feedback is such a wonderful thing.......it renews the creative juices and restores the spirit to share. So without further ado, here is my approach, which is not textbook by any means, it is just what works for me.
Choose a Theme/Story
It's easy to choose a theme when it is a holiday such as Easter, Christmas, etc. If it is something such as a ladie's night out, or a birthday party, this may require more thought and preparation. I like to think of the table as telling the story about the event you are celebrating.
Color
In the event that you don't have a theme, just begin with color. A color coordinated table just sings sophistication, regardless of how simple it may be. In choosing the color, this almost always involves your linens. Over the years I have purchased cloth napkins and tablecloths from Dillards, Pottery Barn, William Sonoma, Walmart, TJMax, and Tuesday Morning, and Hobby Lobby, just to name a few. In other words, they don't have to be expensive to be festive. One of my favorite tablecloths is this one from the Pioneer Woman's collection at Walmart. I love the print and it has just enough polyester to make it iron free!! This one is out of stock, but you can find a similar one here.
Tableware
Love what you have, use what you have, and LAYER!!! If by chance you are looking to add some inexpensive plates or glassware, visit the Dollar Tree. I scored these awesome lemon dinner plates last year for $1.00 each. The rattan chargers came from Walmart and the gold scalloped chargers came from Hobby Lobby. Both are currently sold out, but lots of places have the rattan ones, and here is a similar scalloped one. Again, additional layers are key!!
Address The Middle
Add one big container and fill it with anything from flowers, plants, fruit, vegetables, Christmas balls, etc. IF you don't have one large container, gather smaller ones and fill with grocery store flowers OR cuttings from your yard. A full table is a festive table. You can also add candles, hurricanes, battery operated lights, greenery, etc. It's a good idea when using multiple containers to use varying heights. This is easily achieved with books, pedestals, or even a cake stand. Again, layers are key to the overall aesthetic of your tablescape.
So that is my very unscientific formula that I honestly think can work for anyone!!!
Fourth of July Tablescape
For more information, including sources for this look, click here.
Summer Lemon Tablescape
The lemon dishes are Dollar Tree from last year, the tablecloth is from TJMax, the small bamboo votive holders are Hobby Lobby last year, but similar ones here, and the pitcher is MacKenzie Childs.
Blue and White Table
Paper Blue Willow placemats by Plat du Jour, napkins from William Sonoma, but are no longer available.
Fall Table
Tablecloth from Hobby Lobby, napkins from Tuesday Morning, chargers from Hobby Lobby, green plates vintage, and salad plate is Napolean Ivy by Wedgewood.
Christmas Table
Table runner old from Pottery Barn, Fairy by Mark Roberts, boxwood garland Target, napkins old from Dillards, ribbon from Hobby Lobby, plates are St. Nick by Fitz and Floyd.
Easter Table
This is not my Easter Sunday table, but a table I put together for a small dinner party we had on Saturday evening. The tablecloth and napkins are Hobby Lobby, the placemats are Caspari and can be found here, the rabbit was a gift from a friend, and the carrots are old from Tuesday Morning.
As always, thank you for stopping by. I hope you are feeling inspired to tackle your next Tablescape. Do you have a formula or method for creating a festive table??? If so, please share!! Until next time.
Fondly,
Julie