How to Style a Last Minute Tablescape With Tips

How to style a last-minute tablescape, no matter what you are having.

hos-pi-tal-i-ty : (n) 1.  the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers

Recently, we made an exciting announcement ~ we will be highlighting some individuals who exemplify the site’s mission, make the most with what you have #ssmfeatureme.  

So, when an Instagram friend Positivelypollyanna, posted an impromptu Harvest Table, we knew it HAD to be shared!!!  In fact, she really is an amazing talent. 

LAST MINUTE TABLESCAPE TIPS AND INFORMATION

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SSM: What is the motivation behind using what you have?

PP: When you live thirty minutes from everything, impromptu get-togethers often require quick thinking and quick table setting!

That’s exactly what happened here. This table might not look ‘thrown together’, but it was indeed!

SSM: What did you use?

PP: Not a single thing was purchased for the purpose of decorating this table.

The challenge was on…so, out came my ruffled burlap table runner (that I adore), and then it was all about ‘building and fluffing!

The antique drop-leaf table was just purchased at an auction and was already outdoors. We situated it under a tree for some shade and then I got to work styling while the hubby scrounged up the ingredients to make gourmet hot dogs – or as we now call them, “FANCY FRANKS”, lol!

I collect silver, so that’s always a go-to for me. 

Placing pinecones in a pretty dish (in my case, a silver compote) is super simple to do, and fills blank spaces while adding texture.

I cut flowers from my yard (roses and zinnias) and placed them in an old amber glass frog vase (passed down from my mom).

While hubby was ‘making do’ with what we had in the refrigerator and pantry, I was making do with dishes and serving pieces.

Silver Pitcher

SSM: What tips do you have to create a last-minute table?

PP: There are four things I like to consider when it comes to table styling

• LAYERS
• TEXTURES
• COLOR
• PATTERN

I’m all about mixing and matching!

SSM: What was your favorite part of this table?

PP: My favorite feature of this table was the stacked pumpkin. I had recently purchased a huge pumpkin and it fits perfectly in one of my large silver punch bowls. It looked a little bare, so I added a grapevine wreath and some shrubs/branches cut from the yard 🙂 It made the perfect centerpiece, and the size made a statement.

SSM: How do you turn simple food to fabulous?

PP: Simple ingredients look special in pretty dishes, and it takes no more time to place them in those pretty dishes than it does in paper plates, lol!

French fries looked cute in paper holders I had on hand, and a gingham ribbon gave them a finishing touch. An orange slice added to the rim of simple glasses added color and interest (and made it seem like I had planned ahead lol). Leopard (monogrammed) plates added the perfect touch of pattern and gave the causal table a little flair! It might sound like a lot, but in the end, it was easy-peasy and very much enjoyed! Sometimes last-minute plans can be a blessing, as we have less time for stressing.

SSM: Any final tips?

PP: Keeping a few key items on hand certainly helps as well!

• Ribbon
• Pretty Dishes
• Glasses
• Party Goods
• Table Runner, Fabric, and/or Tablecloths

Don’t forget to follow Positively Pollyanna on Instagram

MORE INSPIRATION

Here are a few more posts we think you will enjoy:

• Pod Container Pumpkin Centerpiece; Upcycle
• 10 Stress-Free Entertaining Tips
• Fall Gratitude Printable

Thanks for stopping by today.  Our goal is to help make the most with whatever you have by sharing budget-friendly, time-saving, and reusing/DIY ideas for all parts of your home and life.  If you enjoyed this last minute tablescape post, we would appreciate a share on any social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us as we share even more ideas on each account.

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