The AC Scoop: Tips to the Perfect Table

Some of us love to be the hostess. Others would rather just bring a hostess gift, thank you very much. But whatever your preference, you're bound to have to host a dinner sooner or later. That's where our friend Cassie comes in. Cassie creates gorgeous tablescapes that she shares on her blog, Hi Sugarplum!, and she's here to give us some tips on how to create a beautiful and personal table for any event.

Hi, Cassie! What are your top three decoration tips when it comes to creating a tablescape?

1. Add fresh flowers- even grocery store arrangements or clippings from the yard are lovely when arranged in a large pitcher or a series of small cups.
2. Create ambient lighting by installing a dimmer in your dining room and adding candles to your table.
3. Placecards always make guests feel special and they add interest to the table. They can be as simple as names written on a gift tag or a piece of fruit.

What is your advice for someone who is on a budget and can't afford new plates or cloth napkins?

Stick with white dishware so you can mix up the table for any season or holiday with just the addition of napkins (paper napkins are cute and inexpensive) and colorful taper candles. If you don't own white dishes, don't be afraid to mix-and-match your dishes for an eclectic vibe- just keep the centerpiece a single hue, like just greenery, to make it more cohesive.

What is your favorite holiday for decorating?

I love setting tables for all the holidays. Themes make it easy to build around. But if I had to choose, it'd be Christmas.

What is your favorite decorating trend of the moment?

I don't pay too close attention to trends, but stick with what I like, which is always lots of color, texture, and layers. Anything can work in the right arrangement.