5 Easy Table Setting Ideas for Everyday
Who says tablescapes are just for special occasions? Curating a custom table setting for your home is actually easier than you think. Let’s elevate the ordinary with these 5 table setting ideas for everyday.
When you think of table settings, your mind probably goes to holidays, celebrations, or special occasions. Let’s face it, most of us don’t have the time or energy to curate an elaborate table setting daily. I know I don’t!
But your dining table deserves more than a pile of laundry stacked on top or endless paperwork sprawled throughout.
What if I told you there are few easy ways to elevate your dining room table without the hassle? All it takes is some intentional design upgrades. I created a list of 5 table setting ideas for everyday to transform your boring dining room table into a showstopper.
Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance method to upgrade your dining room or tips on creating a cohesive look, I’m covering it all.
Let’s jump into my top 5 table setting ideas for everyday.
1. Embrace Minimalism
When in doubt, go the minimal route. To achieve a simple, elevated look in your dining room, clear the table and add a cluster of sculptural vases in the center. You can choose one or two vases, but no more than three.
Make sure the vases vary in color, height and shape to create a more dynamic look. You can even add natural elements like florals or fruits for a pop of color. My favorite centerpiece combination is one vase with flowers and one footed bowl with seasonal fruit.
I love this approach for a few reasons.
One, it’s quick and easy. All you need is a few vases and one minute of your time. Two, you can swap out the vases for different holidays, occasions or seasons, without worrying about creating a new tablescape. Three, it’s easy to clean. Having a completely clear table makes it super easy to refresh on a regular basis. You don’t have to wash the tablecloth, dust the plates or polish the silver. A quick wipe down is all you need!
Shop our favorite vases and bowls under $50 below.
Vases & Bowls
2. Choose your Signature Colors
Whether you love calm neutrals or bold, moody hues, everyone has a color palette they gravitate towards. I bet if you look around your home right now, you’ll find a three to five colors that show up in every space.
Those are your signature colors. Understanding your home’s color palette is extremely helpful in interior design. Your palette acts as a guide when making design decisions for your home, even your table setting.
My home consists of warm neutrals with pops of muted blues and greens. I can leverage that color palette to guide my table setting choices, from the table cloth to the plates.
For example, I can start by creating a neutral base with a tan striped table cloth. Then I can add wooden chargers in a warm walnut finish, muted blue dinner plates and cream colored linen napkins.
If you have a bright, colorful home consisting of purple, pink, and yellow, you could create a solid foundation with a white tablecloth, then add pops of color with you dinnerware.
Don’t reinvent the wheel on a daily basis. Use your signature colors to ground your design choices and simplify your every day table setting.
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3. Layer Linens
Table linens consist of tablecloths, table runners, napkins, cocktail napkins, placemats and even coasters. Incorporating all of these components in your everyday tablescape is unrealistic. However, layering just a few thoughtful pieces can transform your table from simple to sophisticated.
Start by adding a basic tablecloth to create a foundation for your table. Then layer a set of placemats in one of your signature colors. If your table is round, consider using rectangular placemats to create variation (and vise versa if your table is rectangular). Finish off your table with a set of napkins in another signature color. You can fold the napkin in a triangle and add it to each place setting, or stack the napkins in the center of the table.
A tablecloth, placemats and napkins are a perfect formula for a casual set up. You can add a table runner, coasters and cocktails napkins for special occasions.
Don’t be afraid to mix materials and patterns with your table linens. Think of your table as a blank canvas, and the table linens are the paint colors.
I recommend buying materials that are machine washable for easy maintenance. If your table linens are a permanent fixture on your table, aim to wash them at least once a month or more frequently if they get dirty. Here are a few of our favorites table linens under $60.
RELATED POST: 17 Traditional Easter Decorations for your Tablescape
Table Linens
4. Stick to the Candle Formula
Regardless of the size and shape of your dining table, this simple design formula will completely transform the look of your eating area. The formula is simple: table runner, candle holders and candles.
Start by measuring the dimensions of your table. Your runner should be about one third of the width of your table and one foot longer than your table’s length. Once you select the correct size runner, add it to the center of your table and ensure the overhang is even on opposite sides.
Next, gather a collection of candles holders, varying heights and materials. Don’t worry about the candle holders matching perfectly. This is a great opportunity to mix and match your favorites for a more curated look. Spread them out on the table runner, starting in the middle and working your way out.
Alternate different heights and space them out sporadically. The less planned, the better. Next, add candles to each candle holder. You can either use the same color candle and different style holders, or the same style holders and a variation of candles. Either way, have fun mixing and matching to create a dynamic look.
This is a simple and super easy way to elevate your dining room table in a few minutes. Here are a few of our top candle holders and candles under $25.
Candles/Holders
5. Add a Lazy Susan
Lazy Susans are the perfect balance of style and function. Upgrade your everyday table setting by adding a lazy susan in the center of your table, and layering decor on top. For example, you could group together salt and pepper shakers and a vase with fresh florals.
Alternatively, you could pair a few taper candles with a napkin holder. And during meal time, you could even add shared plates to the lazy susan for easy access to food.
The possibilities are endless!
Don’t forget to show your dining room some love this year. It just takes a few intentional design choices to transform your eating area from boring to sophisticated. Set a five minute timer at the beginning of each week, wipe off your table, incorporate one of the tips above, and you’re all set!
This post is all about table setting ideas for everyday.
