A Spring Spread
It feels as if winter will never end, but the promise of spring is so near—today is the official first day of the season! To me, the best solution for a lingering winter is to bring spring indoors and brighten up meals with cheerful decor. Following Monday’s frittata recipe and yesterday’s outfit, I thought I’d share a spring table setting idea that’s so incredibly simple and easy for anyone to recreate. Whether you’re inviting friends over for a casual brunch or setting your table for Easter, this look is light and fresh. While there are millions of beautiful table setting ideas out there on Pinterest and blogs for any occasion, what always strikes me is how elaborate they are. There’s definitely a time and place for over-the-top, fanciful spreads, but my entertaining style (and maybe yours too?) is much more casual. But casual does not mean void of style—it’s about putting some thoughtfulness to the details but also creating a comfortable, not overdone vibe. Your friends will definitely notice your extra effort, but won’t feel thrown off by formality.
I thought twice about sharing this casual brunch setting because it is so super simple. But that’s the point. I often start with flowers—something in season I can find at the grocery or farmers’ market—and let them inspire the rest of the direction I take. In this case, I set out a large bunch of chamomile flowers, loosely flowing out of a simple tall vase. I then layered a whitewashed rattan tray underneath, which also provided a perfect space for help-yourself mimosas.
I love collecting cloth napkins for entertaining—to me it’s the simplest way to lend sophistication to mealtime, even when it’s just the two of us. Plus unlike paper napkins, they’re washable and reusable. I pick up a new set here and there to add to my collection so I can rotate them. Instead of placing them at the side of the dinnerware, I layered them underneath for a different look and love how they just hang off the edges of our kitchen table. And to achieve more of that fresh, sunny spring look, I placed just the yellow shades of my favorite Anthropologie bowls on top of our everyday white plates. I’m also a big fan of family-style serving. From setting a frittata directly on the table, straight out of the oven, to pouring cocktails, juices and even milk into carafes, it’s a great presentation trick that somehow feels both elegant and carefree at the same time.
What’s your entertaining style? Any favorite hosting tips? Happy first day of spring!