Hi, friends! Happy May to you 🙂 As much as I can’t believe that May is already here, I cannot tell you how excited I am! For one, May is my birthday month. I literally have no plans but something about this birthday month makes me really happy. Honestly, just the chance to sleep in and spend a whole day reading in bed would be a dream!
Second, this is my first full month without grad school in over a year. *insert praise break, my friends* I was originally on track to graduate with my masters in December. After a season of ice skating around burnout, several weeks of overwhelm and some time away to just think about the next 2-3 years, I decided to take the summer off. As much as I want to be done with my degree, I am feeling incredibly grateful to have this summer to step back.
Third, it’s Spring! Obvious thing here but wow, the way that longer days and warmer evenings have made a huge difference in my day to day life is nothing short of incredible. We’re also actually having a spring here in North Carolina. For most of the time I’ve lived in NC, the seasons have gone from winter to two days of spring weather to weeks of green haze (s/o to you pollen) then straight to the devil’s front porch for months of end. This year, we are enjoying days of nice weather without too much pollen and colorful florals blooming all around.
But to top everything off, nothing has felt better this season than enjoying overzealous, vibrant dinners on over the top tablescapes. As you guys know, I’m not a cook. The best thing I know how to make is a reservation and I have zero shame in that. However, I still enjoy dressing up a table for a true dinning experience. I’ve posted a few reels featuring some of my favorite settings recently and today, I’m excited to share my top 5 stores to get your tables prepared.
1 | Thrift stores: The obvious answer is here first because thrift stores have been my absolute best friend. With me setting small tables for 2-4 people, the thrift store is the best place for me to buy what I need in small quantities. I have great luck breaking up larger sets with the store staff always being so understanding. With purchasing items at such an affordable price, in the event that I break a plate or lose a glass through moving, I don’t hurt my own feelings.
2 | Facebook Marketplace: It’s been quite a long time since I’ve been an avid Facebook Marketplace shopper but during this year of being home, I’ve found myself browsing a lot more. I’ve lucked out and found awesome Blue willow plates, 100+ year old floral china and so much more. The best part about thrift stores, Facebook marketplace, estate sales and yard sales is knowing that you are being good to the planet. Hello reducing our carbon footprint one recycled plate at a time!
3 | Target: Hi, it’s me again: obvious choice. Throughout the seasons, Target offers a selection of seasonal decor and dinning items. Plates, glasses, tablecloths and more all designed and selected for entertaining and celebrating. The last few plates I purchased part of the Opalhouse Spring launch were less than $5 each. Being made from Melamine, the plates stand up in the dishwasher and are less likely to break if dropped. Target also just started carrying decorative Corelle small plates that are perfect for desserts and snacks.
4 | Amazon: I know, I know – don’t come for me BUT I’ve been sitting on a large gift card to use however I want. Instead of buying things I would use once then throw away, I’ve spent quite some time looking for plates and table decor items to use for the longhaul.
5 | Anthropologie: Last on the list and the most surprising to me: Anthro! I haven’t been a huge fan of this store for a while but recently joined their email list. When searching through the sale section, I found a ton of dessert plates from different partnerships with artists such as Vera Neumann, Maggie Stephenson and Nathalie Lete. I rarely like to buy anything full-priced so finding so many pretty options on sale has been nothing but a dream. Plus, I’ve been introduced to a new artists that may have never come on my radar. Win/win!
Well friends, that’s all for today! If you haven’t seen already, I have a few (+ more coming) table setting reels on Instagram: here. As I gear up for a late spring and summer full of charcuterie boards, putting together tables capes is keeping my hosting heart full and creative energy flowing.
Thanks so much for reading! -xo, Azanique <3
