:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ina-garten-mixed-matched-dishes-GettyImages-1055257910-00cd5dd5a3aa48f5b1313bc78d13dd60.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Ina Garten Just Shared the Most Effortless Table-Setting Trick—and We Can’t Wait to Try It")
Sure, the dinner party menu is key when you’re having people over, but I also like to have the table look nice, too. And while I’m lucky enough to have a nice set of antique dishes, hand-painted, grandmacore floral dishes don’t exactly vibe with a taco bar, for instance. Enter Ina Garten and her latest Instagram inspiration for creating a stunning tablescape with a set of mismatched dishes and table linens. It’s perfect for my mix-and-match collection of dishes and glasses (and probably yours, too).
As you can see, even though each setting’s a little different, the whole effect comes together for one cohesive look. Want to give Garten’s genius plan a try this weekend? Here’s how to make this table setting style work for you.
Keep It in the Same Color Family
Garten says that the key to creating this look is sticking with a very well-edited color palette. Here, she opts for an orange, blue, and cream color scheme for her table, and she ensures that most of the elements in the table fit that theme—even the bowl of oranges and the floral arrangements that grace the center of the table. (Those amazing green grapes are the lone standout!)
Keep at Least One Element Consistent Across the Board
If you have everything mismatched for this, it could look a bit too random. While Garten mixed it up with the glassware and napkins, the silverware and plates were consistent at the table.
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Patterns
Garten’s napkins feature different styles of stripes and checks to give each setting a fresh look. You can do the same thing with your plates or glasses. Imagine a table where you give half the guests toile-patterned dinner plates with bold, modern striped salad plates, and switch it up by giving the other guests striped dinner plates with toile salad plates.
This is a great way to use partial sets of plates or glasses that may have had some breakage over the years, or vintage or garage sale finds.
Have Fun With the Table Decor
One of the coolest ways Garten incorporated the mix-and-match decorating style into her table is in her collection of centerpieces. She came up with an eclectic mix of candles in hurricanes, bowls of fruit, and flowers and branches. So take this as your sign to skip the one big fancy floral arrangement and opt for an array of different options.
Bonus: Most of the elements she included here you may be able to pull from your produce drawer, your cabinets, or snip from your own backyard.
Think outside the box for floral arrangement vessels—we’re totally loving Garten’s sweet pea flowers in the tiny creamer pitcher. You can use mason jars, juice glasses, sugar bowls, or even a cleaned out tin can in lieu of a vase.
Don’t forget to try to keep the centerpieces low enough so people can see each other across the table. That way, everyone can chat away at your dinner party. (You’ll note that Garten placed the dramatic array of branches toward the end of the table, where no one is seated.)