Thrift Your Tablescape: 7 Steps to a Luxe Look on a Budget
Create a High-End Party Without a High Price Tag
Your dinner party guests: “Wowza! This party must have cost a fortune!”
You, the party-planning genius: “Nope, just some savvy thrift shopping!”
If you haven’t had this moment yet, don’t worry. You’re about to!
This month, we’re teaching you how to create your next swoon-worthy tablescape on a serious budget. For starters? Grab your free Thrifted Tablescape Formula and keep the step-by-step guide in your pocket while you shop!
3 Tools Every DIY Party Host Needs
Your Thrifted Tablescape Starts Here!
No matter if you’re thrifting your tablescape or treating yourself to an all-out splurge, ya gotta know the fundamentals!
What size table are you going to use?
How many people can actually fit around said table?
Does this table actually give you the flow you need for your party?!
The general rule of thumb is that each person at a table should have a width of about 24 inches of space. 18” would be the absolute minimum. And keep in mind that you need 18-24” of clear space. If a table leg interferes with the space someone needs to actually sit comfortably, you have to plan for your guest to sit on either side of that table leg.
Keep in mind that if a guest uses a wheelchair, they’ll need 30” wide of clear space!
Not sure where to start? Learn the seating and table basics you need in the Uncommon Tablescaping Guide - before you get started scooping up decor!
Before you dive head-first into shopping, ya gotta refine your party’s core aesthetic! I’m talking pictures, color schemes, and mood-setting descriptions. Because setting the mood of your party is all about how your event will feel.
Pro tip: Snag your Mood Board Survival Kit! This handy-dandy guide will keep you focused on what matters while you’re browsing non-stop bargains. Plus, you can get a full deep-dive on the mood board process and why it matters!
Don’t just take our word for it! Learn why Architectural Digest agrees that picking your party palette is key.
Pro tip: No matter what you’re styling, keep your guest of honor in mind at all times. Ask, "What THEY would enjoy?" and use it as a guiding light throughout your party planning process.
Fewer DIY Mistakes + More Tablescaping Hacks
Budget-friendly tricks for a Pinterest-worthy tablescape
You’ve got your basic table + seating knowledge down! You’ve got your aesthetic set and your mood board in hand! Now, let’s talk turkey.
How do you make a thrifted tablescape look like a million bucks?!
First, you’ll need to determine how you’ll serve your food! Will it be:
Buffet?
Family style?
Plated?
In some cases, your serving dishes may need to become part of your tablescape. That means you’ll need to consider your food selections along with your overall aesthetic.
Master the Art of Layering
Your tablescape is built piece by piece. Each element needs to work together. But don’t let that overwhelm you! Remember the good news: No single piece needs to carry your entire setup! Your selections will layer with one another to create one cohesive look.
Use your tablescape to play with:
A variety of materials
Think: Metal, glass, and fabric
Heights and hierarchy
Think: Tall candlesticks mixed with low floral accents
Focal points and accents
Think: Hero centerpieces mixed with flowing garlands
Take some risks and get creative!
Pro tip: When you experiment, remember - don’t block your guests’ conversation by having too many large pieces at eye level.
And the stars? They’re just like us! Get some extra pointers on how the HGTV Design Stars layer table settings of all different styles!
One last point about layers: Think about your tablescape as one layer of your overall party. Make sure that you’re considering how your table plays off of your surrounding decor, your photo booth location, or the activities you have planned. You can get more tips on how to bring together all of the “WOW” moments in the Make Your Party Shine Toolkit!
Texture
Make sure you layer in a variety of different textures as well! Think about:
Textures like smooth metal finishes, fluted surfaces, or natural greenery, which can all complement each other well.
Embrace different tactile textures like tablecloths, napkins, and silverware. These are the kinds of items your guests will literally touch and feel, so they’re critical selections in how you’ll set the whole party vibe.
Incorporate visual “textures” like a mix of patterns and solids with your fabrics and decor.
Details
Your tablescape is made in the details - and that’s a good thing!
Your guests will care the most about the care you put into serving their needs. The details that matter most can be as simple as a personalized place card, a specialty napkin folding, or a re-oriented setting for your left-handed guest.
No need to get overwhelmed, sweet friend! Just remember your guest of honor, serve the true needs of your guests, and stay focused on the feeling you’re trying to evoke!
Where to shop for Vintage Tableware + Decor
Snag the best deals for party-planning essentials!
Where you thrift your tablescape can make all the difference! Hone in on a few locations that have good reviews and the kind of selection you need! Check your local area for:
Thrift stores
Estate sales
Flea markets
Antique malls
Swap meets
Facebook Marketplace
Check out Apartment Therapy’s best rec’s for thrifted home decor
You’ve got your thrifting destinations in mind? Great!
Now, what they heck do you shop for?! Our Uncommon Tablescaping Checklist is the go-to for ensuring you have the elements that matter most:
Linens + Textiles
*Make sure to wash, iron, and/or steam your linens BEFORE using them.
Chargers + Placemats
Plates:
Dinner, 10-12”
Salad, 8-10”
Dessert, 6-8“
Bread + Butter, Up to 6”
Silverware
Napkins + Napkin Rings
Glassware
Stemware
Place Cards
Decor + Centerpieces
Lighting
Floral + Greenery
Water Carafes
Salt + Pepper Shakers
Get Your Thrifting Strategy Juuuuust Right
Shop Smarter, Style Better, and Stress Less
Let’s take you by the hand and walk you through exactly what we do when we go thrift shopping - and exactly what we do when we bring all of the goodies home!
Thrifting 2.0 walks you through everything - even down to what we wear when we head out for some serious thrifting! We’re talkin’ exactly where we shop, which days we find the best deals, and where you can tap into Uncommon’s inventory of our all-time favorite thrift store finds!
Join Host + Gather for the ultimate online party-planning master class! Not only will this give you a full step-by-step guide to the entire party-planning process … but you’ll also get expert insights into:
Our very best tips on what to thrift, what to source in bulk, and where you can shop for what you need
All of the tools, checklists, and cheat sheets you need for a seamless event planning process from start to finish
The Uncommon Way to mix and match materials - and look like an absolute pro doing it!
The Uncommon Shop! Get your last-minute tools and party supplies, adhesives and hooks to keep decor in place, and lifesavers like Goo Gone to remove those stubborn thrift store stickers.
Snag Your Free Download: The Thrifted Tablescape Formula
You can keep Uncommon in your pocket while you thrift! Download your copy of the Thrifted Tablescape Formula! Psst … It summarizes all of the tools we mentioned above, so you can keep the 7 most essential lessons right by your side!
Your Uncommon Encouragement: Thrifting Your Tablescape
Sweet friend, remember: You don’t need a big budget to create an unforgettable experience.
Your guests won’t remember how expensive your place settings were. They’ll remember how you made them feel when they sat at your table. So let your creative juices flow, and find the joy in curating your thrifted party decor!
See you on the thrift side,
The Uncommon Team
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