Spring Table Setting Designs

Though open concepts are the name of the game these days, that’s just not what works in this 197 year old farmhouse.  I have always felt, and still do feel, that a formal dining room is a bit of a luxury.  A separation from the kitchen, where let’s face it, the company always ends up anyway.  My dining room table is always my blank canvas for tables setting designs.  In fact, any table is a perfect canvas.

I tend to think of designing a table setting like a puzzle; work on it a little bit here and there.  Add pieces where I left off.  Pattern on pattern, standing back smiling when two completely different patterns work well together.  A “who knew, but it works.”  And too, it may be just me but I feel that food tastes better when I’m sitting at a pretty table.  I’m more relaxed, certainly, and more inspired.

I like to shop the house and bring the unexpected to the table.  Grabbing fabrics that weren’t necessarily meant to be a tablecloth, but end up rocking it.  A thrifted fitted sheet fits the bill for this round table.  The pastels of the tiny flowers complement the plaid of the napkins, ever encompassing the spring vibe.

Cheery.

Check out this curtain panel turned tablecloth.  It caught my eye at Goodwill, and though I felt it was a little loud to hang on a window, it sure does pack a modern punch paired with antique Imari plates and soft paisley napkins.  All strong patterns on their own, but complimentary when put together.  My point here is to not be afraid to mix and match.  Try it out because you never know if it’ll work unless you see it all together.

Old and new.  Pattern on pattern.  Textures.

Bring the outside in.  A sheet of moss that is meant to wrap pots and other garden accessories works as the perfect spring inspired table runner.  Here, two fit the length of the table.  You can find these moss runners, here.

Letting nature run the course on the table, I cut and added more moss to the bed of lanterns.  First of all, I removed that annoying pointy thing in the middle – cut it out with tin snips, and then fit in the moss.  Keeping the place settings white, I then layered vintage cabbage leaf soup bowls to tie in the green.  Lots of candles to bring the romantic glimmer of spring.  And, much craved.

Another modern mix.

Whether you’re going to entertain, or you’re in the mood to design, let your table be your canvas.  Shop your house and let patterns work with patterns.  Hey, if the runway can rock the patterns, then your table can too.  Mix the old with the new, that’s what it’s all about.  There really isn’t much more inviting than a beautiful table setting.