Place settings can create the mood and atmosphere of a meal. Matching colors and themes is a great way to have an evening or the holidays fun and relaxing.

Setting the table with fancy and expensive items isn't for everyone. I like to create different table settings using accessories I already have around the house. A little creativity and visualizing can make this happen. I may start out by purchasing some basic placemats and napkins, but I like to take it a step further and blend in colors and possibly a theme.

Below are eight different simple ideas in creating a fun atmosphere for a dinner party, everyday dinner, or a special occasion. If you notice, I didn't put many plates in the pictures. I wanted to show you a couple of options when setting your own table.
















This first photo below shows a great way to blend in beach theme as well as different colors. The tray can be used for a variety of different items. Once again I wanted to show you how I like taking simple items with a base theme and put them together. Notice how I positioned them on the tray, and used an odd number.













This picture shows you a third option I like to do with colors. The placemat is full of vibrant colors and you can play off those colors in matching other items. Each of the napkin colors blend in with the placemat and the napkin ring is a fish, which also blends in with the placemats. Instead of a name tag or a few mints or chocolates, I like to put a theme base accessory by each plate setting. blue tones in it. Another idea is to put shells by plates, a tropical color candle or tiny bowls with a theme base or matching color after dinner snacks.














Theses two photos are another sign of bright colors. I like to think of of the yellow placemat as anything goes. Yellow is a warm color and you can match up a variety of different napkins and accessories. The cups have a few different colors in them and you can take any of these colors and have matching napkins. The deep blue is a great complimentary color to the yellow, and also brings out the blue in the cups.

The couple of accessories in this photo work great for a whimsical look and feel. The yellow base placemat is light and airy with a small pattern and some orange and green tones in it. A fun candle on a place setting along with a vase or container of a few sprigs from a variegated evergreen shrub looks great at a table. I told you I like to do different items when creating a table setting. You can use fresh herbs, cut flowers, or even a little bowl with some seeds wrap up.














This is a little different look and one of my favorites. The mat is in a taupe base color and you can use so many different colors and themes with this mat. I took a couple of matching candles of burgundy and create the old time and nostalgia look with an old small linen I had in the linen closet. If you have some old small linens around your living area, use them for napkins or under candles on a table. They don't have to exactly match as long as the color tones blend well. That old time feel creates a great atmosphere. Take it a step further and plan a meal with an old time favorite menu. I love to make Chicken and Dumplings using this decor. You talk about a mood setter!

This is a simple matching mat and napkin. The light browns and blues create an era of the seventies, but easily used today. Remember, anything goes in interior decorating today, as long as your room is balanced with a foundation color, and has complimentary accents and accessories. The napkin holder is wood and the color tone of the holder can blend with your furniture. This is a great look for a brunch or informal social gathering.

I love the look of these checker style napkins for a picnic, camp, lodge, mountain retreat, or a country setting. The napkins alone can make a table with a vase or container of fresh cut flowers, or a dried arrangement. Pick any color checker style napkin to match your own decor.


The above photos are just a few simple ideas of how to take accessories you already have in your home, apartment or condo, and create a little something different for your place settings. A key to remember when decorating your table, you want to blend the colors of your dishes with the placemats and napkins. Creating different accessories to go on the table also will bring out your very own personality.

I wanted to share with you a simple technique on creating a look with a napkin. It isn't hard and once you get the idea, you can do this with an type of linen. Go ahead and get out your a few napkins and create a new look on your table tonight!