Oh-so-chic table setting ideas on a budget
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About two years ago, I learned some tricks and tips from my friend Annie over at Olea & Fig whom I did an afternoon tea-themed photo shoot with; together, we featured a few ideas on how to style a chic tea party, which was later featured on Cottage Hill (now known as B.E Publishing), and 100 Layer Cake.
Ever since then, I’ve been enjoying the fun little table-setting opportunities even when it’s just a Friday dinner at home for my husband and I. When it comes to the holidays or celebrations, however, I make sure I level up my table-setting game — but without breaking the bank, of course!
Read on to find out how you can do it, too.
Opt for paper plates that can be recycled
If you can’t always buy fancy dinnerware, give paper plates a try! A lot of brands now offer beautifully designs matching sets that are perfect for any occasion. Harlow and Grey, for instance, is one of my favorite brands that offer a collection of high quality, stunning options.
If you’re concerned about creating too much waste, there are also a lot of more eco-friendly choices, like these compostable bamboo plates or these squared palm leaf plates.
Photos by Ashley Gallerani Photography.
2. Dried flowers are your best friend
I love getting dried flowers because not only are they long-lasting, can be reused repeatedly, and beautiful to look at, but they are also multi-functional!
You can repurpose ribbons you get from packages or gifts that you receive and make smaller bouquets to place on your plates. They are the simplest way to elevate any dinner table. Alternatively, you can use the dried flowers as a center piece if your table is big enough, too — ours is very petite at the moment because it needs to fit in a Manhattan studio!
Some of my favorite places to shop for dried flowers include local farmers’ markets and on Etsy! And if you live in New York City, you should definitely check out Oat Cinnamon, a Brooklyn-based florist founded by content creator Ryan Norville.
Etsy.com
dried small bouquets
3. Candles are your second best friend
You don’t necessarily need to light them, but a collection of elegant candles are a great way to accessorize le table. If you have a small budget, you can opt for flameless LED candles because, for obvious reasons, they will last way longer than real candles. My husband actually prefers them when we host family and friends, especially when his niece comes around, because they are a lot safer.
However, having said that, I personally still like “real” candles because nothing beats their warmth and beautiful scents. Once the candles finish burning, I would turn them into little vases for the dried flowers — which then becomes fabulous centerpieces!
Based in New York, Aerangis’ elegant candles are sustainably hand-crafted. The minimalist design suits any dining table, and for any occasion.
P.S. “No. 1 The Beginning” candle that has been featured Marie Claire, PureWow etc., is my favorite scent from the signature collection.
Yes, this planter used to be a soy candle! The wellness brand has 2 candles and while one comes in a coral orange jar, the other features an olive grey hue.
You can use happilyeverstyle to get 10% off your order.
4. Don’t skip the placemats
Placemats may sometimes seem unnecessary, but they really are wonderful in so many ways. One, they protect your table from heat, spills, scratches etc. And two, they can upgrade the overall presentation!
My advice is to find a design that works as an everyday placemat, because you can easily dress it up for dinner parties with your dried flowers and candles, so you don’t need to buy fancy ones just for special occasions. If you really like to change things up, go for reversible placemats!
These everyday style placemats are great to use on a daily basis and can easily be dressed up when hosting guests, too.
(Photo: Crate and Barrel)
These chic reversible placemats come in a set of 4 and are 100% cotton. While one side is a smaller gingham print, the other is a buffalo check print.
(Photo: Bed Bath & Beyond)
5. Use colorful fruits as decor
In case you really don’t want to spend any more than what you’ve already gotten from the grocery store, my go-to is to using actual food as part of the presentation. Pick out fruits with beautiful colors — strawberries, apples, kiwis, oranges etc — or pretty crackers and biscuits that are easy to serve and aesthetically pleasing at the same time.
Photos by Kylee Yee Photography.
What are some of your favorite ways to level up your table setting game? Share with me by leaving a comment below — I’d love to learn from you!
Thank you for stopping by Happily Ever Style.
xoxo,
Tricia
And why I love traveling with them!