Spring Table Two Ways

Setting a pretty table doesn't need to be complicated or break the bank, especially in the spring when the mood is light and airy and we are all craving something fresh to lift our spirits from winter. Here are a couple of ways we've set the scene for springtime meals in our home.

For casual meals it could not be any more simple than a large demijohn glass vase and some sprigs of green. Sometimes I use faux stems and sometimes - when the trees are in bloom - I cut them from the yard.

This image has been one of my most shared on Instagram and it took no time at all. Here's a tip if you are looking to keep things simple: keep scale and proportion in mind. One item goes a really long way if it's the right scale to your table and room.

For special occasions, like Easter, it's fun to amp up the drama though it still doesn't need to be complicated or cause any stress. Hydrangea cuttings draped across the table like a runner made our holiday meal feel extra special, but it didn't steal the show from the people and the conversations. And the bonus: it only took a few minutes to create!

You could use any kind of bloom that is in season or easily accessible to you. Extra greens fill in spaces and a sprinkling of candles always lends a sense of cozy to the dining atmosphere. I like to mix tapers and votives for varying heights at a special occasion.

Here's a tip to help keep holidays simple: use decorative items that can be reworked for different seasons. We have a collection of mercury glass votives that I snagged for a couple dollars each from a Pottery Barn Outlet clearance shelf a few years ago. They add shimmer and shine and aren't exclusive to just one holiday. We use them for every season and special occasion and I've never grown tired of them. The cotton runner under the flowers is also a year round item.

Happy spring gatherings with your loved ones, friends!