Springtime Table Setting is A Breeze with These Simple Tips

In the spring, everything comes to life.

As more light and fresh meals become part of our menu, the decorations are also ready to welcome a new season, and it’s time to leave the wintry accessories behind.

So if you’re in need of some inspirational ideas for your spring table setting, have a look around – get swept up in this vibrant season and its colors!

What About a Blaze of Color?

Right now, it’s time to say goodbye to the muted colors of winter and to welcome bright and fresh nuances.

One tip right from the start is to really go for whatever kind of style you personally like. You shouldn’t give in to pressure to follow a trend if you’re not actually into it. Choose a design you’re comfortable with, and that fits your preference.

Today, there are so many variations to choose from that it has become really hard to decide which way to go. The first distinction you can make is to decide whether you like bold and vibrant or soft and powdery colors, patterns, and other elements.

Bright and lively colors like yellow, orange, purple, turquoise, emerald, and spring green in all their many varieties will be wonderful for this time of the year. If you’re going for a whole tablecloth in one of these colors – maybe patterned – keep the remaining decorations more earthy, muted, and basic, so the table doesn’t look too crowded with colors.

Another way to accomplish this would be to choose only a few accessories as eye-catchers.

If you’re not so much into loud colors, there is a wonderful alternative that you may choose. Pastel is highly popular right now. It’s perfect for adding a touch of color, but at a more moderate level.

Pastel provides a powdery and soft appearance that flatters the setting, and it’s perfect for spring. Some more tender color choices include:

• Pink (pale, dusky)
• Natural (ivory, beige, cream)
• Blue (light, sky)
• Green (light, mint)

The question as to whether you should stay with one color scheme or choose a wild mix is completely up to you. Both can look fantastic, but I think less can go wrong when you decide to stick with one range of hues. In that case, even different patterns or shapes go much better together, when they’re in the same color scheme.

Instead of using a full cloth, you can also go for a lighter decoration instead. In this case, runners and place mats should be your first choice.

Also, the use of patterns may give your dining area that certain special something. Checkered, striped, or dotted tablecloths provide a breath of fresh air.

Decide on Your Basic Style

Before setting up the dishes and cutlery and looking for accessories, think about the kind of look or feeling you want to achieve. Make up your mind as to what type of setting you are going for, or which colors you would like to include.

With that in mind, it’s easier to find appropriate decorations that fit the planned style. Here are some tips for different models that yours may be based on:

• Elegant & Pure

Keep it simple with the colors and choose only a few different accessories. One floral arrangement in a vase in the center of the table will do.

White dishes make a fresh and clean impression. If you like, choose some with a pattern of simple dots or stripes.

This style works perfectly with all kinds of flowers, but using just one type will keep it simple and chic.

• Romantic & Vintage

Pastel colors, flowery patterns, and traditional, old-style linens, dishes, silverware, and glasses are the characteristics of this design.

An arrangement like this looks amazing with roses, peonies, cherry blossoms, and all kinds of blooms, arranged in mason jars or carafes.

• Playful & Colorful

Choose a variety of colors to create a delightful and happy atmosphere. Work with patterns like stripes, dots, paisley, fleur de lis, floral patterns, or patchwork.

Also, colorful mugs, crockery, or plates make fantastic additions.

Rather than sticking with one kind of flowers, choose a mix.

• Natural & Delicate

Stick to the colors found in nature, and avoid accessories that are too artificial.

Maybe put out some fresh herbs and fruits, or green flowers. Add small branches, pebbles, or feathers for an original style.

Crockery and dishes made of ceramic, stone, glass, or wood will look best.

Flower Power for Springtime

Flowers are the most popular accessory for all types of decoration throughout the year. But especially in the spring, there are beautiful and vibrant sorts available that represent the season best.

• Daffodils are a classic choice. Their wonderful yellow blossoms suit every style and taste. A beautiful alternative that shares the vibrant yellow look would be forsythia.

• The great thing about tulips is that they are available in many different colors. This way, they can either fit into or contrast with the other decorations.

• An elegant and extravagant way to bring a flash of spring to your dining room is with a few branches of cherry blossoms. There are white and pink varieties that simply look amazing, and these will make a marvelous addition to your seasonally inspired table.

• That special something can also be achieved with peonies. Their astonishing, opulent blossoms provide a vivid yet dreamy impression, which is perfect for a country-style arrangement.

• To get the most out of one color palette, you can combine flowers. With hyacinths, crocuses, violets, lilacs and magnolias, you can bring a wonderful variety of violet and purple shades to your dining room.

• A mix of different wildflowers of all shapes and colors is not a bad choice either. Turn your setting into a happy flowering meadow with a variety of different kinds.

• Last but not least, what else works great? Ranunculus, daisies, pussy willow, primroses, anemones, freesia, roses, and so on all make a great impression that will impress your guests.

What Materials Work Best?

When setting up a lovely spring table, keep it invigorating and light.

Small and fine willow branches with buds, various blossoms, or leaves are well-suited to represent the arousing atmosphere of the season.

Wood is an all-round useful multipurpose accessory, and it’s always a winner. Adding it to the table provides a natural look. This could be in form of candle holders, napkin rings, cutting boards, trays, or serving bowls.

What Else Helps to Keep it Light & Airy?

The best way to accomplish this is to choose glass bottles or vases. Their transparency provides a lighter feel than heavy vessels.

For a more vintage look, choose mason jars, bell jars, old bottles, or carafes. Different shapes and sizes can look amazing together when they are arranged in a group.

It’s best not to overfill the vases – just put one individual bloom in each, or arrange only a few flowers in them.

Keeping in Season

Popular seasonal motifs to include in decoration at this time of year are butterflies and birds.

And even with Easter behind us, eggs are still a nice addition, in different forms. Arranged with some feathers and twigs on a bed of alfalfa or other types of sprouts, they will look like they came right from the hen.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving, using tiered trays is a nice touch, like the British do for their famous afternoon tea sessions.

These platters are especially well-suited for small snacks or cupcakes that everyone can take a piece from. They are available in different styles and will provide a light and lovely look. Plus, their different levels help to keep the table tidied up, and can be a real space saver.

Add Some Edible Decorations

An amazing idea is to provide your guests with something fresh that they can eat, which also serves as a decorative element.

My favorite thing to do is to always have some sprouts ready at home. This is practical, because you don’t need any gardening experience. Some seeds put on wet cotton pads will do it.

When the sprouts are ready after a few days, put some into hollowed and cleaned eggshells in a variety of colors, tomatoes, small bowls, mason jars, or whatever you like. It is such a lovely alternative to flowers, and can be used by anyone to jazz up the meal.

Please note that sprouts have to be kept moist all the time. The seeds will sprout in just a few days, and they will be ready to eat after about 6-9 days. Just be sure to consume these within a few days after that, as they tend to mold quickly.

The same idea applies to other herbs – unfortunately, without the easy-peasy growing method – but putting some stems of parsley or mint out in a vase or stuck into a napkin ring or the folds of an artfully arranged cloth napkin is a creative way to freshen things up: the food, as well as the decoration.

When you decide to go green with your setting, there is yet another way to carry that statement to the accessories. Fresh and crispy green apples, pears, grapes, or limes provide another dash of color.

What do your springtime decorations look like? Do you have favorite colors or flowers? Or would you like to share a creative idea from your last setting?

Let me know below how you celebrate the first warming rays of sunshine at your gatherings and get-togethers.

Photo credits: Shutterstock.