Get me talking about home decor and you might as well put the coffee on and settle in for the evening. Making homes pretty is my passion, and I also just love talking. So there’s that.
If you’ve been hanging around here for awhile you might think you have an idea of what my #1 easy peasy, go-to decor tip is.
But I bet not 😉
Switching out throw pillows seasonally?
Nope.
Nicely organized toys in unsuspecting storage solutions?
Wrong again.
Those are wonderful tips to keep your home uncluttered and looking great, but they’re still not noticed or complimented nearly as much as my #1 tip.
This tip is a showstopper.
It’s the guests-can’t-miss.. gotta-have-a-look.. ask-all-the-questions.. request-links-to-order, kind of decor tip.
And it changes the entire look and feel of your home. The whole vibe that it sends from the minute your guests walk in.
It sets your home apart.
Okay, okay. I’ll tell you.
Set the table.
That’s it. Easy peasy, right? Sort of.
Let me explain what I mean by set the table.
There are several things actually and I’m going to follow up this first suggestion with a giant sidebar, so please don’t freak out on me.. just keep reading.
Here goes.
I suggest purchasing white plates (both dinner and salad sizes), cereal bowls, coffee mugs and clear drinking glasses. Enough for the number of chairs at your table. White is classic and compliments every decor style. Silverware in unique finishes would be great, too. Think matte black or a flat gold finish.
“But Christi, have you seen how expensive all of those sets can be?”
Yes. Now, this isn’t the part where I ramble about this being an investment into your home and happiness because the space you spend your time in greatly affects your mood.
Although true, it’s still difficult to accept that excuse when dropping some serious coin on those overpriced sets. Or sets filled with more items than you need/want.
No. This is, however, where I say don’t spend all that money.
That’s right. Do not.
Here’s that sidebar I was referring to earlier…
These aren’t dishes you’re going to be eating off of regularly, possibly not ever. They’ll be sitting on your table collecting dust (just wipe them off, no biggie because again, you’re not actually using them). My table decor plates are from IKEA and were purchased individually. They look nice but they’re rather thin and probably wouldn’t hold up well with constant, daily use. They were cheap but they don’t look cheap. That’s the perfect combo for this type of decor.
And while you’re at IKEA or Walmart or even browsing on Amazon.. yes, I’m looking at you.. don’t pretend we don’t all do it… grab some “are cheap but don’t look cheap” drinking glasses, too.
**Sidenote: our everyday plates (the ones displayed on our open shelves) honestly weren’t expensive either. They’re Better Home & Gardens brand and I purchased them individually for about $2 each.**
My point here is that something that is meant to just look pretty but not actually be used, doesn’t need to cost a lot. Splurge instead on the items your family uses everyday and those big, statement pieces (more on that later).
Next, find placemats and/or chargers (those circle things underneath the plates). They come in every color, pattern and texture imaginable. Buy one for each plate.
When you’re looking for cloth napkins, think outside the box. If you’re not actually using them then don’t splurge here either. I’d suggest finding a print you like in the fabric section of Walmart or your local craft store – don’t forget your craft store coupon! – buy about 1/4 – 1/2 yd, depending on how many napkins you need, and cut them into rectangles. Then, fold or roll them so the rough edges aren’t showing. Super cheap and easy enough to change out seasonally.
I like to have a little seasonal decor item on each plate but this is a personal preference. If you like this added detail, browse through the dollar spot at Target or check out Big Lots.. they’ve really upped their home decor game. Walmart is another great place to find little treasures for your table decor or my personal favorite, Hobby Lobby. The little presents on the plates in the picture above are actually Christmas ornaments from Walmart that I cut the looped string off of. Voilà! The perfect little plate decor.
Now, about that statement item I mentioned earlier.. This is the area I would recommend splurging on, if you’re going to at all.
The centerpiece.
If you’re not the creative type then you’ll love all the readymade options available for your table. There are countless gorgeous ones out there. If you are creative, then go to town with this one! I walked around hobby lobby switching out a couple dozen items before finding exactly what I wanted. It was so much fun but I enjoy doing those types of things. It’s totally okay if you don’t! You can still find a beautiful centerpiece.. and remember those coupons if you’re looking at Hobby Lobby, Michael’s or Joann’s.
Anyway, ya’ll this decorating thing doesn’t have to and shouldn’t be dreadful. It’s your home and there’s really no wrong way to decorate it. What matters is that it looks good to you, makes you smile or gives you those cozy vibes or whatever feeling you’re trying to achieve.
Remember, the worst thing you can do when it comes to decorating, is nothing at all.
Happy decorating!
The Log Farmhouse 