Do you have something that just makes your heart happy? While we love preparing and enjoying delicious food, a thoughtfully set table makes our hearts skip a beat. Some might think it’s not their gifting or that they don’t have the resources to set a lovely table, but sometimes simplicity and using what you already have is the way to go.
Here are some of our favorite tips for setting a festive table:
Decorate Seasonally
Pull in colors and textures from the season you are in. In October, add a few small pumpkins to the center of the table. In December, use fresh garland, a wreath or some colorful bottle brush trees to make your table festive.
Utilize nature:
We love foraging for berry branches, sprigs of greens, leaves; whatever is available at that time of year. This can be a fun activity to include your kids with as well while on a nature walk (as long as they don’t pick your neighbor’s flowers!). It’s also a way to save money if you aren’t able to buy flowers for a centerpiece.
Ambient Lighting
taper, tea light….candles always add a nice touch to a table.
Fun Napkins
We love keeping a basket of colorful and patterned cloth napkins in the center of our tables. This can be something you build up over time. Our mom also has a paper fetish and will grab pretty paper napkins when they are on sale so she always has something to choose from when she has guests.
Food is art
Whether you are setting a gorgeous charcuterie board in the center of your table, using a large platter full of spaghetti and meatballs served family style or actually using pieces of food as decor, food is one of the best ways to decorate a table. In the winter months, we love grabbing some bright orange persimmons to set around the table along with a couple of pomegranates that we cut in half because God is the ultimate artist! In the summer, toss a Meyer lemon at the top of each place setting.
Quench Their Thirst
We also like filling several swing top bottles to scatter throughout the table for easy refills. This can be as simple as water or can be dolled up with fruit to add a touch of flavor and color; make some agua fresca or a delicious tea if that is your thing.
Use What You Have
No need to spend money. This is actually our bread and butter. We like “foraging” around our own homes to see what can be used to make a table festive or inviting. You will be surprised what you will find is already right under your fingertips.
Eat Al Fresco
Not enough seating? Grab your throw pillows, quilts, or cushions and make a fun table on the floor. The possibilities really are endless!
At the end of the day, people are honored to be invited around your table, sharing a meal with you and others. Whether your table is set or not, don’t hesitate to create community in this way by opening up your home. You will find it life giving and rewarding.
Meet the Author!
Megan Mathews is a former art teacher who now fills her days with teaching and loving on her three children. She enjoys using her art background on various design projects. Megan adores time with her husband, Sundays with her family, good coffee and cuisine, quiet moments in creation, and making memories with her littles.
Elizabeth Fleming is a wife and proud momma. She loves cooking, going on adventures with her husband, and is unashamedly obsessed with her children and their adorable cousins.