This past weekend we had the pleasure of hosting Katie from Bower Power, along with her husband Jeremy and their adorable little boy Will. If you’re not familiar with them, you can learn more on their blog: Bower Power.
We spent a wonderful weekend together, starting Friday and stretching through Sunday, filled with good food, conversation, and plenty of time to catch up. Hosting friends is one of those simple joys that never gets old — feeding them, showing them around, and enjoying relaxed hours together made the visit feel like a mini staycation for all of us.
One of the highlights of our time together was making a short video, which has become a bit of a tradition whenever we get together. During past meetups we filmed a few other videos—hotel inspiration and shopping for DIY ideas—and this time we returned to a topic we all love: table settings. In the video we demonstrate three different looks you can create using a few basic pieces that most households already own.
Our approach is intentionally simple and practical. Start with the essentials: white plates, clear glassware, and everyday silverware. From that neutral foundation, add five accent items to change the look of the table. These accents can include a pop of color in the napkins, a textured runner, a small centerpiece, unique place cards, or decorative chargers. With these kinds of additions, you can transform the mood of a meal without needing a full inventory of specialty items.
These table setups are especially well suited to hosts who serve food buffet-style or from the kitchen, rather than placing large serving dishes in the center of the table. That’s how we usually entertain: hot dishes stay in the kitchen, and guests return to the table with their plates. If you prefer to serve with platters and bowls in the middle, you can still use the color and styling ideas; just adapt them by leaving space in the center for your serving pieces.
Even if you prefer to skip the video, the setups are easy to understand: each look relies on five accent pieces layered on top of everyday dinnerware. The key is balance—mix color, pattern, and texture in measured amounts so the table feels curated but still comfortable and usable. Small changes, like swapping a napkin color or adding a low-profile centerpiece, can dramatically change the overall impression.
We love sharing these kinds of practical styling tips because they make entertaining less intimidating. Whether you’re planning a casual brunch, a weeknight family dinner, or a small gathering of friends, thoughtful table styling can elevate the meal without a lot of effort or expense. Using items you already own and choosing a few budget-friendly accents can create a memorable, inviting table for any occasion.
For those who want to watch the full demonstration, you can find the video on YouTube: Three Ways To Tweak Your Table. If you’re at work or in a quiet place, you can mute the video and still follow along visually—each setup displays the five accent items so you can see exactly what we used.
Family and baby photos were taken by Katie from Bower Power. We’re definitely not photographers, so we’re grateful for her great shots.