Casual Dining Table Decor Ideas

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links

I know there are rules for setting the table.

Knife and spoon on the right…

Fork and napkin on the left…

Glass on the right…

But sometimes I just like to shake things up

And do something a little…

Unexpected

So if you’d like to break away from the stuffy, formal table setting rules, I’ve got some ideas for you!

Here are some tips for setting a table that’s casual, fun and non-traditional:

MIX IT UP

I love the look of mismatched plates all used together.

I like using all white plates in different styles and patterns to give interest to my tablescape. I never buy more than 2 of the same pattern so I have lots of variety. My favorite place to find interesting dinner plates is HomeGoods but you can find them anywhere. And when you collect them over time, it’s really easy on the budget!

And I also mix it up with my silverware. I probably have over a dozen different patterns of silverware. I have some that belonged to my great-grandmother, my grandmother and my mom. And I have some that belonged to Mr. Redoux’s grandmother and mother. They’re all beautiful and special to me and I love using all of them!

2. CONTAIN THEM

There’s just something so much more fun and interesting about plates standing up in a vintage box than just stacked on the table or set at each place.

The same goes for the silverware. Use any kind of container you have on hand. Mason jars, jelly jars, vases, baskets, flower pots all can be fun vessels to hold silverware.

3. LEVELS

Varying heights will give your table lots of interest.

Use cake plates, inverted bowls, pedestals, even books to elevate dishes.

4. LAYERS

TIP: Not every serving dish on your table has to have food in it. Do you have a small square casserole with cobbler in it? Then layer it on an empty fluted pie dish and put it on a cake plate — instant decor! Think about different ways you can layer different pieces to make a special presentation.

5. TEXTURE

Texture always adds interest to a space and the same goes for your table. Make sure you have plenty of different textures in your tablescape to keep it interesting.

Here I added a vintage bucket. The paint-stained, rustic finish plays nicely against the glossy finishes of the plates and silverware. And the burlap table runner on top of the pine wood of the table also give off a rustic vibe that keeps everything feeling casual and informal.

6. NATURAL ELEMENTS

I always try to use as many natural elements as I can on my table. These pumpkins, squash and eucalyptus all add that touch of nature that grounds this tablescape and gives it a homey, comfortable feel that you just want to sit down and enjoy.

7. SHOP YOUR HOUSE

Look around your house for interesting things you can bring to the table.

Use things you have on hand like old wooden boxes, vintage buckets, baskets, jars, plate racks and other items that would add interest to your tablescape. Look in your yard for greenery and garden vegetables. Look in your fridge for fruit and veggies you could use. I think found and gathered objects make the best centerpieces!