Ideas
Table
Setting a fall table on a budget
A runner, something low down the middle and candlelight get you most of the way. Here’s how to do it for well under $50.
Start with a runner
- A plain linen or burlap runner makes mismatched plates look intentional.
- No runner? A folded tablecloth or a length of kraft paper works and doubles as a place to write names.
Keep the middle low
- Small pumpkins, pears, pinecones and clipped branches from outside cost little or nothing.
- Keep everything below eye level so people can see each other across the table.
Use more candles than you think
- A dozen unscented tapers or tea lights do more than any centerpiece. Unscented matters near food.
- Turn the overhead lights down once everyone sits.
One small touch at each seat
- A sprig of rosemary tied to the napkin, a name card or a single clementine is enough.