Whether you’re entertaining for two or hosting a large party, setting the mood will enhance the experience. Add a little music to your theme will only make it better.
Here are simple ideas of ways to present your meals.
Tablescapes
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Blue Denim SettingI like the blue denim feel that works well for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Wood and cast iron really work well with this color and texture.
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Patriotic Table SettingSimple flag print placemats with cloth napkins tucked inside Mason jar mugs, perfect for 4th. of July and Memorial day BBQs. Most retailers carry seasonal tablecloths and placemats.
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Red & Black Chinese SettingEasy to care for bamboo placemats with matching place settings create a nice ambiance for a delicious homemade Chinese meal. This is just an example of what you can do, there are many beautiful colors, shapes and sizes that Chinese place settings come in and can be found online but also World Market usually has a nice selection.
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St. Patrick's Day SettingWhat better way to celebrate the Irish holiday than with a simple shamrock print with versatile simple white plates. Most retailers carry seasonal tablecloths and placemats.
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Western SettingThis type of setting is ideal for BBQing and hearty dishes like pot roast and stew.
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Thanksgiving SettingInexpensive tablecloth with matching napkins, corn candles and dollar store cornucopias used to hold the silverware along with dollar store pumpkin and leaf accents.
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Tropical SettingThis particular setting works well with Caribbean and South Pacific dishes, even a luau. Inexpensive polished seashell napkin rings accent the setting.
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Valentine's Day SettingValentine's just screams red and hearts. Inexpensive dollar store heard beaded necklaces adorn the champagne glasses, this type of adornment can be done for any holiday or occasion.
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Elegance & Romance SettingNice floral or paisley prints work well for this type of setting. Simple silk flower roses from hobby store make up the centerpiece.
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Easter SettingEaster is all about bunnies, carrots, eggs and pastel colors. I've chosen to go with a carrot theme, with tiny glass carrots scattered on the table with accents of green.
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Mediterranean SettingI call these rustic place settings Mediterranean because it can work for Greek, Italian, etc. food.
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Fiesta SettingPerfect for Mexican or Latin meals and for celebrating Cinco de Mayo.
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Layered SettingThis adds nice texture to your setting by using a combination of tablecloth and placemats. This is also a good option if you have a damaged or stained tablecloth, the placemats can cover up the stains and still be utilized.
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Informal Christmas SettingThis setting is great for a small gathering or for breakfast Christmas morning. Placemats we very cheap at the dollar store.
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Christmas SettingSimple traditional Christmas colors, red and green in a nice plaid. This is actually my bar I was using as we have a tradition of fondue Bourguignonne for Christmas dinner. Since this is a typical 2 hour meal, we like to watch a movie so that is why the setting is the way it is. The gold sleds were bought at a discount chain for a couple dollars and hold the napkin and fondue forks.
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Blue Chinese SettingThese simple blue placemats can be used for any type of place setting and work well with the blue enamel Chinese print and would also work good with Spode blue, willow blue and many other blue and white prints out there.
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Black & White SettingSimple yet elegant place setting good for any type of cuisine.
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Autumn SettingWho doesn't love fall colors; yellows, golds, orange, reds and purples? The placemats are from a dollar store, work great for Thanksgiving but can also work well for any place setting during the season.
Buffet Ideas
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Tostada BarWhole grain baked tortillas, seasoned ground turkey, homemade refried beans, guacamole, onions, olives, cheese, tomatoes, plain Greek yogurt (sour cream), lettuce and more.
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Slider BarWhole grain slider rolls with hamburgers/turkey burgers, cheddar cheese, and toppings.
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Salad BarMixed greens with assorted toppings; onion, eggs, cucumber, radish, cheese, tomatoes, uncured bacon, whole grain croutons, celery, carrots, etc. with assorted dressings, Presented in plastic containers so it is easy to put the lid on and store and have salads throughout the week.