How to Create A Casual Yet Elegant Table Setting

 

 

I learned the importance of setting a nice table from my 10 year old son.

I used to work in a senior management position in a  not-for-profit. My husband worked nights. So I'd get  home late after picking up the kids and frantically throw together a quick dinner. I'd slosh it onto the plates with my suit still on and scream for my sons to come to dinner.

Importance of Setting A Nice Table

I'll never forget the night my 10 year old son said, "Can we just sit down and eat like a normal family? I'll set the table."  His words stopped me dead in my tracks.

Since then, I've grown to appreciate the need to stop and smell the roses. To take the time to set a casually elegant table for my family or even myself. Don't get me wrong.  I don't do it every day or even every week, but when the spirit moves me I make it special.

Image:   Real Simple

 

How to Create A Casually Elegant Table Setting

• Put a nice tablecloth on your table. I suggest cloth. I have some beauties from local thrift shops.
• Select one or two items you love and build your color scheme around them. It could be a small vase with a rose or a beautiful bowl of shells. Could be something your kid created out of clay.
• Buy some beautiful paper napkins from Home Goods or IKEA. You can fold them in some fancy way.
• Break out the special glasses. What are you saving them for? You can get plastic ones for the kids if you like.
• Add a few candles and you have yourself a special table setting. 

What I learned from my son that day is simple. That it really doesn't take much longer to set a casually elegant table than it does it's fast food cousin. But the impact lasts a lifetime.

What unusual object do you like to add to your table settings? If often use books to elevate vases of flowers or candles.

Mimi

Image:  Carolyne Roehm

 

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Comments

[Courtney]

Fantastic ideas~ thanks for linking up!

[Mimi]

So glad you enjoyed this post Courtney! Thanks for stopping by.

[Angela @ The Not So Functional Housewife]

Beautiful idea! I love the colors! So pretty!

[Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.]

What wonderful suggestions! A lovely table makes even a simple meal more special! Sometimes kids really make us stop and think! Thanks so much for sharing!

[Mimi]

Angela, Glad you enjoyed the post on setting an elegant yet causal table.

[Mimi]

Sharon, When I entertain at home I gnerally keep the food simple and the tablescape elegant. It makes things so special. Thanks for your comment.

[Vanna]

Out of the mouths of babes huh? It's true that it doesn't take a lot ot make a table special.....I really should do it more often *winks*...I'm one of those "savin' the silver for a special occasion " people...Vanna

[Sonya]

What a great post. I stumbled onto your blog from the inspired room, and so glad I did. In a busy world its the little things that matter. In my house its hard to sit down as a family everyday, with my firefighter husband, but when he's home, sitting down for dinner as a family is a priority. I do need to work on a table scape. Thanks

[Mimi]

I'm so glad you stopped by from the Inspired Room. Melissa is a great inspiration to me. Taking a little time to make our lives beautiful in small ways really has an impact on our lives.

[italian dinnerware]

Thanks for these simple yet useful tips! Gotta try them over dinner!