Hosting This Spring? Here’s How to Set a Table That Feels Effortless

There’s something about spring that makes dinner feel like an occasion again. The days are longer, flowers are blooming, and suddenly setting the table feels just as important as what’s being served.

I’ve loved “tablescaping” for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I’d jump at any excuse to set the table—Sunday dinners, holidays, even regular weeknights. I went through a serious napkin-folding phase (I’m talking flowers, hearts, animals…I’d even refold them at restaurants). At home, I’d use wrapping paper as a makeshift runner, sprinkle confetti around (much to my mother’s annoyance), and rummage through drawers for anything remotely decorative.

To this day, I still like to set the table—even if it's just for a casual dinner with friends. It’s how I grew up eating, and to me, it turns a regular meal into a moment. So, if you're planning a spring dinner party (or just want to romanticize your weeknight dinners), here’s how I’m styling my spring table this season—and the Five Two products I’m using to make it happen.

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1. Start With a Soft Base

The easiest way to make your table feel intentional? Layers. Start with a runner to ground the space—we’ve been using this Five Two Cotton Table Runner around the office and at home—then build up from there.

Add coordinating placemats like these cotton ones, and stack your dinnerware, glassware, and folded napkins. Think of each place setting like a mini moment—everything feels cohesive, but not too matchy-matchy.

2. Light Candles Before Guests Arrive

There’s no cozier welcome than walking into a room lit by soft, flickering candlelight. I love the look of taper candles that have just started to drip—lived-in, a little romantic, never too perfect. This Dansk Clover Candle Holder is a current favorite—it’s compact enough for smaller tables, but grouped together, they create this vintage, mini candelabra effect.

3. Make Bud Vases Your Secret Weapon

A few stems in small vases > one giant arrangement. This is truly the easiest way to make a table feel fresh, fun, and springy. I grab a few $3.99 bunches at Trader Joe’s and break them up into several vessels. Line them down the table, mix heights, and save one to tuck in the bathroom (it’s all about the surprise flower moment), and if you’re feeling fancy, tie a sprig into each napkin.

4. Folded Napkins = Instant Upgrade

Napkin folding sounds fussy, but it’s actually fun—and deceptively easy. This lotus flower fold is a spring favorite of mine (and a guaranteed conversation starter). I always go for cloth over paper, and these Five Two Cotton Napkins are the best. They’re soft, easy to wash, and come in spring-perfect hues that feel fresh without screaming “pastel.” Plus, the cotton feels a bit more relaxed.

5. Add Water (And Wine!)

One of my OG table-setting memories is being in charge of filling water glasses with my cousin before big family dinners. It felt like an official duty—and it’s still a step I never skip.

I like to set the table with full glasses before guests arrive, and keep a pitcher on the table so no one has to get up mid-meal. For bigger dinners (six or more), add a second pitcher at the other end—along with a bottle of red and white, of course.

6. Menus = Fancy but Fun

If you're going all out with a multi-course meal, printed menus are such a fun addition. I’ve seen people watercolor theirs (!), but even a simple printed or handwritten one adds a little “wow” moment to each setting. Not a place card person? Same. But menus? Always worth it.

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How do you like to set a spring table? I want to hear everyone's best tips!