the 5 minute hostess – creating a tablescape

You may remember my summer series “Got 5 Minutes?” where I shared a few simple ideas that could be done in about 5 minutes or less ( lego push pins, “upholstered” stool, and a plant potting trick).  I’m a fan of quick and easy ideas, and I pretty much love anything that can be accomplished in about 5 minutes.  Who doesn’t right?  With the holidays fast approaching I thought a new 5 minute series focusing on making entertaining easy would be fun!  So, welcome to “The 5 Minute Hostess”.  Today we’re talking quick and simple table setting ideas. 

More often than not my husband and I are impromptu entertainers.  It’s because we’re usually so last minute about hosting a party that I’ve become pretty good at entertaining on the fly.  And the truth is, entertaining is about spending time with your favorite people so why spend an abundance of time over thinking the little things?  That being said it’s those little things, like a pretty table centerpiece, that add to the specialness of the party, but the details don’t have to take much more than five minutes to look great. 

Here are a few tips: 

1.  Group things in odd numbers. 

I’m so not a rule follower, but the odd number thing rings true almost every time.  Either stick with one, three or five of something for the center of your table.  

2.  Let your table runner be your guide. 

Use the color palette of your table linens to guide you when it comes to flowers, napkins etc. 

3.  Stick with one flower.

If flower arranging isn’t your thing, stick with all one flower.  You really can’t go wrong with that look, but don’t be afraid to mix it up a little.  Using two slightly different shades of the same color adds interest. 

4.  Stagger and vary the heights of your centerpiece. 

Things just look more interesting when they aren’t lined up neatly.  

5.  Use what you have. 

You don’t have to have a lot of fall decor to create a fall centerpiece; reinvent your spring and summer accessories.  I used a manzanita branch as a pseudo cornucopia for a simple arrangement in the center of the table.  Metallics work great year round and especially around the holidays.  And you can never go wrong with clear glass vessels and white plates. 

Setting the table doesn’t have to take loads of time.  Use what you have and just have fun with it!