You don’t need a special occasion to set a nice table. Nice doesn’t have to mean fancy or extravagant or even expensive. It doesn’t take much effort to make any meal festive. Use what you have. If you don’t have much, start collecting. Every time I shop, I head for the clearance table. You never know when you will stumble upon placemats or napkins at bargain prices.

You can use any fabric for a table cloth
At a recent dinner for six, I looked in my stash of fabrics. I had purchased yards of the black and white check fabric several years ago for an outdoor party. I cut off a length to fit my table. If you have the time and know-how, hem up the edges for a neat finish. If not, use pinking shears. The zig-zag cut will keep the fabric from raveling.

Make your own table runner with remnants
The colorful pennants are remnants from another outdoor party with a nautical theme. I simply laid them down the middle of the table to create a unique runner.

A simple knot can be elegant
Consider white dinnerware and white and black napkins basic accessories to your dinnerware wardrobe. Whenever I find 8 or 12 matching plates or napkins at a great price, I snatch them up. Like earrings and handbags, you just can’t have too many!

Place cards can be as easy as a tag from the office supply store
Fancy folded napkins are fun, but when you’re quickly throwing the table together, a simple knot and placed on the plate will do. Don’t overlook the office supply store for tableware accessories. Tags are perfect for place cards. So simple, yet your guests will be wowed!

Yellow roses add a festive touch
Add yellow roses and candle light for atmosphere, throw in good friends, fine wine and a yummy meal and memories are sure to be made!

Select pebbles to match the table decor for your candle dishes
Thanks for posting, I’ll definitely be subscribing to your blog.
When it comes to DIY…this Muse is on board!
Love it!!! A country nautical SHIN DIG 🙂
I so love seeing tablescapes with white or cream dishes all decked out with a beautiful background of color!
The pennant is deeeelightful~!
Robin
All Things Heart and Home
oh I am so in the use what you have meme for making it special
great post, love the bunting
Sarah
Your tablescape is fabulous! I love the runner, the tags as place cards, (so creative) the color combination. Everything came together so wonderfully. Very chic and fun.
Thank you for sharing!
Tina
what fun! Love that runner!
Love it! Thanks for sharing.
Alicia