Easy Tabletop Vignette Ideas

Several of you have asked us to share Easy Tabletop Vignette Ideas so today we’re more than happy to oblige!

I was back in my hometown standing in the aisle of Publix when a familiar face walked up to me and said, “Ok, I’ve been reading your blog and I gotta know two things. One, is your house really that clean and two, do you have any breakfast table ideas that don’t involve leaving out your dishes because we actually live there.”

Truthfully, I get both of these questions a lot and it always gives me the giggles when people put emphasis on the words really and live.

The answer to the first question is that our house is almost always picked up unless we’re in the middle of a project. That’s not to say we don’t have dog hair bunnies around, we definitely do. It’s bananas how much our dogs shed. We vacuum and sweep nearly every day and practice these simple housekeeping tasks too.

The answer to the second question is we don’t leave our dishes out all the time either. In fact, we like to keep things as simple as possible around here which is why I thought I would share how we keep the breakfast nook tabletop vignette looking pulled together without a lot of extra fuss.

Here are a few easy tips and tricks for you to try…

Tip #1 Start with a Clear Surface and a Sturdy Base – We love using trays and breadboards for tabletop vignettes because they can be easily moved when you’re ready to use the table while at the same time providing a sturdy base for vignettes. That being said, you can also use a small throw, table runner or feed sack to help anchor your vignette as well.

Tip #2 Create a Focal Point – Have at least one item that is taller than the others by stacking plates, using scales, flowers and branches, cake plates, books, etc. to create a focal point.

Tip # 3 Vary Heights and Texture – Make your tabletop vignettes interesting by varying the heights and texture of the items you’ve collected.

Tip #4 Group Vignette Items in Odd Numbered Groups – Grouping items in sets of threes or fives is considered visually pleasing to the eye.

Tip #5 Add Greenery, Branches, Seasonal Foliage, Herbs or Fruit – Greenery, branches from your yard, seasonal foliage, kitchen herbs or fruit will help add color, texture and will easily offer a seasonal feel when appropriate. If you ignore all the other tips in this post, don’t ignore this one, it makes the biggest difference!

Tip #6 Keep a Consistent Color Palette – A tabletop vignette should complement the rest of the room, not compete with it.

#Tip 7 Practice, Practice, Practice – Creating tabletop vignettes on a breakfast table, coffee table, dining table or really any horizontal surface, for that matter, takes time. Keep practicing and playing with different objects until you find a look that feels warm and inviting.

I know tabletop vignettes can seem a bit tricky sometimes so if you get stuck, think about how your tabletop vignette can tell a story (Trick #1). If you like to collect things (hello, ironstone, tarnished silver, brown and white transferware, old books, I’m right there with you) consider adding those items into the vignette grouping.

Shopping thrift stores, estate sales, antique malls and places like Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Ross, Target will help you find interesting yet relatively inexpensive finds for tabletop vignettes (Trick #2). You know what they always say, buy what you love, and you’ll always find a place for it and for the most part, I believe that is true.

Keep in mind, if you’re looking for inexpensive greenery check out craft supply stores like Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Joanns where you can find a variety of faux flowers, greenery and branches on sale or use a coupon. Likewise, you can also pick up herbs and simple bouquets from your local farmer’s market, florist or the grocery store (Trick #3).

Creating a home you love takes time, you guys! In the end though, you just have to go for it. Don’t let anxiety or perfection or trying to make a tabletop vignette that is magazine and Insta worthy hold you back. You can do this!

I’ll see you guys back here tomorrow with a recipe for a fabulous fall treat. Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo