March 21, 2013

How to Set A Southern Table for Spring & Easter

This morning is my regular segment on Knoxville's WTNZ Fox43 and I'm sharing some of my favorite ideas for setting a southern table. Spring has arrived and Easter is just around the corner so there are plenty of occasions that might call for making your meal a little more special.


Y'all know I don't like to spend a lot of money so most of my suggestions can be created on a small budget.

One way to dress up your Easter table is with the good china. My good china is thrifted, mind you, but whether you inherited Grandma's priceless heirloom set or got them as a wedding present, I'm a firm believer that if you have dishes you love you should use them! There's no reason to store or saves them for a special occasion...that special occasion is today. If you're like me and have odd pieces of thrift store china, use them too! Mix and match to create unique combinations. It doesn't have to be perfect...just play around until you find a look you like!

Another way you can add something special to your table is with cloth napkins. There are hundreds of intricate ways to fold and style napkins, but I am sharing a couple of my favorites. One, shown below from the adorable blog Sugar and Charm, is the bow tie fold. It's really easy to re-create and you only need a napkin and a scrap of ribbon to complete it.

via Sugar and Charm blog (so cute!) 

If you'd like to fold your napkin and display it in a drinking glass, the flame fold might be one to try. It's easy to master and this video walks you through the process in no time. 


Another idea of mine is to create a table that incorporates fun things younger folks can do...so the grown-ups can enjoy their meal. Using butcher paper instead of a table cloth and handing out chalk is a way to add some fun for young and old. I found some adorable chalk Easter eggs that I think could be used as place cards as well as something fun for the table. 


Finally, decorate your Easter table with potted plants instead of cut flowers. Flowers are beautiful but they just don't last very long. I got a small pot of miniature daffodils and I think they will make a gorgeous addition to my Easter table...plus I can plant the bulbs and enjoy them year after year!