I love a beautiful table, and I always have. Just as using a cloth napkin makes food taste better, setting a beautiful table simply makes life better. At some point on my first date with Roy, I said, “I set a beautiful table,” and to tell you the truth, I think it’s what sealed the deal. 

My philosophy is to dress your table using the same ideas you use when getting yourself ready for a festive occasion, all the way down to the jewelry. I create layers and absolutely use my favorite and dearest items. This makes any day a special occasion.

My mother really knew how to dress up the table, especially for a festive occasion, which always made us feel good. One of the things her all-girls hillbilly band did as a group was to make sure all the band daughters had collected a set of Christmas china by the time we grew up. I was grateful to be a part of this delightful tradition. 

My sisters and I collected pieces of china in the same pattern my mother had, so it won’t come as a huge surprise that I have collected china for both of my kids. Lucy loved octopi, so I found some inexpensive octopus plates from Anthropology. Patrick loved fishing with his grandpa, so I found him some European fish plates. It felt good to know that I was sending them out into the world with a foundation for setting their tables.

I especially loved featuring my kids’ meaningful symbols on their birthdays. One of Lucy’s (they/them) birthdays included having all their friends help decorate an Inky the Octopus tablecloth. Setting a beautiful table, whether it’s with nocrumbsleft pottery or something uniquely special to you, is so magical!

Long before I named pieces of pottery after my parents, I honored them by incorporating symbols that reminded me of them: for my mother, a rooster, butterfly, or ukulele—and for my father, fish. You will see them tucked into various places in these photos and sprinkled throughout my cookbook (which is currently on sale–by the way!)

Whether it’s the silver cup from my dad’s desk or a rooster napkin, I embrace them as evidence of magic, goodness, and love. (That’s also why there are magic symbols stamped on the bottom of each piece of nocrumbsleft pottery!) Bring your beloved people to your table, even if they are no longer with you, with beautiful pieces that belonged to them or that remind you of them.

Flowers bring so much life to the table! I always use them tonally, in the same color group, like all pinks or all yellows, and I tend to avoid mixed bouquets. One simple key to floral arrangements on a dinner table: they shouldn’t be so tall that your guests can’t see each other! Flowers, candles, and sparkles create a warm environment. Find a way to bring the outside in or incorporate an organic element into your table design.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match. I use everything from old hotel silver to ceramics to family items. You can also incorporate little trinkets and toys! For Easter, try Easter Pez dispensers, toy bunnies, and chocolate eggs to make the holiday table whimsical. Have fun with the seasons and the holidays and set a beautiful table as often as you can.

For a large, festive gathering, it’s fun to include name tags. We are creatures of habit and tend to sit in the same place, next to the same person, so it can be fun to shake it up, even--and especially--if the guests are lifelong friends or family. And give the kids real plates and glasses. It doesn’t need to be your finest china or crystal, but beautiful items let kids feel grown up and special. My dad always recommended that we use “the good stuff.” He believed it was far better to use them and break them than to store them behind the glass as decorations.

Setting a beautiful table is easy. Start with white plates, which can be accessorized with smaller elements to create different looks. Napkins, flowers, small dishes, and even glasses can be swapped out to completely change the look. 

Think outside the box. Don't be afraid to harvest things from your own backyard. Hosta and fern leaves look great in vases. Potted succulents or even citrus from the grocery store down the center of a table can look stunning.

You needn't spend a ton of money. In one photo, you’ll see that I decorated cupcakes to look like flowers and used them as my centerpiece. I also suggest visiting your local thrift or antique store to round out pieces on the cheap. Vintage mismatched silverware and depression glass are gorgeous! Have fun with it!
 

Lorrie J., Stylist, Prop Stylist and Art Director
@LorrieJStylist
lorriejstylist.com

So many of you felt inspired hearing about how on my "Year of Health" I'm doing smaller plates, lots of movement, and making sure I'm drinking my 100oz of water every day. I’m so delighted to let you know that my health coach and friend, Liz Josefsberg, has two beginners Target 100 courses starting, and it's certainly a run don't walk situation! Liz is an amazing coach who has helped well known figures like Jennifer Hudson and Jessica Simpson achieve transformations, and as my coach she's also made a huge difference in my life. Think of these courses as support, accountability and motivation, woven with empathy and understanding as you learn more about your habits and begin to make significant change. You're worth this work, and I hope you can join her!
 

Click here to join the Tuesday class beginning April 6th at 8pm ET

Click here to join the Sunday class beginning April 11th at 12pm ET

This week we are giving away one lovely Large Pitcher in Daffodil. Speaking of setting a table, our Large Pitchers make stunning flower vases, and it's so fun to cluster them. Click below to enter!

This week, we're also excited to be giving away a Marinated Onion Bowl in one of our new spring glazes to one of our favorite Crumbles, so click over to this post to enter! 

I’m pretty delighted about this brand new Whole30 Magic Elixir. Since I’m on day 80-something of Whole30, I’m loving creating new Magic Elixirs that make everything more delicious. You are going to want this Creamy Clementine dressing on repeat. The dressing is sweetened with California prunes, which add a beautiful depth of flavor when cooking. It’s great for a salad, but it would also be delicious over protein or vegetables. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet. Click here to get cooking!

I am delighted that some of my favorite cookbook holders are my infamous neighbors. They get to product test my food, and you better believe they are regular commenters, which by the way is my love language! I want to extend a huge thank-you to them, and to all of the regulars!