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When the days are blurring into one and you’re pleased just to get any kind of meal on the table, you might laugh at the idea of adding an extra chore into the day. I know that my current version of ‘setting the table’ is shoving my work things onto a chair so there is enough space to eat.
However, we’re all looking for ways to inject a little bit of interest into our increasingly indistinguishable February days, and taking the time to set the table can be a way to make a meal feel a bit special, or just a small treat for yourself at the end of a long day.
We’re not talking elaborate, Instagram-worthy tablescapes here, just some simple touches to signal to yourself that this is a moment to be enjoyed.
It’s not a laborious process either. On the contrary, taking a few minutes to light some candles, put out the nice plates, or lay out a tablecloth can be a little moment of zen for yourself, and a helpful transition away from the working day if your dining table is also your office. Here are some ideas to inspire your table settings.
Some people think of tablecloths as inherently uncool, but I am here to show you that there is a tablecloth for every taste. Linen in natural tones is gorgeous for a simple look (don’t iron it, too try-hard), or you can channel a cottagecore vibe with a gingham print, while florals will add a touch of prettiness.
Lighting candles for dinner makes even the most basic meal feel fancy. It’s just a fact. There are countless styles to choose from, and you can choose to let either the holder, or the candles themselves, take centre stage.
Napkins and placemats are an easy way to add colour, pattern, and texture to a table, all depending on the style that you choose. Cloth napkins are something you can keep forever, so they’re worth spending a little more on than you might for other things.
From gorgeous drinking glasses to a vase to act as a centrepiece, good glassware will elevate any meal. Look for something with colour, or with an unusual shape to really make an impact.
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