7 Elements of a Single Fall Tablescape, Table for One #2
Whether your spouse is away for work, or you live in a college dorm, or if you simply have a home all to yourself, dining alone can be a lovely experience. Today, I’m sharing 7 elements of a single fall tablescape in installment 2 of Table for One!
TABLE FOR ONE, THE BEGINNING
A couple months back, I had the opportunity to share about a wonderful farmhouse coastal subscription box from Sand Dollar Lane. The box I received contained items for “Dining Al Fresco”, and I decided to blog about it. However, the box included (among other beautiful and fun items) place settings for four. Well, there is only ONE in my home, and not much room for a table for four (at least not that would be easy to photograph 😉 )
You can see the very first installment of Table for One HERE, along with the info for Sand Dollar Lane Subscription Box.
After trying to figure out how I was going to do a full tablescape, I thought, “Single dining can be lovely, too! Why can’t I do a tablescape for one?” So I did! Table for One was ‘born’, and I loved it! And so did lots of others!
7 ELEMENTS OF A SINGLE FALL TABLESCAPE, TABLE FOR ONE #2
Today, you’ll see what elements create a lovely and colorful fall table for one person. However, remember that this table setting can translate into two, four, six or more settings!
Element 1: Set Your Table for One On a Lovely Surface
When living in a small home, like My Wee Abode, there are only so many places where you can have a meal. I normally like to eat on the floor, doing blog work (just keeping it real), but I do use a nice tray. 😉 I also have my wonderful portable island, which makes for a nicer dining experience, and this is where today’s single fall tablescape, table for one #2 is being featured!
Element 2: Use a Tablecloth or Placemat
Tablecloths are often a nice touch for a formal dinner party. But, when setting a table for one, you often don’t need a tablecloth because you usually sit at a small table or counter.
For this single fall tablescape, I used a vintage, round linen cloth. Not sure what this was used for originally, but I have used this often in My Wee Abode as a foundation for a vignette, or just softly draped out of a basket. Today, it gives the effect of a placemat.
I think the round shape and embroidered detail adds a lovely touch to the plates.
Element 3: Use More Than One Plate
When setting a table for one, using more than one plate elevates the dining experience. (It’s also helpful to use a smaller plate for smaller portions… so I’m told! 😉 )
Here, a white beaded plate is used as a charger underneath an aqua blue gradient glass plate. Love the ombre look of this plate!
Element 4: Use Nice Utensils
If all you have is bent and chewed up silverware (we all have had battles with the garbage disposal, right?), it’s time to pick up a few replacements. Using lovely silverware makes dining much more enjoyable, and you can pick up pretty vintage silverware at just about any thrift shop, flea market, or consignment store. Mix and match them… it adds interest to a table for one!
Element 5: Use Pretty Linens
Since I moved into My Wee Abode, I have had to work on keeping a tighter budget. One of the things I have done is to start using cloth napkins in place of paper napkins. My fave napkins are the set I picked up at Walmart from the Pioneer Woman line. They were inexpensive, and they wash and dry so nicely!
Other options for napkins… make your own or pick up single napkins in the clearance section at HomeGoods. I have a friend that even uses pretty and soft wash cloths as napkins!
Element 6: Use Stemware
There’s just something special about drinking a beverage out of a pedestal glass or mug! The goblet shown here is from the Hearth and Home line at Target. Right now, they are on clearance, but still not “clearanced” enough for this girl! I picked up one for this tablescape, and I hope to add 3 more, as soon as the price goes down a wee bit more (Don’t worry, there were LOTS of them). This girl needs to replace her Coke glasses with some big girl glasses. 😉 Keeping it real… See what I mean HERE!
Element 7: Set a Lovely “Centerpiece”
Last, but most definitely not least, add an element of ‘extra’ lovely to your single fall tablescape by setting a ‘centerpiece’. You don’t have to get fancy here… just some florals, greenery (faux or real), and a candle will give your single dining time a bit of atmosphere. And, if you do use faux florals, you can keep the whole centerpiece there for several days or weeks… you don’t need to set it each time!
For this fall tablescape I used a couple sprigs of faux eucalyptus, tiny white flowers, one of my DIY Velvet Pumpkins, and a votive candle. Easy peasy!
Bonus Element: Don’t forget the Salt and Pepper
My dad always wanted two sets of salt and pepper shakers on the table, one at each end. He liked the convenience of not having to pass the spices back-and-forth (yeah, he was funny that way!) So, as a nod to my dad, I like to keep a nice set of shakers on the table. 😉
I hope these 7 elements of a single fall tablescape have been helpful! Do you like to add special touches to your dining table, whether for single dining or for your fam? What do you do to make your meal times special?
I love hearing from you in the comments! I read and reply to every single comment, so please share! 😉
I love your sweet table setting. You don’t have to go big to be beautiful, I agree! 😃💕
Thank you, Lauren! These are fun to create, that’s for sure! Hugs!
These are all great tips. You have reminded me I really need new flatware.♥️
Hey, Lisa! Do you get new flatware, or pickup items at antique stores, etc?
Very lovely! I appreciate the reminder to use a tablecloth or placemat. Practical!
Thanks, Peg! Practical is always good! 😉
Gorgeous and I love that you incorporated one of your beautiful velvet pumpkins into the mix! I really like those two plates together, I am all about mixing and matching! Just because you dine solo a lot, doesn’t mean you should sacrifice a nice tablescape!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thanks, Carrie! Yep, I think we should treat ourselves well and make memories, even when going solo! (Love that you put it that way!)
That’s a sweet little note about your father. I like this tablescape, especially the blue plate! I do have an honest question…do you move the plate when you start eating? Keep one under and just use the smaller one? How do FANCY people actually use these? 😉
Thanks… I like sharing good memories of him. The white plate that I used is an actual large dinner plate that I made a charger. Normally, you have the charger (not used), then a dinner plate, salad plate, and sometimes a fruit bowl. As you have the courses, the plates are taken away (or put aside by most, because we really don’t have servants waiting on us anymore! LOL!) Love ya!
Hi Julie,
Visiting again from 22 Applegate Lane. I just shared your post with my best friends who lives alone and often dines alone. It’s perfect! FYI Do you live in Connecticut? I grew up there; moved to Maine as an adult. Growing up we lived in Newington, Westport, and Guilford. Looking forward to following your blog!
Cheryl
Hi, Cheryl! Thanks for coming by again! I don’t live in Connecticut… Just the opposite.. I live in So Cal! 😉 Did I say something that made you think I might be from Connecticut? Thanks for coming by! Look forward to seeing you again!
Julie, that is just lovely as is the nod to your father. I love that aqua blue plate !
Thanks Myrna… growing up, having to put those two sets of shakers on the table was annoying, but we did understand. Dad passed away several years ago, so these types of memories are good to share, I think. 🙂 (I love that aqua/blue plate, too!) Hugs and hearts!
This is a pretty table setting, Julie! I especially love the linen cloth. It reminds me of a large vintage doily that would have been used on a dresser or chest. It makes a lovely placemat. Thanks for sharing!
I bet that linen is just what you said… it is like a huge doily! I love it! Thanks for dropping in, Kim! Hugs!
Julie, I LOVE this! It’s such a pretty arrangement, and you’re right ~ the fundamentals of a pretty tablescape can be translated to any number of place settings. When I read this post tonight, I thought of my Grandma. She lived alone for many, many years. But, she always sat at her 50s- style table with color coordinated tablecloth and placemats ~ and ate off her “good china” for every meal. Her apartment was even smaller than yours (she had to walk down the hall to the bathroom!), so her kitchen could only accomodate one set of dishes, so she chose the good china! I love that…and I love that I have the memory of sharing many special meals with her.
I LOVE your story! Thank you so much for taking the time to share it here… really! I can just picture her tiny apartment, and her kitchenette! LOVE it! (and I *DO* have two settings of my good china… it will show up at some point, I’m sure!) Hugs, sweet friend!
Julie, I love your ideas here, and the details are so lovely. I laughed at your comment about battling the disposals. Don’t we all have at least one “chewed up” piece of flatware?! The idea of mixing and matching flatware is a great one. I saw many vintage pieces when I visited a market in Texas called Canton. It’s a thrift/antique shopper’s dream! I love adding special details to our table when I can. Usually I save it for special occasions, since I have little ones around. But my favorite meal-time tradition is sharing our “favorite part” of the day. Mine is usually right then and there. 😉
Yep, disposals are such a necessary ‘pain’! 😉 I would LOVE to visit the antique stores and flea markets in TX… one of my bucket list items! And, I think it is wonderful that you are incorporating every day traditions in your home! Your fam will be very grateful! Hugs!
Beautiful tablescapes!
Thank you so much, Wendy! They are fun to create! Hugs!
Good job Mom! Digging the SEO work too! ;P
Thanks, honey… SEO is NOT easy! Thanks for your help!
I do so love this table for one idea Julie! I think you will hit so many ladies right in the heart here. Thanks for the ideas. I am pinning for myself should the day every come.
🙂 gwingal
I hope it blesses LOTS of people. 🙂 It’s fun to create, that’s for sure! Thanks for coming by, sweet friend!
So pretty! I love that blue glass plate and your pumpkins!
Yes, Jessica… picked up the plate at HomeGoods, and, of course, we know where the pumpkin came from! 😉 Thanks for the sweet words!
Julie this post was very informative. I’ve never been much of a table setter but your post is so informative and really spells out the steps!
Thanks, Mary… I wasn’t a ‘tablescape’ person either, until I started the blog, and was given the Sand Dollar Lane subscription box. Kinda forced me into it… Nice push! 😉
I love everything about this table setting, but especially those goblets! So pretty!
Yes, Roxanne… LOVE the goblets. I’m drinking from the ONE I have right now. Still haven’t clearanced again! LOL! Hugs!
Beautiful table and I love your tips. Thanks for sharing them at Celebrate Your Story.
Thanks for dropping by, Sandra, and for the sweet words! Always enjoy Celebrate Your Story!
Your table for one is fabulous. Love the mix of colors, textures and cloth napkins are a must. Love your style Julie! Hugs!
Thank you so much, Michelle! Love your style, too! Hugs and hearts!
Julie, Julie I love your wee abode, it so cozy, You have a talent my friend. And I remember in the movie the wedding planner, J-Lo set a beautiful table for herself as a treat to herself and I have never forgotten that. If I am eating alone, I usually “set” a table even if it is paper plates, I use napkins, etc.
Kari @ Me and My Captain
Thank you, dear Kari… I LOVE your tablescapes, too! Your words mean so much to me, really! Hugs, friend!
So many pretty details! Thanks for sharing at TFT!
I really like the table scape for one idea. I think it’s a great way to celebrate even as we sit down to eat, how blessed we are as single women. And the pedestal glass- totally agree with you, It just makes ya feel like you are special. Fancy vintage tea cups are also so nice to use for a cup of tea or hot chocolate. My motto is – “Life is short, use the fancy stuff today”. We know we have ever lasting life, but here on earth.. I opt for using the fancy stuff if given the choice. Nice post and pictures.
Blessings.
Yes… tablescapes for one person are like a little taste of Heaven. Love that the Lord gives us such beautiful things while we wait for mind-blowing beautiful in Eternity! 😉 Thanks for the Truth, Tonita! Hugs and hearts!
Glad that I know this is for your everyday fall days and not on Thanksgiving! I’d be extremely sad knowing you were home alone. That’s nothing to be thankful for! Reminds me to be grateful for my family even though they get on my last nerve somedays. And it reminds me to pray for those that are alone. 🙂
LOL! I’m never home alone on a holiday… my family is amazing. 😉 It’s fun to create a table for one sometimes… and this outgoing-introvert actually enjoys her time alone at home. 😉
Julie,
I loved all your tips and so glad to be participating with you for Cindy’s roundup!
Rachel
Yes… the round up was very nice!
Love the mix and match look; so much more interesting than everything the same. Happy Thanksgiving, Julie!
Thanks, Lora… It’s fun to create a little tablescape every once in a while! 😉
Hi Julie! what a great post!! I especailly love your linen and flatware! You did a great job setting the table for one.. I find that when I dine alone I put just as much effort in as when I’m dining with my family. I also make sure my wine glass is filled to the brim lol.
Oh, I think that is so great that you pay special attention to your single table setting as when you are having a full table. Your wine glass ‘tip’ made me smile! Looking forward to ‘working’ with you more, friend!