Pretty Tablescapes on a Budget

People often say to me, “Julie, your tables are so pretty, but I can’t spend a lot of money on a tablescape.”  If you look in your kitchen cabinets, my guess is you have a lot of pretty things you just don’t use! If you take those things, and spend just a little on a few extras, you can create beautiful tablescapes without spending a bunch of money! Here I share five must have items for a pretty tablescape on a budget, that will transform your table from ordinary to extraordinary without spending a lot of money! 

A White/Off White Tablecloth

I love adding a tablecloth to my tables for many reasons. First of all, it’s just practical! It protects your table from wear and tear. Also, it creates a pretty backdrop for your plates, napkins, and flowers. If you can only pick one tablecloth, I would pick white or off-white, depending on the color of your china/plates. Here are some options and different price points, depending on what you’d like to spend.

A Print Tablecloth

There are so many beautiful print tablecloths out right now that do not break the bank! One of my favorite designers is Atosii. They create gorgeous block printed tablecloths, napkins, and pillows. I have several of their linens and love them all.   Here is a link to shop their store.  Another great option is a buffalo check tablecloth. I have blue and white, red and white, light blue and white, emerald green and white and pink and white. They are very inexpensive and I love that you don’t have to iron them if you take them right out of the dryer! Also check out sales your favorite designers have. I bought the beautiful pink and white floral tablecloth from Katherine Young home for 50% off!

Colorful Glasses

Before the days of Amazon and online shopping, we had to go to actual stores to buy things like glasses! Now you can get amazing quality glasses on Amazon, Walmart and Target! For example, here is a set of 8 for less than $40! I think that colored glasses really pop and make your table unique and fun!  Another great place to find colored glasses at amazing prices is your local thrift store. I wrote a blog post about tips and tricks of shopping at thrift stores last year, and continue to find so many treasures at my local Goodwill and ARC. The colored glasses I use the most are my cobalt blue. Take a look at what you already have and pick a set that will go well with your china and plates.

Woven Chargers

I have used these woven chargers too many times to count! They are such a great backdrop for plates of any color and just make a table more fun. I have these darker colored ones that I love as well. If you are wanting a more formal look, The Dollar Store almost always has gold chargers!

Cloth Napkins

Depending on your taste, you might want to get plain colored easy wash and wear napkins, or you might want to get colorful print napkins. I have too many napkins to count.  I have always loved fabric and linens-they just make me happy. My favorites that we use more often than not are these blue print napkins. They come in a set of 12 and wash and wear so well!

For a nicer set of napkins, I really love these hemstitch linen napkins from Solino Home. I have a couple of sets of plain colors as well as some white with a navy border. They are gorgeous and also wash and wear extremely well.  Sidenote, if you are nervous to use cloth napkins, all you need is this stain remover! It literally gets out everything! Red lipstick. No problem! Chocolate, no worries! It’s even gotten blood out of towels after a razor incident…

Table for 6 People – Spending $100 or Less

Let’s say you want to create a pretty tablescape on a budget and you have $100 to spend, with 6 people for dinner. Here are some examples of how to set a pretty table on a budget! Good news is, because you are making an investment, and not just buying paper products, you will use these things time and time again. *Prices are subject to change.

If you want to buy a pretty block print tablecloth ($54) , then use Dollar Store chargers ($8) and this set of napkins ($22).

If you want to use a buffalo check tablecloth ($20) , then use this set of print napkins ($33) and these woven chargers ($40).

Another idea is, use a plain white tablecloth ($16), these block print napkins ($26) and woven chargers.($40)

The possibilities are truly endless! It’s so much fun to create a pretty table that will bring joy to those who sit around it. There’s something really sacred and special about sharing a meal with others.

Unfortunately, we’ve become so rushed that we order take out and eat from the car or on paper plates. That’s OK as long as you don’t do it every single night. If you are always running around like a chicken with your head cut off, it’s hard to enjoy your family, friends, and share a meal together.

Extras I Love…

So there are the five must have tablescape items to create a pretty tablescape on a budget…but if you want to buy or thrift a few more things, here are some suggestions!

Vases…
I have a few cabinets full of vases because I love creating flower arrangements to put around our home and to give as gifts. If you have followed me for long, you know blue and white is my favorite. However, if I was just going to get one vase, I would get these glass cylinder vases. They are very inexpensive and because they are so simple, they let your flower arrangement shine and don’t take away from it. You can find similar ones at the Dollar Tree!

Holiday Linens…It’s so much fun to put together an autumn inspired table for fall, Christmas table in December, Valentine’s Table...you get the idea! Of course you can always find holiday linens on Amazon, but if you look for great deals, you will find them. Check out The Dollar Spot at Target and The Dollar Tree. They have so many great things at fantastic prices! Also look at thrift stores, estate sales and garage sales. You can definitely find some treasures there.

In case you want a little inspiration, here’s a link to some pretty tables I’ve created over the past year. Just remember, have fun! The goal is not to have everything picture perfect; but just have a pretty place to share a meal. People want to feel loved, seen and cared for in your home. The pretty table is just a bonus.

Grateful for you,

Julie

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