Now that two of my children are adults with families of their own, I still want to make sure they enjoy both the food and atmosphere when all of us are gathered together. I want my children to embrace the art of hospitality, which doesn’t mean spending hours on the perfect tablescape, but rather making do and concentrating on our guests.
Are you one of those people who view entertaining as tiresome and too expensive? Let me convince you otherwise by sharing my favorite tips on how to create a lovely table without spending much money or time.Use what you have available.
Are you a fan of the latest mason jar and burlap craze? Burlap is so inexpensive and can also be bought at craft stores in smaller widths for a table runner.
Use mason jars as is for beverages or as part of the centerpiece with flowers in them. Add a little paint and distressing to pasta jars and you have a great craft and one of a kind accent.
Do you have lots of dinner plates? Or maybe several lace napkins passed down from a family member? Do you love chargers and want one in every color? Maybe you even have your mom’s crystal? Use those items hiding in your cabinets and get some real use out of them! One of my favorite ways to “fancy up” the table is with these white lace napkins. I buy them for pennies at yard sales and mix and match the styles.
Do you have access to natural elements such as flowers, trees or branches? Take a walk in the park and find some elements of nature such as pine cones, berries or branches for a free centerpiece.
Mix and match styles and accessories.
Today, many people view entertaining as a source of unneeded stress. I look at it as a time to reconnect with family and friends and try not to put unrealistic expectations on myself, my home or the food.
Shop your home by mixing and matching plates, serving pieces and silverware. Mix your grandmother’s crystal with wood chargers and burlap – or different color plates from the dollar store to match the season. Thankfully, today anything goes as far as styles.
Pick up accessories at yard sales, thrift stores and at reduced prices.
Opening your home doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank but maybe just being a little creative with the decorations. This multi-colored rustic box was a dollar yard sale purchase with glass coke bottles and mason jars added to the inside. So simple yet perfectly acceptable and in style.
Use tablecloths, sheets, lace or other fabrics for accents or to cover up imperfect tables. I’ve used old curtain fabric for a table runner and some leftover gold lame fabric bunched up under a glass bowl for a centerpiece at Christmas.
Concentrate on your guests without worrying about perfection.
I just don’t worry if everything isn’t up to magazine standards. Years ago I might have (and did), but in my old age (ha!), I’ve learned that the less stressed I am the more my guests enjoy their time in my home. A great idea to take the stress out of hosting is to set the table and prepare as many foods ahead of time as you can.
Since it’s ultimately the guests and expression of hospitality that are important, why not invite a few people over this weekend and try out some of my tips?
