Some Pretty Spring Or Easter Dinnerware We Love (Despite Not Being A “Dinner Party Lady”)

I just watched the Martha Stewart documentary (SO GOOD) so all of these feelings about the marketing of “perfectionist domesticity” are popping up (as shown above). Did she create an industry that stresses out already stressed-out parents? Am I a part of the problem? Probably… But it sure is fun to have your home look pretty and a lot of people feel extreme joy setting a table. We are in the “family frat party” era where Easter is more “Eggs and Kegs”. We eat outside and this room becomes the de facto craft room for 12 kids (before we had the crafting shed). As an Enneagram 7, I like to be at my own party, not working it. But we all get fulfilled in different ways, so if you are a more dinner party person, here is some inspo for you 🙂

For our Easter “Eggs and Kegs”, we have a multi-family potluck with a big egg hunt, pony keg (and wine), a store-bought honey-baked ham on Hawaiian rolls, with a robust mustard and pickle bar. It’s all outside, with tons of kids running around, paper plates and everyone brings food and serves themselves – very old school potluck. I don’t decant the mustards into bowls or label a thing (nor do I remember to take photos or post about it because I’m too busy having fun). I usually put out vintage floral tablecloths, baskets, and pastel servingware (because I’m a hoarder and need to use my pretty things), and throw Trader Joe’s tulips in vases/jars everywhere. It’s a lot of work just cleaning the house, TBH, but I literally stop caring about how it looks after the first guest arrives, knowing that an hour later it will all be messy and wonderful. (Hot Life Tip – keep expectations low and casual and it’s hard to disappoint:))

So why am I showing you this pretty tablescape? Because I have great partnerships where I get to style out my home and lean into a different side of myself to show inspiration. It’s so much fun and I would buy everything here if I were a dinner party lady. So we snapped some photos for the blog while we were shooting the social campaign as inspiration 🙂

All of the above is from Anthropologie (some pieces I’ve had for a while now – like the glassware and the flatware). I think some of the standout pieces are those placemats (instant impact), the glass candleholders look like handblown Italian glass (look at the stripes and in three different heights), and if I were to register for fancy plates now I would get these floral plates and platter – they are so whimsical and special (I’ll bring out the platter for Easter for sure). The colored wine glasses are excellent (and the shorter ones are easier to drink from). I was also really surprised by how easy the tulips were to style in these pastel glass bud vases (which isn’t usually my move – I like big, foraged arrangements).

Maybe this will be the year I snap some iPhone shots of the mustard/pickle bar… Miracle Whip and all (that is if we aren’t still under construction in the backyard 🙂 All in all, if you love pulling out your best dishware and cooking a three-course Easter dinner, DO IT!!! If you are like me, might I suggest ordering a big honey-baked ham, 2 packs of Hawaiian rolls, 9 different types of pickles, and mustards, and be prepared for a post-Easter Sunday gut bust.

Here are some more pretty Spring/Easter/Sedar tabletop options we found if you are interested in adding some new life to your table. Like I said, I love the creativity of setting up a whole tablescape but also there’s so much power in a little festive pop of color or pattern. There’s no need to have a different set of dishes, cups, flatware, etc for each and every holiday (unless you want to of course). A little can go a long way. Let me show you what I mean…

Linens

Let’s start with the easiest, highest impact.

A tablecloth or table runner with your everyday dishes and glassware can make such a huge statement! You can go bolder with something like #3 or #4. Those colors are so fun and happy and could easily take you through summer. Or you could go bold with a pattern with a toned-down color palette like #1, #5, or #6. The most versatile, of course, is a solid color like #2 which could work any time of year. I truly love using tablecloths and runners.

Hot Tip: If you have a tablecloth that’s a little too small, just turn it diagonally. It’s a fun shape and will look intentional:)

Napkins & Holders

You don’t have to “go big” on the table linens if you don’t want to…a fun cloth napkin is also a perfect way to add some spring personality.

1. Dark Yellow Gingham-Checked Napkins (Set of 2) | 2. Delft Floral Napkins (Set of 4) | 3. Check Dyed Thread Napkins (Set of 2) | 4. Wanda Wood Easter Napkin Ring Sets | 5. Hand Painted Ceramic Flower Napkin Ring (Set of 4) | 6. Handwoven Spring Napkin Rings (Set of 4)

There are so many cute options on the market but these three were some of my favorites and not “too spring” or “too Easter”. A happy gingham will always be a great spring choice and that yellow is the perfect tone. The blue Delft ones are pricier but if within your budget would be SO pretty with a simple tablescape and a few flowers. Then the check dyed thread napkins feel fresh without going the pastel route which is a really nice alternative. Three different vibes that would all bring some fun to your table. Now, if you want to kick it up a notch to really drive home the season, any of these three napkin rings would be very cute. I love the subtleness of the wooden eggs. A cute Easter nod:) The flowers are just happy pops of color that would liven up any solid-colored napkin. And if you really want a bunny motif, these woven bunnies are so sweet! I also love using a leaf spring from my yard with ribbon or twine for an easy at-home option.

Now, if you are also more in an “Eggs and Kegs” era but still want pretty spring/Easter things, I love these floral and these striped paper ones:)

Placemats

Here’s the other super easy table linen to consider – placemats.

1. Water-Repellent Placemat (Set of 2) | 2. Handwoven Carrot Round Placemat | 3. Striped Linen Placemat

What I love about the yellow ones, aside from that cute scalloped border and pop of color is the fact that they say they are water-repellent. So ideally that’s an easier clean up which I’m always a fan of. Then for a real Easter treat, these round, woven carrot-trimmed placemats are pretty darn cute. And the blue-striped ones are a fun pop of color and pattern while not being “too loud”. I would happily have those on my table any time of year.

Platters

I’m sure most of us have platters that would be perfectly great for a spring or Easter meal but if you want to add a season-specific one, take a look at these.

Caitlin was the one who called the cabbage/foodware trend years ago and I think it’s so fun. The leaf bowl and lemon platter are so sweet and whimsical! Instant tablescape joy. Then for spring-themed but more “classic” #2 and #6 are so pretty. But if you aren’t a pattern lover then I love that pink one. I had to throw in the deviled egg platter because it was too cute and deviled eggs are a must:)

1. Kate Spade Seder Plate | 2. Eden Stoneware Seder Plate | 3. Scalloped Ceramic Seder Set

Passover is also coming up and I love these Seder plates! The floral one in the middle might be my favorite since it matches the dinner plate set and platter I got for my house:) But the other two are happy, colorful, and a bit more modern which might be a better fit for some people’s style.

Pitchers

If you’ve been following me for a while then you know I am a big pitcher fan. Not only do I always need water on hand at a table but they are also an incredible vase option. Very versatile:)

Let me just say that any of these could work as vases too for your spring table. You can’t go wrong. I do love the painted rabbit one because I love a handmade look and that color combo is very me. And speaking of blue, the speckled stoneware pitcher is a super playful option that’s a little less Easter-specific (not that rabbits can only come out in the spring:)). But if that sunny spring look is your goal then #4 and #6 are perfect. Then #2 and #5 are just beautiful, sweet options I loved (you know I love a footed vessel).

Candle Holders

Another favorite table accessory – the candle holder:)

A little ambiance is important to me when creating a tablescape. So candle holders, whether that be for taper or tea lights, are a must. It’s an easy accessory to add a seasonal feel that is pretty affordable and easy to store. Anthro really knows how to make a whimsical candlestick holder. #1 and #6 are slightly more “traditional” and I love them. The windowpane pattern on #3 is playful and a little bold which I love and it comes in other colors too! If you aren’t a taper candle person then #4 is great and the scalloping is so pretty. Another non-taper option is #2 which has a flower petal feel to it I love and finally #5 is simple but impactful and could easily be used throughout the year (I actually think it came out during Christmas which is why it’s on clearance now but still so pretty!).

Bud Vases

On to the flowers! Well, kind of…

I use bud vases all of the time and for larger table settings specifically, it’s nice to keep the flowers below eye level. That way you can see the people sitting across from you and there’s more room for food platters. I know not everyone wants a colorful tablescape and a neutral, color palette is also so beautiful. For those, I recommend #1 and #6. They have great, interesting shapes, and will let the flower(s) you put in them shine. For my glass lovers, #4 and #5 are great. They both have movement (one in the shape and the other in the “pattern”) which is going to look great with other patterns if you have any. Then for a more decorative vase (that’s a little less “bud” and more “small”) #2 is so cool. The handpainted design gives it a vintage feel and the shape is sculptural and beautiful. Lastly, I love a blue bud vase anytime, anywhere and this one (#3) is good.

Dinner Plates

Plates can be an investment (depending on how many you need, right?). So while I don’t have truly specific holiday dinner plates myself, I do love it when I get to play with them or see them in someone else’s home. It’s totally a preference and storage situation whether you “should” have them. But if you want to take a peek at some of our favorites, here you go!

We eat outside A LOT (when the weather permits) so nonbreakable plates are always great. These melamine plates are not only kid-proof but also so cute! On the other side of the spectrum are the white and gold porcelain plates (#2). So versatile and pretty for the whole year. You could easily add festive small plates or other decor for whatever holiday it is. Small plates like #5 actually. Those colorful scalloped plates would be the perfect small addition to a fairly neutral tablescape. A POP of colors if you will. The handpainted floral plate (#4) is another favorite of mine. That’s the dessert size but they have a whole collection to choose from. Then to really up the playfulness, #3 and #6 are perfect.

Glassware

The last category is glassware. I have a few friends who collect glassware and it’s always such a joy to look at everything together. The colors, the shapes, and the materials are always so cool. I like having both a wine and water glass on the table if it’s a full-on tablescape. The super important thing to me is that they are different heights, it makes it look better and more intentional. The #2 wine glasses are romantic. The color and all the detailing keep me staring at them. But the blue milk glass ones are so fun. A little modern and unexpected while still feeling simple. I just think choosing a colorful glass like #1, #3, and #5, even if the shapes are classic, is going to make your table feel incredibly fresh and exciting. #6 is a classic style that I have used and loved in my homes many times and those come in lots of other colors too.

Tablescapes are fun and should remain that way, without the pressure of perfection. So if any of these items or ideas get you excited then great! If you have what you need already then that is great too. It’s all about doing what makes sense for us and our families (which is eggs and kegs at our house for the foreseeable future). xx

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

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