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Set a swanky
table |
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| By JODI
OLSON and MAURITA JASPER |
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 The
"good china." Isn’t "good" really code for the
expensive, unused china? If it’s safely tucked away for special
occasions only and it cost a fortune, then technically, it’s a
wasted resource. The Frugalitarian says all china is good china and
there’s no need to spend a fortune on it.
So set a swanky table just because. Mixing and matching thrift
store finds makes a gorgeous spread. Bonus: If anything gets broken,
you won’t feel the need to launch a panicky,
to-the-ends-of-the-earth search for costly replacements. You can
change your style or color scheme on a whim without the angsty
commitment of knowing you’ll have to live with your choice for a
long, long time.
Good times and great memories aren’t built on the best money can
buy, yet there’s nothing wrong with loving a lovely table. So put it
together for less with more resourcefulness, creativity and great
taste. Your guests will marvel at your style, but more importantly,
the upscale look won’t feel uptight and they’ll feel free to be
themselves. It’s not what’s on your table, it’s who’s at your
table.
We like to call it being "Elegantly Resourceful." For
more ideas on how to live very well on very little, go to www.thefrugalitarian.com
Fine china is in the eyes of the beholder. Here’s
a little anecdote for reinforcement. Two old friends of ours married
years ago. He was from a very wealthy family. She was not. When she
met his parents, dinner was served on fine china that cost hundreds of
dollars per place setting. He says it was a miserable, stuffy,
uncomfortable evening. In contrast, when he met her parents, they
drank out of mismatched cups, dinner was festive and they laughed all
night long.
And here’s what makes it
cool:you can go with one color or choose several for a single table
setting. Right now we’re into the brown/pink combo. Add texture and
interest by choosing some edges that are hobnail, some scalloped and
others just plain round. The variety is delightful. And everything
comes from Goodwill, consignment stores and rummage sales.
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