Setting a Pretty Table for a Special Occasion with Simple DIYs
Whether for a casual dinner party, wedding, or intimate dinner for two,
a beautiful table can set the mood.
For this dinner, I’m setting it up outside. I love eating Al Fresco whenever possible.
It lends an air of casualness that promotes better conversations.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Gwen Studios. I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.
Materials Used: (*affiliate links)
- 2 Yards Gwen Studios Deep Tan Satin Fabric
- 2 Yards Gwen Studios Mint Green Voile Fabric
- Gwen Studios Coral Satin and Rhinestone Trim
- Gwen Studios Crochet Style Lace Trims
- Gwen Studios Sagebrush Green Satin Ribbon Tower
- Sewing Machine*
- Glue Dots Adhesives*
- Scissors*
- Vintage Dishes and Jars
- Natural Woven Circle Placemat*
- Clear Glass Cylinder Vase*
- Fresh Bouquet of Daisies
*Disclosure: This blog uses ads and affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!
Let me start by saying, first and foremost, I am not a seamstress.
Which makes all of the following projects “sew simple”!
To create the Table Runner:
- Start with a 2-yard piece of Rugby Tan Satin. Cut the satin into two 22″ x 46″ pieces. Sew the two ends together to create one long piece of satin.
- For simplicity, I folded, pinned, and ironed 1″ around the whole piece of fabric.
- Tuck and refold the 1″ seam in half, pin in place. Sew each side, leaving a 1/2″ seam.
- Iron the seams.
- Sew a strip of lace trim on each end of the table runner. My table runner is 20″ x 90″.
- I created 14″ napkins using the same technique as the table runner. The lace is only on two sides of the napkin.
There are several different ways to fold a napkin. One of the easiest ways is the accordion napkin fold.
- Begin with a pressed napkin.
- Lay the napkin flat. Accordion-fold the napkin by folding the bottom edge 1″ to 1 1/2″. Continue folding the entire length of the napkin. Make sure to leave the lace showing on each end.
- Fold the pleated napkin in half.
- Wrap a small strip of 1½” satin ribbon around the middle of the folded napkin, overlapping and securing the ends with a glue dot.
- Wrap a small strip of satin rhinestone around the 1½ satin ribbon and securing the ends with a glue dot.
- Set onto the center of the plate and flare out the folds.
- For a special touch, place a small flower in the center of the napkin ring.
To make the Bow:
- Cut two 24″ pieces of 1½” satin ribbon.
- Cut one 6″ piece of 3/8″ ribbon.
- Fold the ribbon pieces into two loops crisscrossed with the tails on each end.
- Lay ribbon bows together with the second one askew.
- Tie the bows together with the shorter piece of ribbon.
- Trim the ends of the ribbon tails with a notch cut.
- Cut a 2″ strip of satin rhinestone trim.
- Wrap around the center of the bow and attach in the back using a glue dot.
- You will need two ribbon bows, one for each end of the table.
- Pin the bows onto each end of the table.
No “pretty table” would be complete without flowers.
For a casual simple look, use a variety of large vases and vintage jars
to add flowers to your table.
A simple ribbon tied around the neck is all you need.
A Simple Vase of Daisies.
As Meg Ryan said in the movie, You’ve Got Mail…
“Don’t you think daisies are the friendliest flowers?”
To dress up a clear glass cylinder vase, wrap a strip of rhinestone trim around
the top of the vase and secure it with a glue dot. (such a simple trick)
To Dress the Table:
- I used the Aqua Voile to create a simple tablecloth. I sewed two ends together to make a 36″ X 90″ tablecloth. Because the fabric is light and airy, I carefully cut the fabric and did not sew any seams around the cloth. It is subtle enough to add a bit of detail without overwhelming the table.
- Place the table runner centered on the table.
- Place a natural woven placemat under the plates for a more casual look.
- I used vintage pink wine glasses for the drinks and two different vintage plates. I like to mix old with new to create a fun and inviting vibe.
- Add napkins to the plates and flowers on the table to finish the look.
Thoughtful touches and simple DIYs make this table perfect for any special occasion.
Lovely!
On Wed, Oct 6, 2021 at 10:33 AM Sue’s Creative Workshop wrote:
> seldred2 posted: ” Setting a Pretty Table for a Special Occasion with > Simple DIYs Whether for a casual dinner party, wedding, or intimate dinner > for two, a beautiful table can set the mood. For this dinner, I’m setting > it up outside. I love eating Al Fresco whenever possi” >
I am sure it would be an honor for anyone to be invited to that sweet table setting.
Awww… thanks so much.
Nice projects and a very pretty color combination.
Thank You!
Absolutely stunning! Such refreshing colors, and lovely photos of your projects! The napkins I LOVE!
Thank You very much.
Such an elegant table setting!
thank you.