Thrifty Tablescape Ideas for a Stunning Table
Setting a gorgeous table doesn’t have to be expensive. I wanted to share some thrifty tablescape ideas that create that magical ambiance.
When I first started working on tablescapes and setting the table for my family at mealtime I thought it was going to be so difficult.
Part of that was because of the pressure I put on myself.
But I saw all these gorgeous tables and thought they were impossible to create on my budget.
I remember one of the first nights I decided to make dinner extra special for my family.
I simply started with candles.
I pulled some in the middle of the table.
That’s it.
No flowers.
No linens.
Just candles.
Do you know what happened?
My husband and daughter both made comments about how pretty it was.
They saw the special in the simple.
And that my friends, is where my passion for table settings, and table decor began.
With candles.
HOW DO I MAKE A TABLESCAPE BEAUTIFUL?
One of the easiest and thriftiest ways to make a tablescape beautiful is with candles.
They are simple and stunning at the exact same time.
When I set a table, one of the first things I think about is candles.
How many should I use?
Where should they be placed?
What color should they be?
THRIFTY TABLESCAPE IDEAS: REAL CANDLES
I like to use the real deal.
Real candles possess an ambiance that I have never seen with fake candles.
I’m not saying those candles don’t have other benefits, but the real deal has more mood and drama than a fake candle.
THE BEST PLACES TO FIND REAL CANDLES
Candles can get expensive, depending on when and where you buy them.
I was just at Joann’s getting ready to check out yesterday when I picked up candles that were marked down 70% off!
Apparently, candles have a season?
Who knew haha?!
I’ve also found some votive candles at garage sales or even Facebook marketplace.
On Facebook search for wedding decor.
What is a bride supposed to do with 150 votive and tapered candles when her big day is over?
The other place I have scored with candles is at garage sales.
Not only candles but also candlestick holders!
Honestly, almost ALL of my candlestick holders have been from garage sales.
In my recent Fall tablescape, all those glass jars I had candles in were FREE from a garage sale.
It was the last day of the sale and the lady was planning on donating everything.
She saw me picking through the box of jars, and then insisted I take it all for free so she didn’t have to load the box up in her car.
THRIFTY TABLESCAPE IDEAS: MIX N’ MATCH CANDLES
I used to think that all the candles needed to be the same color, size, and shape.
Boy was I wrong!
Mix up all those coordinating colors and add all the different shapes and sizes!
It adds so much more visual interest to your tablescape when the candles aren’t all the same.
THRIFTY TABLESCAPE IDEAS: DRIPPY CANDLES
My very favorite part about real candles is the drippy, dramatic look they get.
They don’t just do this on their own.
I’ve learned they need a little help.
DRIPPY CANDLES: WIND
I discovered this tip when I first started setting our boho picnics in the garden.
The wind is almost always blowing at my house, and the candles always drip so beautifully when I would set them up out there.
But when I brought them into the house, they never did the same thing.
Until the day I opened the window beside the table with the candles and suddenly they all started dripping like they did outside.
So if you’re in the house and want those drippy candles, just open a window and let the breeze help you out.
DRIPPY CANDLES: TILT
If it’s the dead of winter and this just simply isn’t an option the other way to get those candles to drip so gorgeously is to set the candle in the holder at the SLIGHTEST angle.
By doing this you’re creating a very slight slide for the melted wax to begin its cascade down the long candlestick.
GARDEN FLOWERS/FORGED FLOWERS
My next thrifty tip for setting a stunning tablescape on a budget is flowers.
Flowers can be expensive and especially faux flowers.
I’m not going to pretend I’ve never bought or used faux flowers before.
But unless I absolutely LOVE them and know that I can use them for multiple different things, I don’t usually fork over all the cash for them.
Instead, I’ll go for a walk with my favorite girls and cut a few flowers from the yard or flower beds.
(SPEAKING OF MY FAVORITE GIRLS: WE JUST GOT SOME MORE GOOD NEWS ABOUT OUR ADOPTION!! WE ARE STILL MONTHS AWAY FROM BRINGING HER HOME BUT I’M SO EXCITED I CAN’T CONTAIN IT! Here’s the update from August if you missed it!)
The other really awesome benefit to this, is you don’t have to store them.
You use them for the 1-2 weeks that they are blooming in your house, then when they are spent you toss them.
This is one of the reasons I’m trying to increase my perineal shrubs.
Besides I’ve found gardening to be one of the best forms of rejuvenation during the gardening season.
If flowers aren’t plentiful I’ve also been known to clip a few branches from a tree and use something as simple as leaves for a table setting.
One more point about flowers.
Over time I’ve actually grown to especially love flowers as they are on their way “out”.
Just like I love my candles drippy, I think I love the flowers a little droopy.
A little less than perfect.
Just like me!
WHAT SHOULD I PUT ON MY TABLESCAPE?
If you’re trying to figure out the best way to create a thrifty tablescape that will stand out, start with candles and a simple stem arrangement.
That is truly all you need to make a table beautiful.
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Have a great week! XoXo
Open Your Doors,
Aliya
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'Perineal' shrubs? That's funny!
(I think you meant 'perennial'... that's the kind I prefer!). Spellcheck strikes again?
Thanks for making tablescapes simple. I've always been intimidated by the thought of not being able to do one successfully. Your tips give me courage!