She Wanted Spring Decorating Ideas. Not All Pastels, Please + Free Gif

by Marina Klima

2 Materials

1 Week

Medium

One of my dear readers asked me to give her tips and spring decorating ideas that would not be all pastels. Some pastels are fine, but not all so sugary sweet. I have to admit that if you use pastels in small portions they won’t make you nauseous. In fact, some of the best fashion and design industries’ pros mastered the pastels trend to make sure that it is no longer just for bridal showers or a girls’ bedrooms. I admire their ability to place a perfect blush color sofa within a rather brutalists’ environment or a whimsical light blue chandelier in a formal dining room. But I will cover the pastel trend in my upcoming posts. Today let’s talk about spring decorating ideas for a table setting.

Here are some tips for making pastels look quite grown up. In this post, I will show you examples of mixing dark or neutral colors with fresh and festive pastels. I focussed on a more casual table setting. After all, most of us have a simplified lifestyle, especially in spring and summer. If you use stoneware, nice napkins and placemats you can skip tablecloth.

she wanted spring decorating ideas not all pastels please free gif

Depending on your decorating style, you can be more modern or traditional in your approach.

Add a burlap ribbon for a more rustic look.
Limit the number of folds and accents for a minimalistic look.
Place fun cups for a quirky statement.
Get colorful silverware for originality.
Use all white flowers with colorful plates.

Let’s talk about components for your spring tablescape.

Dark or Neutral Dinnerware + Pastel Linens Mood Board

For a rustic or casual look, I like to use linen napkins with stoneware dishes without a tablecloth. I arrange the napkins so that they are long instead of folding. Add a burlap ribbon and place it under the dinnerware to complete the table setting. If you noticed the ribbon above has a pink edge which picks from the napkin.

Pastel Dinnerware + Dark or Neutral Linens Mood Board

Many people prefer light color for dishes and dinnerware. If pastels are not something you like, consider mid-tones, such as light gray, purple or blue. For a more classic look use neutral or gray color for linens or tablecloth.

Gray, Black, White, and Rose Table Setting Mood Board

If you love black, white and gray playing with rose or blush napkins can be fun. Place white flowers in glass containers for a lighter look. Add splashes of color with paper bunnies as a hostess gift, and you are all set.

Spring Decorating Ideas for Flowers, Wall Decor, and Desert

Once your linens, dinnerware, and glasses are set, bring in some the flowers. If your linens are bright, go for more greenery and pale or white flowers. If your linens are dark or neutral, go for brighter colors. I like to use clear glass vases or simple containers.I arrange flowers making sure that they aren’t too tall so that my guests can see each other across the table.