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The Secret To A Beautiful Table

September 2, 2021 · In: Celebrate, Hospitality, Hosting

Q: Aesthetics are not my strength. I’ve never been able to pinpoint what makes for a pretty table. I’d like to be able to execute a simple, beautiful, table setting suitable for weeknight dinners with my family. I want the table setting to express my love for them and to cultivate the sacredness of sharing a meal together, but I don’t know how to create this. What is the secret to making a table look beautiful? ~ Claire

 

Claire,

I love this question because it gets at the heart of what we all want: to belong. I can tell that you know and understand the power that preparing a place for someone else holds, and I want to encourage you in that endeavor…even for weeknight dinners at home.

To me, the most beautiful aspect of a set table is the visual representation of thoughtful intention and preparation. Paper plates or fine china, the outcome is the same. Isn’t this freeing? To know we can express love with our best dishes or disposable tableware takes the focus and fuss off of the items and back to the intention behind hospitality.

When I see a set table, my heart swells because I know you expected me, you went to a bit of trouble, and you prepared a place especially for me. This sets the scene (literally) for me to enter into the space, connect and be present with you and others, to create a memory, to enjoy whatever unfolds, and to allow space for change. This is the emotional aspect of what it means to set a table.

Now for the practical aspects.

Setting a table can be as much or as little as you want it to be. If you love all the bells and whistles, go for it. But sometimes, it is nice to have a strategy for setting the table that doesn’t require much effort. In my home, I set the table “all-out” for birthdays, and maybe a couple of holiday meals. However, the rest of the time, we use our basic white plates, disposable napkins, and everyday flatware.

Use what you have in a thoughtful way, and it will suffice.

At the bare minimum, regardless of what items you choose to use, set a plate, silverware, and a napkin at every place and make sure everything is straight. This goes a long way towards establishing beauty while still being practical. Even paper plates, plastic forks, and folded paper towels will hit the mark.

Next, add something practical to the center of the table. Depending on the meal or situation, this could be a pitcher of water, extra salad dressing, or the garlic bread. It’s nice if the item is on a tray, but it is not required.

Finally, finish with something beautiful, if you can. A small water glass with a stem of greenery from your yard. A pumpkin during the fall. A jar full of jingle bells during the holiday. A votive candle, lit. Turn on some music. Turn off the television. Dim the lights. Small gestures can create a sense of occasion and communicate the sacredness of sitting together at the table.

The art of setting a table has little to do with the items you use and more to do with how you use what you have. I hope these tips give you the tools you need to execute your beautiful vision!

~katherine


By: Katherine Sasser · In: Celebrate, Hospitality, Hosting

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Find a copy of the water bill. Upload a copy of m Find a copy of the water bill.  Upload a copy of my ID.  Call to schedule grooming for the dog.  Enter all of the middle school volleyball games and the high school football games on the calendar.  Pick up a prescription.  Return a sweater.  Make dinner reservations for next Saturday. 

These are my current life admin tasks, and instead of playing whack-a-mole, attempting to get them done here and there, I tackle them all in one fell swoop.  I call it Life Admin Day, and if you're interested in changing the way you think about managing all those pesky tasks, the details are on the blog!
There are so many systems that need to be in place There are so many systems that need to be in place when school starts.  Making sure these systems run smoothly becomes the engine that keeps our home humming when schedules and commitments swell. ​​​​​​​​​
Developing sustainable habits and establishing some common-sense systems can allow everyone to stay organized while also teaching your child a valuable lesson in life management.

Today on the blog, I am sharing some of the no-fail systems we have in place in our home that make the school year season more manageable.
Happy FDOS! 🏫 ✏️ 📓 ♥️ 💙 Happy FDOS! 🏫 ✏️ 📓 ♥️ 💙
What’s for dinner? Tomato Cheddar Pie is a winn What’s for dinner?

Tomato Cheddar Pie is a winner in my house, and even if you can’t get your hands on good tomatoes, this recipe delivers.
This week I pulled out several old items from the This week I pulled out several old items from the depths of my closet and wore them to try and determine whether or not I wanted to keep them.​​​​​​​​​
Initially, I thought this dress was in the no pile, but after a comment from a reader, I am reconsidering.  Pink + orange + puff sleeves...maybe it's a keeper after all!

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