Hello, friends! Can you believe it’s already the first Tuesday of October? It feels like this year has flown by in the blink of an eye! But here we are, and I couldn’t be more excited because the first Tuesday of the month means it’s time for My Five Favorites—a series I co-host with my incredibly talented friends Kris from Driven By Decor, Pam from Simple Details, and Jennifer from Dimples & Tangles. Each month, we bring you our top five must-haves in a particular category, and this month, with the holiday season fast approaching, we’re sharing our favorite tabletop accessories for entertaining.

A Special Guest This Month!
This time around, we’re thrilled to have Kelley from Kelley Nan joining us as our guest host! If you’re one of her 106,000+ Instagram followers, you already know that Kelley has an impeccable eye for styling and design. Her blog is filled with beautifully curated vignettes and stunning tablescapes, so we couldn’t think of a better person to join us for this month’s theme.
Welcome, Kelley! We’re so excited to have you!

Five Favorite Tabletop Accessories
When it comes to setting a beautiful table, I love keeping things simple yet elegant. My approach to tablescapes is all about finding the perfect balance between effortless and elevated. Whether it’s an intimate family dinner or a full-fledged holiday gathering, certain pieces can truly transform an ordinary meal into something special. And if you’ve been around here for a while, you already know my mantra—
Enjoy life—every day is a special occasion!
So, let’s dive into my five must-have tabletop accessories that make every meal feel like an event.
1. Linens – A Must for a Polished Look

Nothing elevates a table quite like beautiful linens. While I own several elegant tablecloths, I love thinking outside the box and using scarves and wraps as an alternative. They add an unexpected pop of color and texture to the table, making even a casual setting feel intentional and stylish.
For example, I recently draped a vibrant scarf diagonally across my dining table, letting the wood peek through for a more relaxed look. The best part? It’s easy to clean—a simple hand wash, and it’s ready for its next use.

Pro tip: Keep an eye out at places like Charming Charlie or TJ Maxx for affordable and stylish blanket scarves. Not only can you wear them to fall football games, but they also make gorgeous table accents. I just ordered a black and white plaid one that I can’t wait to use for a Thanksgiving setup, paired with deep garnet and magenta flowers.

And let’s not forget cloth napkins—an absolute must! My foyer’s wicker chest is practically overflowing with linens in every color, but my go-to choice remains simple white cotton napkins.

Looking for a budget-friendly option? Target’s hemstitched 100% cotton napkins come in a set of four for under $8, and they last for years. Pro tip: Soaking them in diluted white vinegar works wonders for keeping them bright and stain-free!

2. White Plates – The Ultimate Table Staple

If I had to pick just one tabletop essential, it would be white plates—hands down, the best thing we registered for nearly 20 years ago! We use them every single day, and they transition seamlessly from casual dinners to elegant celebrations.
White plates offer unmatched versatility:
- They pair effortlessly with any season or color scheme.
- They allow your food to be the star of the show.
- They mix beautifully with other dishware.
Our everyday set is Staccato by Crate & Barrel, and it’s incredibly durable—even after two decades of daily use with a family of five. I also picked up a few scalloped-edge plates last spring, which add a fun decorative touch while still being practical.
3. Crystal & Glassware – Because Every Occasion Deserves a Little Sparkle

Nothing makes a table feel more festive than beautiful glassware! I love mixing my everyday drinking glasses with Waterford or Galway crystal wine glasses—the contrast adds a sophisticated touch to the table.
Crystal glasses catch the light beautifully, adding that extra bit of sparkle to any setting. And don’t be afraid to use the good stuff for both special occasions and casual meals—because, really, why wait?
I’m also obsessed with my blue glass goblets from The Christmas Tree Shoppe they were an absolute steal at $2 each and have held up surprisingly well. Tip: When buying colored glassware, make sure the glass itself is colored rather than just a coated finish, which can fade in the dishwasher over time.
4. Chargers – The Perfect Base Layer

Chargers may not be essential for everyday dining, but they instantly upgrade a tablescape! I especially love my water hyacinth chargers for their natural texture and warmth.
They’re not just for protecting the table; they frame plates beautifully, creating a polished, layered look. IKEA has similar placemats for under $4, or you can check out these chargers, which have a slightly higher-end feel.
5. Flowers & Greens – The Secret to a Stunning Table

If there’s one tabletop element I swear by, it’s fresh flowers and greenery. They bring a space to life, adding color, texture, and an organic, welcoming feel.
I love sourcing flowers from Trader Joe’s or even snipping a few cuttings from my own backyard. Sometimes, all you need is a few sprigs of eucalyptus or some wild branches to create a beautiful and natural centerpiece.

And yes, those apple cider donuts in the background? Completely devoured before brunch was even served. No regrets. 😉
Light | Lantern (similar) | Chairs | Chargers | Plates | Glass Hurricane | Crystal
That’s a Wrap!
So, there you have it my five favorite tabletop accessories that transform any meal into a special occasion: ✅ Linens
✅ White Plates
✅ Crystal & Glassware
✅ Chargers
✅ Flowers & Greens
I’d love to hear from you what are YOUR go-to tabletop accessories? Drop a comment below, and don’t forget to check out my lovely co-hosts’ favorites too!
- Kris | Driven By Decor
- Pam | Simple Details
- Jennifer | Dimples & Tangles
- Our special guest host, Kelley | Kelley Nan
Thanks for stopping by, and happy entertaining! 🍽️✨