easy, affordable tabletop
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I am wholeheartedly embracing the trend of a layered tabletop (the word “tablescape” reminds me of Sandra Lee’s old Food Network show - anyone else?!). There are so many linens brands and designers that I covet, but it doesn’t always seem like investing in a $200 tablecloth is the most practical thing for our stage of life (i.e. small children who make a mess in all ways possible). BUT I’ve had some great success on Etsy finding gorgeous table cloths and place mats, not to mention some incredible finds on Amazon for glassware. Come take a look at some of my affordable favorites!
Chargers
One of the simplest and more affordable ways to add layers to your table is through chargers. Think of them as a sturdy placemat or a nest for your dinner plate. I love the look of a natural woven charger for more casual times. I have these that come in a variety of sizes and run about $7 each, but have been eyeing these delicate woven ones that are $6 a pop. See more options below! For holidays or more fancy-feeling celebrations, a metallic gold charger can really make a table setting pop. I have these super inexpensive ones that are actually plastic (the horror! j/k), but they look nice and my kids can’t break them so win win. These gold bead ones are also a great option, and I love the shape of these gold leaf-like chargers. I am also crushing majorly on these green ones that are only $6 each!
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Linens
Collecting table linens has been topping my personal gift lists this past Christmas and headed into Mother’s Day. There are so many gorgeous brands out there that I covet (India Armory, The Avenue, Fenwick Fields, Mrs. Alice). But I have also had such luck with a few Etsy shops getting beautiful hand blocked tablecloths and placemats at very affordable prices. Many are shipped internationally, so make sure to allow for a month or so for delivery (i.e. order now for Easter!). I have this one that I used at Christmas time, this basic dusty pink one that goes with everything. I am dying to use this blue and white one soon, and this simple neutral set is one I reach for time and again. I gave this affordable set of blue and white placemats and napkins to several friends this year for Christmas. It made a great gift! This brand of linen napkins from Amazon is very good quality and less than $40 for set of four! It doesn’t have to be a special occasion to use a tablecloth or cloth napkins. Pull them out for Sunday dinner! Just having friends over and ordering pizza? Set the table and make it feel special!
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Dishes & Details
I think one of my favorite parts of dipping a toe in the table setting hobby is that if I invest in linens and chargers and placemats, I usually have enough layers to my table that I can use my regular everyday china or this china pattern that I inherited from a close family friend. (I didn’t register for wedding China because we lived in NYC at the time and the thought of TWO sets of dishes was totally impossible to store. I completely regret this decision now. I could have just stored them at our parents house or something!). All that being said, there are some pretty good affordable options to add in to make your table setting go from basic to exiting. I own these water glasses and get compliments all the time about their heft and look. I’m coveting these etched glass goblets as well. And I, no lie, yelped with excitement when I found this super affordable bamboo flatware set on Amazon of all places (and here’s an even lower-priced set)! I use these darling rattan bow napkin rings just about every time I host because they are so darn cute and they come in a bunch of fun colors. I actually slid them over some brass candlesticks for Christmas for such a cute look. Check out a few other details to dress your table below. They are all such great gifts too. Perfect to add to your own Mother’s Day list or give to others who love to host.
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