This is the first in a year-long series of posts that I’ll bring to the blog each month! I’ve done several posts showing how I set the table for holidays and special events like Mother’s Day, but I want to show you how I set the table casual events as well. Executing a pretty and well thought-out table setting is not only a skill of a good hostess, it’s a great way to show your family and friends that you care about them!
For this month’s table setting, I kept it very simple. This was for a casual Sunday dinner with a family of two adults and one child. I used every day dishes and heavy linen napkins – lasagna was on the menu, so I made sure to use things I knew would wash easily! My gold chargers anchor the place settings without being too dressy.
Since I served our meal family style, I left the middle of the table clear to make room for the serving bowls. Before we sat down, I asked my friend if her 10 year old would be comfortable drinking from the glasses I set out. I never want my guests to be stressed about things like that. She assured me she would be fine -and she was!
Here’s my tip for setting a casual table – provide all three pieces of silverware: knife, fork and spoon. There’s nothing like trying to wrangle large pieces of lettuce or runaway peas without a knife! Some people prefer to use a fork for things that I’d choose to eat with a spoon, so I like to provide all three of those utensils for the comfort of my guests. Having a casual meal doesn’t mean you should deny people the right to basic silverware. 🙂
Here’s how my table looks when it’s not set for a meal. I went with a basic linen runner, woven chargers and a beautiful bowl filled with pine cones!
Come Home For Comfort 
Love those chargers, and totally agree with providing all the utensils! As both a pastor’s wife who has done a lot of entertaining, and a grandma of 10, I would suggest keeping your eye out for a few cute plastic plates and cups to have on hand for small children. A ten-year old is no problem, but for preschoolers, there is nothing worse than parents being worried their young child is going to break or damage your lovely grown-up plates and glasses! And the kids are usually thrilled to have something “special.”
LikeLike
That’s a great idea! Thanks, Kathi – I will be on the lookout for some of those pieces!
LikeLike
I love your color combination and that you thought to check if the child would like a different cup. It’s always scary when the only cup options are glasses for kids. I usually pack cups with lids for my kids because they’re little and I’d hate for them to make a huge mess at someone else’s house.
LikeLike
That’s so thoughtful of you! I’m always afraid I’ll offer a child a cup or utensil that’s not appropriate for their age – either too little or too big. 🙂
LikeLike
I love the idea of the monthly series! I love changing up the table settings! Can’t wait to see what you share! And,YES, we need every piece of utensil on the table! =)
LikeLike
I’m excited to see what I can come up with! 🙂
LikeLike
Excited for your table series! You always have fun ideas! 🙂 I like fabric napkins, but we use more paper ones around here, as my extended family isn’t terribly “fancy.”
LikeLike
I know linen napkins can be intimidating if you’re used to paper, but I just use them because I find them more functional. I hate how paper napkins get wet and even stick to your fingers so quickly. Maybe I’m just a messy eater, but I much prefer linen and that’s all we use! Well, Paul uses a dish towel most times. Ha!
LikeLike
I’m with you on disliking the sticking to the paper! LOL about Paul and the dish towel. That works, too! 🙂 I got frustrated the year I pulled out the fabric napkins for guests because my uncle gave me a hard time about using them. He arrived to our house early for dinner and saw me ironing them. He asked why we were using them, and I felt a bit annoyed. Since then, it’s been paper when guests are over. 😉
LikeLike
So many great tips here! I would have to agree that setting it with the fork, spoon and knife is what I prefer! I love those gold chargers that you used, I’ve been wanting to get some in that color.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
LikeLike
I’ve gotten so much use out of those gold chargers! They’re really versatile!
LikeLike