Do It Yourself Table Setting in 5 Steps

I love keeping a table set, it makes me feel that much closer to a prepared dinner (even if nothing is started!). For years I thought it would cost a fortune to keep a table set, so I shied away from it. A few years ago I realized I had been wrong this whole time. I want to show you how easy to can be!

Spring TableScape Decor

Welcome to CityGirlmeetsFarmBoy! You are probably joining me from Michelle with The Painted Hinge Blog, isn’t she amazing? Next you will hop over to Kelly from the Live Laugh Rowe Blog to get even more inspiration! I am so excited to be participating in this Spring Blog Hop hosted by Kendra from Joy In Our Home.

Today I am showcasing simple ways to create a spring tablescape using stenciled chargers. Depending on the mood I am in, I will decorate my table super simple or full of decor. What is your style? I hope you will find some new ideas as you join me.

Stenciled Chargers

The main focus of my tablescape this season was stenciled chargers. I love wood chargers as my placemats because they are so inexpensive and versatile. I showcase how to create your own chargers on my Do It Yourself Stenciled Chargers blog post here. I give all the details on how to cut your wood, what types of paint to use, and where to grab your stencils! I love The Renaissance Tile Set B from Royal Design Studio Stencils found here.

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It came in different sizes and with multiple forms. You will love all their styles! Here is a quick review of how to make the chargers:

Step 1 – Cut Wood (learn how to use the Home Depot Cutting Center here)
Step 2 – Sand Wood
Step 3 – Paint Wood
Step 4 – Stencil Wood (I use Royal Design Studio Stencils found here)
Step 5 – Seal Wood

Once they are dry you are ready to go!

Now it’s time to add some decor to the centerpiece. I have to admit, I am a very simple decorator. I usually do not add a lot of centerpiece decor to my table because I can’t see over it to talk to my kids at dinner. Let me give you a few ideas of how to add simple or not so simple decorations.

Step 1 – Your Base

You will decide about a few things:

1. Tablecloth verses NO tablecloth

2. Tablerunner verses NO tablerunner

3. Placemat verses NO placemat

Any choice is a great choice – anything works because it’s your home and your style. For my first setting I chose:

1.) YES on TABLECLOTH

2.) NO on TABLE RUNNER

3.) YES on PLACEMATS.

Step 2 – Your Place Settings

You get to be super creative here! No need to have expensive things. I buy dishes from Ross Dress for Less (very inexpensive) as well as my round rope chargers. Here are a few more choices to make:

1. Chargers verses NO chargers

2. Desired dishes

3. Napkin style

4. Silverware verses NO silverware

Here is a step by step of how I created my place settings this season:

Add your tablecloth and round charger

Add your stenciled wood charger

Add your dinner plate

Add your salad plate

Add your napkin & silverware – any style will do

For my napkins I grabbed the center and shook the napkin to fall naturally. I added some string and placed a name card in the center (found these at Michaels for super cheap).

So easy! I keep my placemats set at all times so that it feels like dinner is almost ready, even though most of the time I haven’t even started!

Step 3 – Centerpiece

I am going to show you three ways I fiddled with my centerpiece. I chose to look for things in my home that would last (I wish I could have fresh flowers all the time but I can’t!) and I had laying around. You can shop The Dollar Store, Michaels, Joann’s, Ross and TJ Max for some inexpensive decor items.

Theme ONE – Simple

I added three flower pots in a horizontal line. This is simple and pleasing to the eye, especially if your place settings are a more “busy” look.

Three’s and five’s are always a good numbering style.

Theme TWO – Simple “ish”

You can add more flowers and bases to the center. Sometimes a tablerunner is a perfect look for a more in depth style. Adding greenery under items adds to the look.

Here I glued wood flowers into foam squares, then inserted them into a wood tray I received from Devanie at KrumpetsHome.com – her decor is amazing and priced really well. Check out all her styles and designs in her online store here – you will love it!

Theme THREE – Not Simple

For special occasions I will create a more detailed setting. Once again there is no right or wrong way to do this. Search Pinterest and Instagram for ideas and save the ones that speak to you and your style.

For my space I wanted neutral colors. I added lanterns, candlesticks, wood signs and greenery until I was satisfied. You will fiddle with your space until you like it, and sometimes that takes time. I will often change something the next day just because it doesn’t look right.

Adding wood signs is always fun, KrumpetsHome has SO MANY for cheap.

I also added some burlap for a natural addition.

Setting a table is truly all about your own creativity and what you are feeling at the time. It is never wrong, so be careful not to compare yourself or what you have to others. Remember that your family is so lucky to have you and the care that you give your home. You are irreplaceable!

Good luck this spring and have a blast decorating your home. Let us know if you need help with those chargers!