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Home visit: a simple yet beautiful table setting

Take a relaxed approach to hosting and get everyone together more often. With simple table decor, you’ll spend less time decorating and more time enjoying your guests’ company.

A neutral-coloured table setting with cotton napkins, simple place settings and a natural centrepiece.
A neutral-coloured table setting with cotton napkins, simple place settings and a natural centrepiece.

Things are more interesting when they’re not perfect. Start with a natural cotton table runner and linen-blend napkins to set a neutral colour scheme. Use wooden chopping boards as relaxed serving trays – they’re ideal for small bites or breads and cheeses. Put plenty of cutlery in glass jars on the table so guests can help themselves to whatever they need. For a simple centrepiece, display wild-looking autumnal branches and evergreen cuttings in a jug.

My table settings match my hosting style – if it’s too structured, guests might feel like they have to sit and wait for food to be put in front of them. I want people to feel relaxed enough to join in

Natalie

Natalie draws inspiration from her home’s rural setting for relaxed and rustic table settings. Whether it’s just her and husband Dug or a whole dinner party, it’s not about achieving perfection. ‘A beautifully curated table setting may look lovely, but it’s not always realistic,’ says Natalie. ‘I prefer the idea of trying to find chairs from all over the house to make room for extra guests!’

We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.

Made by
Interior stylist: Carl Braganza
Photographer: Dan Duchars
Follow Natalie on Instagram: @laid_back_farmhouse