Sometimes, entertaining guests calls for simplicity—a nice bottle of wine, an unpretentious menu highlighted by fresh ingredients, and a fuss-free table setting. You don’t really need a different set of plates for every major holiday, nor do you need Martha Stewart-caliber skills when preparing for company.
If you can stop off at the supermarket or corner florist on your way home before the guests arrive, you can dress up your table beautifully with this simple tip from entertaining expert Camille Styles.
“With Mother’s Day and Easter on the horizon, spring is sure to be full of lively daytime brunches,” says Camille. “To bring a bit of the blossoming natural world to the table, I like to top each place setting with a single stem flower (ranunculus or tulips are perfect) then use a satin ribbon to tie a place card around each stem. It’s a five-minute touch that makes a major décor impact and will make each guest smile as they find their seat.”