Chic Table Settings on a Budget

Let’s be honest. If I had endless resources, my dinner table would look like it came straight out of a Pottery Barn catalog. And I would get weekly manicures, monthly facials and massages, hire a housekeeper and a chauffeur. But I digress…

Not being able to afford a butler à la Downton Abbey does not mean I can’t entertain guests with a chic and festive table setting. Here are 5 simple ways to do just that. No Pinterest DIY envy required.

1. Little by little, invest in a simple, elegant set of basic china – start with a dinner plate and a dessert plate.  Once you’ve got the basics, you can slowly add additional pieces like bread plates and chargers over time. The key to choosing a china pattern is to keep it simple. For example, I adore the Autumn Dinnerware by Lenox, but it won’t work especially well with either Christmas or Easter colors. On the other hand, this Federal Platinum Dinnerware also by Lenox is incredibly easy to dress up with a variety of colors and themes throughout the year. For easy cleanup, make sure your choice is dishwasher safe.

2. Add festive colors with fresh flowers. Trader Joe’s has gorgeous bouquets for cheap – mostly $4 or $5 for a bunch of daisies, tulips, sunflowers, roses, more. There’s nothing more elegant than artfully arranged fresh flowers on your dining room table. Just make sure your guests aren’t allergic. Another tip for keeping costs low is to place your flowers in Dollar Tree vases. They’re real glass, look lovely, and you just can’t beat the $1 pricetag.

3. Speaking of Dollar Tree, did you know they also sell decent glassware? Unless you spill the beans, I bet your guests won’t guess you paid $1 each for your lovely wine glasses. As an added bonus, you won’t have to worry about replacing a pricey heirloom piece when one of your guests accidentally drops one of your gorgeous crystal goblets.

4. Nothing gussies up a table quite like a linen tablecloth and napkins. Your linens don’t have to be real silk or hand-stitched to look good. Before setting the table, break out your favorite garment steamer to remove wrinkles quickly.  Target has several lovely linen patterns in their Boho Collection: Agyness, Amala, Dakota, and Lola are some of my favorites. Word to the wise: choose a machine washable cotton pattern. Dinnertime spills are inevitable!

5. Last but certainly not least, don’t forget the candles. As much as I love Yankee Candle’s seasonal aromas, avoid scents for dinnertime. Between the flowers and the food, there will already be scents a plenty. Choose from pillars, tapers, or for an ultra affordable option, tea lights. Bedeck your candles in a classic candelabra or floating candle holders. As with the china above, a simple, elegant candle holder will easily combine with your seasonal decor.