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.