MC: The last tablecloth I had became a cape for a Nacho Libre costume. Now what?
GG: Layering old beautiful bedding, like a worn velvet throw over a cheap linen tablecloth, is a great look. Think rustic chic instead of the matchy-matchiness of your mom's stuff.
MC: The only nice plates I have are the Little House on the Prairie collector's-edition set, and I can't eat with Half Pint staring up at me.
Photo Credit: Spike Mafford
MC: How can I rig better seating than my yoga ball and a beanbag pulled up to a coffee table?
GG: Multitask your furniture in ways you don't normally. That bar off your kitchen? Arrange the table perpendicular to it, to create a T-shape so you can use all that bar surface, too. For seating, use a couch for one side of the table. Then you can drag in folding chairs, the hall bench, whatever. Having an eclectic group of seats means that guests can find the style of chair that suits their personality.
Photo Credit: Andrew McLeod
MC: Paper napkins: friend or foe?
GG: I think because there are only a few times a year that we make a special event out of dinner, you should go for the real thing. A pack of handkerchiefs (new!) are fantastic or new linen dishrags can be bought in a pack of 12—they’re usually white linen with a little red stripe that you can tie with twine or ribbon. It’s casual, cheap and really sweet, and it makes people feel special.
Read the Rest of Genevive Gorder's Tips
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