The way we entertain tends to focus on relaxed lazy lunches or suppers and the formal dinner party tends to be a really special occasion often for people we want to spoil or impress – it’s a nice excuse to play a little and express yourself with your décor.

1. Most of us already have white table linen…

so rather than go out and buy new linen, simply add a table runner in a contrasting colour. Here’s a clever idea – why not use cheap and cheerful wrapping paper?

Damask in Charcoal and Candy Stripe in Charcoal, both R320/m, The Silk and Cotton Co

2. I’m a big believer in personalising things…

from cute table gifts for your guests to the place names. An easy way to make people feel special is to write their names on placemats painted with blackboard paint.

These chalk board placemats are from a.scribe @ R40 each.

3. I’m also a total Bargain Betty…

and since I don’t have a cupboard of fancy table décor I tend to improvise. You know those chipped whisky tumblers which you can’t use to serve drinks in anymore but which no one will notice are chipped once there are flowers in them? Don’t be afraid to mix and match them with your special glassware.

Photo: marthastewart.com

Some more table décor ideas:

New uses for old things: Table settings