Spring Tabletop with Primroses and Paper Napkins
I really love to set a pretty table, but you know me, I try to use what I have, tying in a theme and the season!
A large group of ladies were coming for our girlfriend’s surprise 50h birthday!
The first thing I did was look through my paper napkins to see what I already had. My goal was to be frugal and smart.
The next thing I did was buy a flat of primroses from Costco for $10. And then the inspiration came together quite nicely. I did splurge and buy 1 tablecloth from Target. I needed a new fresh one and the price was right!
Some people get all uptight about their table, thinking it has to be perfect and maybe even a little “over-the-top.” I worry more about who’s coming, the conversation, the flow and flavor of the evening … the warmth of gathering.
Because to be honest, my friends are not going to remember what my table looked like!
But they will walk away and remember the reason we all came together. A beautiful birthday celebration for our friend.
How to set a table and not get stressed out:
1. Think about the tablecloths and dishes that you already have.
2. Look through your napkins for “possibilities.”
3. Go to the store or florist (or your yard) and find something that will tie together with your linens and dishes.
4. If you buy potted plants, keep it simple and wrap/tie ribbon around the actual pot.
5. Set two place settings and see if you like the look. If not, change things around – maybe a different table cloth or napkins.
6. Cloth or paper napkins? As much as I wanted to use cloth napkins, I had a stack of these flowered paper napkins that totally matched the theme. Done deal!
7. Set the table one day early. It will grow on you, and gives you time to change things around if you need to.
8. Once the table is set, check it off your list. Move on to the next part of party-planning.
And learn to enjoy. Entertaining for me is about enjoying the people who are coming to my home. What’s done is done. What’s cleaned is clean. And I know that my friends are not coming to inspect my table, home, or entertaining style.
They’re coming for connection. To expand relationships. Not to critique my table or notice if I used cloth napkins or not.
Do you struggle with setting a pretty table? What tips can you share for overcoming “not caring” if things are perfect?
(Stay tuned for an EXCITING MacKenzie-Child’s giveaway coming soon on RE!)
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
Love the black and white dishes. Can you tell me who makes them? So pretty. Great post…always so inspiring.
I personally loved the plants options. Most of the time I’m going through my head looking table center pieces and fresh flowers are so easy, beautiful and better yet… it can be so inexpensive. Thanks for the tip!
Very pretty, Sandy! This is such a good post, and reminder for me. I struggle with finding that balance between wanting everything to be perfect, and having enough energy left to actually talk to our guests once they get there!:) I have learned a lot over the years, but still have a ways to go. Thanks for sharing your suggestions. I like the idea of setting the table the day before.
Beautiful, Sandy.
When meal times and dinner parties are kept simple…we tend to host much more. I would rather have guests frequent our home than spending so much time and energy trying to impress. Keeping it sane and simple (our version of KISS) and looking at it as hospitality rather than entertaining keeps me in check. Although there are definitely times to celebrate special occasions with the fancy schmancy!!! A girl has to have some fun. :)
I do love how those napkins are the perfect accessory for the table.. I don’t really fret about the table.. I figure out what i’m serving and then pick out dishes to go with the food. Kinda backwards, but it’s been working. And I use our “crystal” glasses so much. Hard to believe their humble beginnings!! The table looks wonderful. I looked for primroses this past weekend, to no avail. And it’s a blizzard today, that might be why!
xo marlis
Gorgeous table setting – I bet the luncheon was a blast!