Table for One Lovely Tablescapes for Single Dining
Dining when you live alone (or sometimes just eat alone… think dorm or an apartment with roomies) can sometimes be boring! Well, I’m here to say that you can elevate your dining experience with a little help from Table for One Lovely Tablescapes for Single Dining!
Hey all! Are you ready for the weekend! I sure am! I left work just a wee bit early today, as I was feeling a bit ‘meh’. Came home and took a little nap, and I feel better. Better enough to introduce to you the first installation of a new series here at My Wee Abode: Table for One, Lovely Tablescapes for Single Dining!
Table for One Lovely Tablescapes for Single Dining – Inspiration
Earlier this year, I shared a photo on Instagram of a tray with my dinner place-setting on it. The photo originally came from a post where I shared about Three Items Every Small Home Should Own. I shared how a simple galvanized tray is so useful in a small home, including for eating my meals (a dinner table takes up too much real estate in my little home!)
I received so many ‘likes’ and comments on the Instagram photo, I decided that regularly sharing a “Table for One” might just be the ticket for those of us who live alone, or even in a home where room-mates don’t always eat together. 😉 So, let’s get to it, shall we?
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Table for One Lovely Tablescapes for Single Dining
For the very first Table for One, I decided to go all summery! (Summery is a word, right?)
My inspiration for this tablescape came from the Sand Dollar Lane Subscription Box. The theme for this month was Dining Al Fresco, but since it’s been so pickin’ hot here in So. Cal., I decided to bring the dining inside! (More on Sand Dollar Lane in a bit!)
Make it Simple and Easy
I love the light and airy feeling this table setting has. When dining during the summer, I like to make things simple (okay, who am I kidding, I ALWAYS like to make things simple). “Simple” works great for me being in a small home, too!
Take a look at my very first post Pros and Cons of Living in a Small Home for more about small-home-living.
I just love that pink sand dollar plate on the ivory-colored ‘charger’. So summery (I’m making it a word) and coastal!
And I think the details on the two plates complement each other perfectly! 
I wanted to add some dimension and interest to the table setting so I added this pretty floral napkin. I like using cloth napkins, as they are economical AND lovely!
Wrapping the napkin in twine and tying a little shell to it was super easy, and, again, gave a nod to the coastal summery vibe!
To dress up the tablescape even more, I added a little farmhouse vase with some petite flowers, a little sand-colored pot and a starfish. (Yes, yes… the flowers are faux… didn’t have time to go get real ones! Hehe!)
Simple, but so pretty! (I love how the linen runner gives an added ‘airy and light’ feel to the table.)
I learned that putting the flowers near the glass made for a more interesting setting AND photo. In five years, we’ll look back together and say, “Remember when you were figuring out how to style and take photos? Remember that first Table for One? You’ve come a long way!” At least, I hope we say that! 😉
Love the detail on the goblet!
Sand Dollar Lane Subscription Box
Now for the fun stuff! Shopping!!! (okay… MORE fun stuff!) Sand Dollar Lane subscription box offers a curated collection of coastal farmhouse home décor with a different theme every month. Each box contains 4-6 full size home decor items worth an average of $75-95!
My July box included:
- 4 pink sand dollar melamine dishes
- 4 aqua melamine goblets
- 1 orange melamine pitcher (my fave)
- 4 teal placemats, and
- 2 silicone ice cube trays (palm tree and flamingos).
Where is the orange pitcher you ask??? The outside (al fresco) photo shoot went south, but I’m gonna show you the pitcher anyways! (Remember, folks, 5 years!)
Isn’t it sweet?! It’s hard to tell here, but it has the same scroll-y detail as the goblets.
The August subscription box theme is “Light and Breezy”… you can get a sneak peek HERE. To get your first Sand Dollar Lane subscription box, simply click on my affiliate link HERE, or on the Sand Dollar Lane photo in the sidebar. Want 10% off???? Use the code ‘myweeabode10’ at checkout!
So, what do you think about this first Table for One tablescape post? I’m totally learning as I go along, so would love to hear what your thoughts are! What should I include next time? What did I miss this time? Let’s chat in the comments!
So fun and I love that floral napkin. It ties all your summery pieces together.
Thanks, Patti… I knew what type of napkin I wanted, and was able to find it at HomeGoods! Always love when that happens, right? 😉 Have a great weekend, friend! Hugs!
I love this Julie. A creative idea that can be used by many.
Thanks, Sonya! It was really fun to put together! Have a great weekend, roomie! 😉
I love everything about this! Those pinks and blues really POP! That Sand Dollar box is an awesome deal! I can’t wait to see more tablescapes 🙂
Thanks, Marissa… I think the Sand Dollar Box for August is going to be just lovely! The pillow they are offering is SO pretty! Thanks for all your encouragement and help, dear-heart!
I love the idea of making a meal special with pretty tableware, even for one. It’s a great way spoil yourself just a little. Great post and photos Julie!
Thanks, Michelle! I agree… I think having pretty things for dining alone is a great way to pamper yourself! 😉 Hugs!
I love the idea of making our place setting look beautiful, just for us! Just because you’re eating alone doesn’t mean you’re not worth a few extra minutes to set a lovely table. As always, Julie, your photography is on point. Any chance you’re willing to come do mine?!
LOL, Kim! Thank you for your kind words! My photography is probably the thing that give me the hardest time about blogging! So your words mean SO much to me! Thanks for always being an encouragement! Hugs, friend!
This is so pretty and such a good reminder that we have to be good to ourselves. 😉
Pinning.
Thanks, Stacey… I hope lots of ‘single-diners’ enjoy the series, and that others might be able find some tips, too! Definitely still learning! 😉 Hugs, sweet friend!
Hey Julie! What a fun idea! I love the idea of having a special tray to use. Sister and I often eat in front of the TV. I tray would make it more manageable for some meals!!
Yes, the tray comes in SO handy! I’m glad you liked the post! Thanks for coming by! I’m so glad we got to spend a bit of time together in Charleston!
I can’t tell you how much I love this. My hubby travels at times and so I have a table for one. There’s no need to skimp on beautiful place settings even when it’s just you. Thanks for all your spectacular table decor tips
Thanks for coming by, Kristi! I was hoping that this would apply to not just those of us that are single, but also those in other ‘single-dining’ situations! Wonderful! Thanks for dropping in… hope to see you more!
You are a girl after my own heart! I think every meal is a chance for celebration, and your table for one is just perfect! Often when I find the opportunity to dine solo, I to set out my meal on a pretty tray and enjoy relaxing in my own company!
Well, right back at ya, girlfriend! Loved your recent tablescape, as well! I’m so glad you make your solo dinners extra special! 😉 BTW, I’m featuring your tablescape on my new weekly feature, Tuesday Turn About! Hope you’ll visit (let me know if there are any issues with being featured!) Hugs, Maureen, and thanks!
This is so well said! I love the pretty color scheme for your tablescape, and summery is totally a word!!
Thanks, Roxanne! I’m so glad your use summery, too! 😉 So glad you dropped in! Hugs and hearts!
I do find a small vase of fresh flowers adds color and just a “feel good” factor to the meal-for-one at home situation.
I, obviously, agree! 😉 Thanks for the vote for flowers, Deborah! <3
These are such fun colors Julie. I think the small pink plate works especially well to give us that summery look! And yes it is a word!
Thanks, Mary! I’m so glad everyone agrees that ‘summery’ is a word! LOL! Thanks for the love! Hugs!
I am with you! It is too stinking hot to dine al fresco especially here in the south where we cornered the market on humidity! LOVE you pretty table setting for one! Setting the mood makes the meal even better! This post will be Featured at the next Merry Monday party. It was great to meet you at Haven!
Oh, thank you, Shirley, for the feature! It’s always a blessing and encouragement to be featured on someone’s blog! 😉 I was just looking at your About page. I saw that your hubby’s name is Stacy… My son’s name is Stacey, though he goes by his middle name because his father is Stacey, as well as his grandfather! 😉 Don’t hear that very often! It was a pleasure to meet you, as well! Have a great weekend! Hugs!
Julie, I love that you treat yourself with such style in the table for one! Beautiful table, and love that Chloe featured you on Celebrate Your Style! Kudos! I love tablescaping, and this is very inspiring for those who live alone!
Thank you so much, Rita! That is so encouraging to hear! From your sentiments, I feel like the series will be successful! Hugs and hearts!
Julie, your tablescape is beautiful. I am married to a pilot and so it is a 7 days on and 7 days off schedule. So many times, I grab something and plop it on a paper towel for dinner when I am alone, but you have inspired me to be a bit more creative. I am looking forward to your series. The Sand Dollarr Box sound like a lot of fun…almost like Christmas each month. I am not sure if you remember me, but we met at Haven and sat close by during the Home Depot presentations of the ladies “Plans”…I have twins Stacy and Tracy (both boys)…or should I say men now? LOL
Have a great day.
Well, thank you SO much for the encouragement and lovely comment, Kari! Haven was such a whirlwind, and SO amazing. I’m so glad we met, too… I was focused on several things during the presentations (I needed to take a video of Deb’s presentation, and then Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chicks came in and I was a bit star-struck! LOL!), so I think I didn’t realize you were near me… so sorry! 😉 Did you know my son’s name is Stacey??? I hope you come by more often! Love getting to know new friends! Going to visit your site now!
Julie, I think your first tablescape was a GREAT SUCCESS. Love the beautiful colors and I’m glad that you’re treating yourself to a beautiful table. You need to just treat yourself sometimes. I’m looking forward to your new series and adventures in tiny home living.
Thank you so much, Sandy! I’m glad you liked my first Table for One post! It’s definitely a work in progress, and I’m looking forward to learning how to make even more beautiful settings! Thanks for dropping in and sharing! Have a wonderful week! 😉
What a lovely post. I guess we don’t think of a tablescape for one unless you are in that scenario. Why not pamper yourself. I am going to remember this. I do try to use my vintage plates and cups and saucers when it is just me.
Stop by Thursday Favorite Things since you are one of my features.
Hugs,
Bev
Hi, Bev! Thank you so much for the kind words, and FEATURE! I’m thrilled! And, I think it’s wonderful that you use your vintage items when your by yourself… it feels special, doesn’t it? I’ll be stopping by, as always! Thank you, again!
So pretty! Pinning!
Thanks for the love, Amber! Totally excited to be featured twice on Thursday Fave Things! 😉 Have a great week!
Congratulations! Your post was my feature pick at #ThursdayFavoriteThings this week. Visit me at https://www.marilynstreats.com on thursday morning to see your feature! All hosts choose their own features from the comments left on their blog so be sure to return to my blog to see your feature. I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon. Please don’t forget to add your link numbers or post title so we can be sure to visit!
Thank you, Marilyn! I had actually visited before I even saw your comment here! Thank you so much for the feature, and I will return each week, to be sure! Have a great one, and thank you, again! Hugs!
Light, fresh and romantic table setting. Very lovely thank you for sharing.
Thanks for coming by, Kippi, and for the kind words! Your blog is lovely!!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Sooo pretty, Julie! Love your new series Tablescape for One!!! I am often alone for dinner as Hubby works late every night and is often out of town on business, so it’s usually me and Mr. Yoda, our Peke. :)’ I do set up a tray once in a blue moon, but usually for breakfast. I’ll have to stop over and check out Sand Dollar Lane’s subscription boxes. Sounds fun!!!
Stopping by from Style Showcase with Lory this week,
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Thanks for coming by via Style Showcase, Barb… although I see you often anyways, and I’m SOOOO thankful! Treating ourselves to a little bit of pretty is something to enjoy, I think! 😉 Have a blessed weekend! Hugs!
Great idea Julie. Whether by choice or circumstance, we all have to eat alone sometimes. Nice to make it pretty.
Thanks, Carol! Living alone, I sometimes forget to ‘treat myself’ with a bit a pretty. 😉 But, this is easy and fun! Hope you have a great week, friend!
So fun! I love the pink and teal combo!
Thanks, Janet… it was my first ‘stab’ at a tablescape… I really would love to do one a month! Hugs, sweet friend!
What a great idea Julie! Just because you eat on your own doesn’t mean your table shouldn’t be beautiful! I love the colors of this first Table for One! They definitely are summery (which actually IS a word – you’re totally safe from the grammar police!) 🙂 Can’t wait to revisit this in 5 years!
Thank you so much, Barbara, and I totally agree with you! You hitting empty nest in 5 years? Hugs!
Ha! I’ve had an empty nest for 15 years! 🙂 Living the dream over here!
Oh! LOL!
Love the idea and the color scheme!
Thanks, Beth. I definitely want to do more of these this year! 😉
Julie, I was sure I had commented on this before, but I guess I’m mistaken! Your color scheme is so pretty, and I love that you show people how to make a pretty tablescape even if they are not entertaining a large crowd. Party of one, baby! Pinning!
I thought you commented on this before too! Weird! And, thank you, dear friend!