5 Tips for No Fuss Table Settings

I would love to create lush table settings like the ones I so admire but then, reality finds me and usually hits me smack dab in the head!

My reality and yours may be similar.  

When I entertain I have very limited space which means that I have to leave room on my table for the food I'll be serving as well as to allow comfort for my family and guests.  

Therefore, the table settings I create are functional, minimal, lovely and budget-friendly.

5 Tips for No Fuss Table Settings

Close up view of fresh hydrangeas in Easter colors arranged in a large glass vase wrapped with pink satin ribbon

I'm so glad you stopped by today so we could talk table settings! When I see a table set for a meal I imagine myself seated at the table and enjoying the surroundings.  Taking it all in.  Each and every nuance and detail.

Today, I'm sharing my favorite tips for creating table settings keeping the above in mind while using mostly items you have on hand or items you can easily find for a good price.

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At the bottom of this post, you'll also find links to some blogger friends who are sharing lovely Easter posts.

Graphic showing the number 1 in the middle of a gray wreath

Tablecloth, Napkins, Place Mats 

Place settings on a lace tablecloth with a glass pitcher containing fresh water and fresh lemon slices in the center position

Tablecloths 

A tablecloth acts as an anchor or base for your table setting.  

I recommend stain resistant tablecloths. I have a white linen tablecloth with matching napkins that I have only used a few times.  Every time I've used it, it's gotten stained.  

By the time I get the stain out and then starch and iron the beast (it's 60 x 102 inches) plus the matching napkins I vow not to use it again.  

If you have a tablecloth that stands up to stains and laundering, by all means, use that but in case you don't, my second favorite option is a lace tablecloth.

Lace tablecloths hold up surprisingly well to use and laundering (when laundered properly!).  The one on my table is a 60 x 104 inch Princess House lace tablecloth.  It is vintage but it has held up to years of use.

5 Tips for a No Fuss Table Setting

Napkins 

Cloth napkins are wonderful for formal settings but there are beautiful paper napkins that can just as easily be used!

I stock up on these when I see them on clearance.  They're great for any day of the week and if you can get the matching or coordinating plates on sale any meal can be a special occasion.

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Placemats

I don't normally use placemats if I'm also using a tablecloth but to create a more formal feel I used fabric placemats for this setting.  

Be aware of the stain dilemma, though.  I often find beautiful fabric placemats at the thrift store.  

Graphic showing the number 2 in the middle of a gray wreath

Candles

5 Tips for a No Fuss Table Setting

Candles help to create a mood.  Even if the dinner isn't a romantic one candles are a wonderful way to set the theme.  

I usually light taper candles when entertaining but for this table, I used some egg-shaped candles I bought on clearance a few years ago.

Graphic showing the number 3 in the middle of a gray wreath

Centerpiece or Floral Arrangement

My centerpiece of choice is fresh flowers.  Keep in mind that you don't want anything too tall or too invasive.  

You want everyone at the table to be able to see each other and communicate.

5 Tips for a No Fuss Table Setting

I found this bouquet of hydrangeas for only $12.00 at a local grocery store.  

I didn't have a vase big enough to allow this bouquet to sprawl but I did have a large glass candle holder.  

I removed the insert that holds the candle and used this as my vase.  I love the way it looks and since it's see through it gives an open feel to the table.  

To add a little depth to the vase I placed it on a silver tray.

To add a little warmth to the glass vase I tied a large satin bow from my craft stash to the vase.

Graphic showing the number 4 in the middle of a gray wreath

Dishes, Silverware and Drinkware

Sweet and Simple Table Setting Pflaltzgraff Grandma's Kitchen

Special occasions are the time to pull out your favorite dishes.  

My favorite set for Easter/Spring is my Pfaltzgraff Grandma's Kitchen.  It's also fun to use silverware and glasses that you may not normally use.

Pulled out view of a simple Easter tablescape

I will be totally honest with you, though.  I didn't have a working dishwasher for 10 years and during those years, I opted for pretty paper plates and paper napkins.  

The china stayed safely tucked away during that time.

Graphic showing the number 5 in the middle of a gray wreath

A Little Extra Something

For this particular table setting I added something spring-like to each plate.

White Chalk paint bird

A white chalk paint bird.....

White Chalk Paint Rabbit

A white chalk paint rabbit.....

Wooden Rabbit Bud Holder

a rabbit that holds a single flower bud.....

Pfaltzgraff Grandma's kitchen dishes topped with children's fabric sheep

and a fabric lamb that was my oldest son's when he was a child.

Easter table setting with Pioneer Woman blue goblets, spring dishes, on top of a lace tablecloth

I normally like to place a small gift, individual boxes of chocolate or small plants to each place setting for guests to have as a take away but since this is just for my family I used small things that I had around the house.

More Easter Inspiration!

 

Monday

Celebrating Everyday Life

Close up view of pastel colored freshly cut hydrangeas in a large glass vase wrapped with satin ribbon

The How-To Home

Beautiful faux pink antique rose adorning a hand wound child's headband

She Holds Dearly

Green and blue polka dot plates surrounded by pink roses and filled with grapevine bird's nests and decorated eggs

Shabby Art Boutique

Tuesday

Vintage dishes, white napkins, and gold forks as part of an Easter table setting

Redhead Can Decorate

Eggs being dyed in red, green, and blue egg dye

Garden Therapy

Overhead view of a freshly made blueberry breakfast pastry on a blue plate

On Sutton Place

Wednesday

Overhead view of a bird's next filled with faux eggs covered with book pages

Stone Gable

Places setting utilizing antique blue plates

French Garden House

Grapevine wreath decorated with faux greenery and freshly made colored eggs

Duke Manor Farm

closing signature with Photo of Mary Beth Your Homemaking Coach with a Floral Theme

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47 Comments

  1. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says:

    Beautiful table Mary Beth and fabulous tips!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!! Have a most beautiful week!

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so very much, Shirley! You have a beautiful week as well. xoxo

  2. Jennifer @ Celebrating Everyday Life says:

    I love those sweet Easter mementos at each setting Mary Beth! So heartwarming! And do I spy Pioneer Woman glasses? You know how I LOVE them!!! <3 Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful table and great tips with us on the tour!! It's always fun to "party" with you! πŸ™‚
    xoxo,
    Jennifer

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you, Jennifer, and those are Pioneer Woman glasses! One of my sisters-in-law (I think that's grammatically correct!?!) bought me service for 8 last Christmas of the dishes, the glasses and silverware. She also bought me the pots and pans and coffee mugs....I was totally spoiled!

      It's always wonderful to party with you as well!

      xoxo, mb

  3. Lidy@FrenchGardenHouse says:

    Mary Beth, what a darling table! I love the little Easter "somethings" on each setting, and those aqua glasses? oh. my. Your table setting is cheerful, as well as beautiful, and so perfect for every single springtime special occasion or to surprise your family on a weekday night. Thank you so much for the great tips, and the beautiful tablesetting. xo Lidy

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so much, Lidy! xo

  4. kelly wilkniss says:

    So very very lovely Mary Beth! I love all your ideas and sweet touches. Spring is definitely in the air at your house!

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you, Kelly! xo

  5. laura janning says:

    what a sweet gesture to add a little whimsy at each place setting. i love stocking up on pretty paper goods when they go on sale, Generally after the holidays.

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so much, Laura!

  6. Hi!
    Your Easter tablescapes are just lovely . I can't wait for spring and Easter, except I have a birthday girl tablescape to set up for St. Patrick's Day first; so much fun.
    By the way, I take my fine linens outside and lightly spray them with a can of fabric Scotchguard allowing them to dry. Then place them on my dining room table. Stains are no longer an issue since I have been doing this!
    When my husband and I were first married, I lost a beautiful Kelly green
    table runner to a greasy salad oil stain that I could never remove :-(. Shortly after that we bought a new sofa and loveseat which I sprayed with Scotchguard. That's when I realized I would try it on my linens and tableclothes. It worked perfectly to resist stains and I have been spraying them ever since (no stain issues). We eat on my fine lace ones also, none of them are stained, just saying. You might give this a try;}.
    Enjoy your week,
    Joyce

    1. Mary Beth says:

      I love that tip, Joyce! Thank you so much for sharing it. I'll have to give it a try the next time I buy a new tablecloth.

      Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day and Easter!

  7. Kerryanne -,Shabby Art Boutique says:

    A beautifully laid table always compliments a fabulous meal Mary Beth and I love all your tips for achieving this delightful Easter table. May you and your family have a blessed Easter xx

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so much, Kerryanne! A blessed Easter to you and your family as well. xo

  8. Love your table, it is so simple and easy to duplicate. I also love the little rabbits, lamb and bird that you added to each place setting, so charming. I love the Willa Rose farmhouse apron on April Cornell's website. It just reminds me of one my Gramma always wore. Thanks for all the inspiration.

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so much, Linda. I love that apron as well - so pretty!

  9. Sheila M. Philippi says:

    Love the bunny vase!!

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so much, Sheila!

  10. Great tips! Love April Cornell Peony and Pears linens !

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you, Maureen! I love your choice as well. πŸ™‚

  11. SO welcoming and beautiful! I especially like the Dandelion Dreams pattern for a spring setting.

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Beautiful choice, Sharon!

  12. Fonda Rush says:

    I love the Tea Rose tablecloth. The pattern and colors are just gorgeous! Thank you for the opportunity to win!

    1. Mary Beth says:

      You're welcome, Fonda, and I love your choice!

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you, Melody!

  13. Sandra Garth says:

    Your table is beautiful, bright and festive. Love the tips you shared also.

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so much, Sandra! πŸ™‚

  14. Stephanie Rose says:

    Great tips! You can find lovely paper napkins and you can compost them or put them in the paper recycling. And I love the egg candle!!

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thanks so much, Stephanie! I've never used paper napkins in compost - I'll have to give that a try.

  15. Cathy French says:

    My favorite is the Dandelion Dreams Tablecloth

  16. I need more "no fuss" in my life MB! Thank you for these great tips! Your table is beautiful!

  17. So sweet Mary Beth! Love all the little touches!

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so much, Susan!

  18. Yvonne @ StoneGable says:

    What a beautiful table Mary Beth! I love all the little spring animals on each plate. So so sweet! Great tips!!!
    Please give me a call! We need to reconnect! xo

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so much, Yvonne! I'll give you a call soon. xoxo

  19. Debbie manno says:

    The best little touches are the sweet and no fuss! You got it just right:)

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so much, Debbie!

  20. Sarah | She Holds Dearly says:

    I love how you broke this down, it is going to help put so many hostesses at ease. Happy Easter!

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so much, Sarah, and a Happy Easter to you as well!

  21. Asking me to choose my favorite April Cornell anything is like asking me to choose my favorite child. I just cannot do it! Will it count if I say 'All of them"?

    1. Mary Beth says:

      I totally understand your dilemma, Margaret! πŸ™‚

  22. Thanks for sharing your table setting for Easter, so sweet. I went to the website and I love many of her linens, greats garden table cloth is so pretty! I have some dishes that are perfect for a table setting. Please enter me into the drawing.
    Thanks, Denise

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so much for stopping by Denise and you are officially entered!

  23. These are such great tips and I'm so glad you joined us this week for Welcome Home Sunday!