Fall in love with tall candles
I have always struggled with form over function, always. Luckily, or unluckily, my husband is ALL form and he is always willing to remind me if when I need to make a "form adjustment". I can't tell you the number of times I have set an absolutely gorgeous table only to have him remove the centerpiece when he sat down. Of course he was right. I mean, let's face it, people do need to see each other when the eat together. I hate to admit it, but sometimes there is a difference between Pinterest pretty and reality.
Last night we had two friends over for dinner and I think it was the best table I ever set. We have a fairly long dining room table so I used a smaller tablecloth to redefine the length. Then I placed two tall candle holders on either end to create a great atmosphere. I was so thrilled to be able to use tall candleholders for a dinner! Then I simply ran a leafy garland down the middle of the table, strung some battery operated string lights, placed a few votive candles and finished the look with some small glass pumpkins.
Quick Table Tips
- Feel free to use battery operated candles. Wax can ruin paint, spill on tables and burn small children (and adults who had a few too many wines).
- Look around the house for fun decorations to use for your tablescape. I had a collection of small glass pumpkins that I pulled out this time but I've used Beanie Babies, wooded toy animals, shells and even origami creations. Have fun with it.
- Mix and match dishes if you don't have enough. I only have four of these Stangle dishes. If I want to use them for a larger party I'll mix a set of yellow dishes with them. Be brave and blend!
- Put your spices from your spice rack for the table AFTER you snap your pictures. Hahaha.
- Be creative for serving dishes. I used a crystal sugar dish with a mini silver spoon to hold the parmesan cheese.
- Tuck paper napkins in with your cloth ones. If a meal is really messy, it makes your guests feel more comfortable to wipe their hands with paper.
- Be afraid of linen... be VERY afraid. Okay, so this tablecloth was a bear to iron but you know what? No one noticed! Don't get bogged down in the IG details that only show up in a picture. I turned down the lights and had the candles and fairly lights lit.... that's what they saw, not those impossible edges that only my sister could possible iron out! :-)
Well, that's about it. Hope you enjoyed this post. -Nancy
Nancy Dowd is the owner of Picnic in Paradise SC, a popup picnic and table styling company serving Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach areas of South Carolina.