Inviting guests over for dinner can seem overwhelming if you aren’t used to it. Sometimes you can feel as though your home isn’t good enough but no one’s house is perfect. You don’t need to spend a lot to make people feel welcome. There are all sorts of inexpensive table setting ideas that use what you already have so you can focus on other more important things.
Little Touches to Make Guests Feel Special
Doesn’t it make you feel good when someone remembers something you like and gets it for you? It might be as simple as setting out the spicy nut mix you like, using the platter you gave them as a gift one year. Even remembering you love honey mustard on your chicken, and setting a bottle out for you.
The point is that you don’t need to create an elaborate dinner party to make your guests feel welcome. All you really need is some planning and a little effort to host a dinner that your friends will be excited to come back for. You could be the person that is known for having the best get togethers. Someone who makes everyone feel welcome. During the colder months it’s easy for us to go into hibernation mode. Inviting friends over is a great way to stay connected and avoid the winter slumps.
Using Thrift Store Finds For An Inexpensive Table Setting
For those times when you want to put a little more effort in, here are some suggestions for setting a beautiful table. Remember that you can scale this to what ever level you have time and energy for. The aim is to have a little creative fun setting the table while keeping it stress free.
I love a good thrift store. Keep an eye out for these items to help create a beautiful table.
- Classic candlestick shapes in traditional materials. They are inexpensive, never go out of style, and so versatile. Tapers are inexpensive and easy to find.
- Table clothes in beautiful prints or neutral colors. Check for stains or other damage.
- Cloth napkins, I know it’s a little extra but I love them. I actually use them everyday in my house in an effort to cut back on waste.
- Serving dishes- Look for dishes that will compliment what you already own.
- Stemware- They don’t have to match perfectly to look beautiful.
- Additional Silverware- I don’t know how, but they disappear. Look for whatever extra you might need.
- Ribbon- Velvet, beautiful prints, or rich colors will add an extra touch to your table decor.
Fresh Greenery for Inexpensive Table Setting
Now for the fun part. Get a bucket and a pair of snips and go outside. Look for what catches your eye. For inspiration, check out Pinterest for natural decor ideas. You will be surprised with how much you can find to make a natural arrangement for your table. A branch filled with fall leaves in a vase, or a bowl of pinecones with a candle in the middle. A few cedar branches with grass fronds and a couple feathers the kid’s found could make a pretty arrangement too. Don’t over think it.
Plan for An After Dinner Activity
Playing games after dinner is a great way to keep the party going. For that, you will want to keep the arrangement contained so that you can easily clear the table. If guests offer to help clear the table, let them. They want to enjoy your company.
Don’t overdo it and make it so stressful for yourself that you won’t be able to enjoy yourself. Start by asking your closest friends over. The more you do it, the easier and more enjoyable it will be. Let’s all put an effort into sharing our home this season with the people we care about. We will all get a blessing from it.
