Laid Back Spring Tablescape and Entertaining Tips
We love having friends and family over to our home for fun Friday night parties or a game night with the adults. Entertaining can seem daunting and overwhelming to so many…but it doesn’t have to be. There is no reason why you can’t take a laid back approach to your entertaining.
Hi there! I am so thrilled to be taking part in a Spring Tablescape Bloghop with some of my blogger friends. If you have been here before, you may know that just yesterday, I posted all about my updated modern farmhouse dining room makeover! It has completely changed the way I use this space. I love it!
This year I decided to take a different approach to my spring tablescape. I wanted to show you how I take a laid back approach to entertaining and turn my tablescape into a gorgeous combination of a centertpiece and table setting all in one grouping.
When we have get togethers, we rarely, if ever set the whole table with all the fixings and seating assigments. We like to have a laid back atmosphere, where people can choose where they want to sit, pick the dinner ware that they need and just enjoy their time at our house.
But, isn’t it weird to have your tablesettings all piled up and included in the centerpiece? NO! You are killing two birds with one stone! That is my favorite kind of project. The secret is to make sure yo layer and arrange things so that they look like they were meant to be there.
They key to creating a functional and stylish laid backcenterpiece is to give it some drama. Here are a few things I like to consider when entertaining with a tablescape like this:
- add some height with greenery
- combine textures such as glass, ceramics, greenery, fabric, metals, and organic materials such as wood and stone.
- Keep your color scheme purposeful. I used whites, greens, blacks, and wood tones. This allows the centerpiece to look purposeful and stylish
- keep it simple
So, as you can see, I started with a large round butcher block tray. I used this to give the table some separation from the centerpiece/tablescape.
Then I added some drama with some tall vases filled with greenery. I really wanted the greenery to pop, so I stayed with a very simple color scheme of blacks, whites, and wood tones….then the green really gives that spring feel.
I then wanted to consider the functionality of the table. I want my friends and family to be able to grab a plate and s utensil and start filling their plate with food. We truly keep things very relaxed around our house and I feel that it was important to create something that really represented this.
I stacked my plates together, adding some adorable Easter egg nests as a fun nod to spring. We also stacked the bowls and mugs around and atop the large butcher block tray.
This gives my guests the flexibility to grab whichever items they need. I arranged them so that they were easily accessible to all the guests. Then I added some mason jars to hold the assortment of utensils. I often feel that when we set a formal table, with all the pieces including all the utensils, more than half of the utensils don’t get used. So, I find it much better to offer them this way.
Now they only need to take the ones they need and the rest can be put away and not washed again for no reason.
A few candlesticks and a couple more pots of greenery to fill the spaces and my laid back entertaining tablescape is complete!
I was thinking that this may be the way to go everyday with my kids. Instead of fighting 6 bodies coming in and out of the kitchen during meals, why not keep it all right there on the table where they can grab what they need and keep things flowing smoothly.
I decorated this tablescape just like I would any other part of my home for spring. Simple spring touches….and the main accent is the greenery. Its such an easy way to break away from the winter blues. Immediately the space is brighter and feels like it has more life!
I thought since today was my sons birthday we would try this fun laid back entertaining tablescape out and see how it worked. And wouldn’t you know it, it worked like a charm! We even lit the big candles and let him blow them out!
As a special addition I made my favorite banana bread recipe. I think I will be posting about it soon! It’s so yummy and super easy to make! Adding a simple treat to the table give everyone a reason to hang around a little longer!
Creating a simple, laid back tablescape is my favorite way to go when I am entertaining friends and family. Its a one stop shop, where people can grab what they need and enjoy their time in my home.
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Now, are you looking for more tablescape inspiration? Check out these other lovely bloggers as they create and display their own spring tablescapes!
Monday
A Casa di Bianca | Red Cottage Chronicles | Panoply
The Little Yellow Corner Store | From My Carolina Home
Tuesday
Celebrate & Decorate | Everyday Living | Home is where the Boat Is | Belle Blue Interiors
Living With Thanksgiving
Wednesday
The Painted Apron | Debbee’s Buzz | Bluesky at Home | Corner of Plaid and Paisley
Home and Gardening With Liz
Thursday
Sweet Sensations | Chasing Quaintness | Our Crafty Mom | Zucchini Sisters | Life and Linda
Friday
My Thrift Store Addiction | My Family Thyme | Me and My Captain
Follow the Yellow Brick Home | Katherine’s Corner | Twelve on Main
If you are looking for more spring inspiration, check out these posts:
Art Inspired Farmhouse Spring Home Decor
11 Ways to Add Spring to Your Home Right Now
Have a great day friends!
Sara, I think your approach to the spring table is a winner in any busy household, or certainly when it’s sizable number of guests. The greenery is a simple yet striking nod to the season coming alive, and the nests are in tune with nature, as is your overall look. Your dining area is welcoming, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy many occasions around that table.
Very creative and inviting, your guests will feel right at home! This is the way I prefer to entertain too Sara, a pretty buffet and let everyone help themselves, lovely!
Sara, your casual but strikingly beautiful table certainly proves that you can make a lovely statement without the formality for a table setting. I love all of the natural light in your room which really helps to accent your natural elements you used in your tablescape for entertaining. Your woven pitcher and greenery is like seeing the first blooms in Spring. Fresh and new. I love your use of black accents and mason jars which give it a country feel. I am so ready for a slice of the banana bread.
Sometimes a buffet just makes sense with a busy household. Thanks for hopping with us.
A very creative and casual vibe tablescape. I bet game night at your home is lots of fun. Pinned Hugs!
Thanks! We do have fun at our table!
Sara this is a fabulous and creative post! I love your tips for casual spring table styling and all of the decor and dishes you used. I am totally crushing on your Rae Dunn!
So happy to be hopping with you this week. Happy almost spring!
Your table is simple, and welcoming for guests or those in a busy household to grab what they need and help themselves! This is a perfect set up for a morning buffet brunch. I know I would be taking a plate to help myself to some yummy banana bread! Thanks for joining another blog hop!
I love this ! great styling. xo- maryjo {www.masterpiecesofmylife}
Thanks!
Sara, what a perfect way to entertain guests. A buffet lets everyone eat and enjoy what they will while the hostess sees to other important needs. I would gladly have a virtual seat at your beautiful table. The tall vases of greenery are an excellent way to bring Spring into your decor. I am sure your son enjoyed the large candles verses the tiny little birthday candles. It would make the occasion more special and memorable. Thanks for joining us today.
Thanks Kari! Yes my son loved them!
Sara, I love the practical yet warm functionality of your table. With young ones and a busy family schedule, it’s the way to go! It’s how I set the table for breakfast or brunch when we have overnight or weekend guests. Grab and go! Thanks for the tips.
Thanks Debbee! Its my favorite way to set the table!
This table is laidback and very inviting! Your decor is functional, pretty, and your tips helpful. It’s been a pleasure to blog hop with you and I hope our son had a fantastic birthday.
Thanks Sandra!
I love your laid back tablescape! It is the perfect setting for a gathering with family and friends! All of the layers and textures make such an inviting presentation. It has been so much fun blog hopping with you! Happy Spring!
Thanks Shannon!
Sara, this is a simple but beautiful,way to entertain! It has such a classic feel but very welcoming. It is a pleasure to blog hope with you!
Thanks Pam, you too!
Very pretty and great way to entertain your guests. Sometimes easy is better. I love setting up buffets where my guests can take what they need. Natural Elements make for an easy and rustic look. I could use a slice of that yummy banana bread. A pleasure joining you on this fun Tablescapes blog hop.
Hey thanks Linda!
I like your display of dishes for dining and adding the greens stylized it nicely! I did something like this for Christmas one year so we could grab a plate and food easily. It’s been fun seeing all of the great ideas from all the blog hoppers!
Sara, I love your laid back table style! Your use of neutral colors and natural elements are spot on. It really emulates the feeling of a sunny spring day with warm breezes and fresh air blowing through! Gorgeous!!
Sara, you shared some great ideas for entertaining. I love the greenery in the center of the table. It is very warm and welcoming!
Sara, your table is the perfect blend of style and function! It makes sense to set a casual table when you’re serving kids. I’m loving lamb’s ear in decor this year and love how you arranged yours in the wicker vase. The banana bread looks delicious! So happy to hop with you. Happy Spring!
Sara, it’s so good to see your lovely farmhouse style again. The greenery with the soft neutrals is always a winner. Love your casual entertaining tips. I love to put silverware in jars for a party. Hope to stay in touch more often.
Thanks Carol!