Who’s ready for Spring?! I know I am. We haven’t seen the sun here on the Texas Coast in MONTHS (ok, maybe WEEKS but it feels like months). So I decided to jump ahead and right into Spring (well, at least in my home 😉). One of the ways I like to anticipate and enter into a new season is by doing a "tablescape refresh". I enjoy setting my dining room table appropriately for the season. I just looooove setting tablescapes!
I almost always have my table set. Not only for the beautiful aesthetics but because you never know when the hubs will walk in the door and tell me he invited someone over for dinner (and yes, typically it’s last minute. You ladies know what I’m talking about). So instead of feeling frazzled, I know I already have a beautiful table set. Knowing how to create a tablescape will give you confidence in your hosting. It also conveys a sense of importance to the table and the meal. It could be for a particular occasion or just because. It makes the meal and your guests feel special, from ordinary to extraordinary. And it’s also just fun to be resourceful and creative!
You will see more later in this blog but our dining room table seats 6-8 people...but I removed the leaf for a more intimate dining experience (plus, it gives us a lot more room). Typically we only need a larger table setting during the holidays but should we need more seating, adding the leaf back in is fairly quick and easy.
So back to how to set a tablescape. First, you want to have an idea of your theme and colors. When I saw this beautiful tablecloth at Home Goods, I knew I had inspiration for my Spring table setting.
I also love that the tablecloth is indoor/outdoor, waterproof, and stain resistant! But you don’t have to shop for anything new. Start with things you already have. Things that you love and things that inspire you.
Secondly, gather your items. Tablecloth, placemats, centerpiece (flowers, plants, sculpture, accessories, etc), dishes, glasses, napkins, silverware, candleholders, candles, serving pieces, decorative embellishments, etc. Don’t be afraid to “shop” your home. You may be surprised to find those candlestick holders you’ve had in the living room since 1990 fit perfectly in your tablescape. :)
Thirdly, start by clearing your table to have a clean slate. Place your tablecloth and runner (if you are using one) on your table. Make sure to steam them if need be. Nothing ruins a beautiful tablescape like a wrinkled tablecloth.
Fourth, layer with texture and color. Add your placemats, then place settings (dishes, silverware, glasses, etc). Remember, it doesn’t all have to be “matchy matchy”. Some of the most beautiful tablescapes are filled with lots of colors and texture...it’s like candy for the eyes (is that what we call “eye-candy”?)
Lastly, the centerpiece and embellishments! This is my favorite part. This is when you REALLY start to see your beautiful table coming together. Fill in those empty spots and gaps on your table. Bring out those thrifty vintage finds, florals, knick-knacks, serving dishes, and other embellishments and "fillers". Here is a bit about how I put mine together...
For my tablescape, I needed something to break up the busy (but lovely) tablecloth. None of the runners I had was working so I scoured my home and found this gold polka dot “runner” that matches my gold polka dot wine glasses. Except, that it isn’t a table-runner...that’s actually gift wrapping paper (you'll see more in a bit)! Yep, gift wrapping paper saves the day AGAIN (see my blog where I use gift wrapping paper as wallpaper)! I simply folded the wrapping paper to make it look more realistic (vs cutting with scissors) and whala!
So on to my Spring tablescape...this is also where some of my “quirky” vintage finds come in handy. Here I used my pink “hen on a nest” and filled it with chocolate eggs (how fun is that! ;) ).
Pink impression glass was one of the first things I started collecting when I started taking “thrifting” more seriously. I believe this one dates back to the 1950’s.
It's kinda hard to see but in this pic you can see my thrifted candlestick holders that I purchased for around $10 bucks...
When the sun is actually shining, they look STUNNING as the light pierces through with rainbow-like colors. Honestly, they are very lightweight so I thought they were probably “cheap” but I loved the look so I bought them anyway. As I was placing them on the table, I noticed there was a light engraving on the bottom that read, “MIKASA”. So that was a great find!
The polka dot wine glasses were also a thrifty find at a local donation spot where proceeds benefit animal shelters. I got them for $1 a piece! Win win!
This cute little porcelain bunny dish was also found at the same local donation spot for only a few bucks!
The silver footed tray where the bunny rests was also a thrifted find that I’ve had for YEARS. I wasn’t sure if it was real silver and it was dark and tarnished but I cleaned it up and it’s sparkling again (although it could use another cleaning). I can’t believe I actually had this in my “Goodwill” pile!
The silver chargers were on sale for $1 at Hobby Lobby last year and the round silver tray where my vintage basket sits is actually a Dollar Store find.
Although you all know my love for thrifting and finding good deals, you can see, it all really does serve a purpose! My only real splurge were these William Sonoma plates.
I bought enough for a place setting for 8, but I just love them and know I will use them year round and for years to come. I love how they are all a bit different.
The centerpiece is a floral arrangement I found at Home Goods. It was another little splurge but I absolutely love it and I know I will enjoy it and use it regularly throughout my home.
You can create your own floral arrangement for half the price but still fully enjoy the beauty of them (let me know if you would like a quick step by step tutorial on floral arrangements!). Depending on how much you want to spend (and how important more “realistic” looking flowers are to you), you can always find good deals on florals at places like Hobby Lobby, At Home, Michael’s, and even the Dollar Store!
So you see, creating a beautiful tablescape can be fun, easy, and cost-effective. These are things I have collected over the years and I try to purchase items that are timeless, knowing I will love them for years to come.
I hope I have inspired you and shown that you don’t have to “break the bank” to bring some beauty into your home. There are ways you can keep your heart (and bank account) full.☺️
I hope you enjoyed this quick step by step tutorial on “How to Create a Beautiful Spring Tablescape”. Stay tuned for my Spring Home Tour coming soon!
I will leave you with a few more pics of my Spring tablescape. Please leave a comment below or feel free to ask any questions. Would love to hear from you!
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