a new idea for a budget table setting

Last night we had a small party for ten, our monthly (except during covid) party group of 14 minus four who were traveling. It was fun and easy--we served BLTs, aka bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich, which sounds humble but is a summer favorite in the USA, and maybe especially in California, and definitely in this household. Since our party group is a potluck I asked for two appetizers that were served during cocktail hour, two side dishes and a dessert. With all the help all I really had to do was bake the bacon (the night before) set the tables, and of course grow the tomatoes! 

While planning for this party, I discovered a new idea for inexpensive but beautiful tablecloths and have to share my find! Last month I wanted to replace my stained everyday kitchen table tablecloths with budget priced 70" square cotton or linen tablecloths. The large size is hard to find in a budget price and finding a natural fiber is harder still.  While at Target I saw a grey striped 72" square shower curtain, all cotton, for the bargain price of $20.  It had buttonholes on one side which were barely noticeable so I purchased two. I was so thrilled with how they looked and how beautifully they behaved in and out of the washer and dryer, I went online to see what else Target had in cotton shower curtains that I could use for tablecloths. Good old Target did not disappoint!  I bought three more beautiful cloths that I used for the party and with fresh white napkins and plates, and plain, clear glass wine and water glasses, my table settings looked happy and summery and I was thrilled. Below are closeups of the fabric and the discreet buttonholes. If you do use shower curtains as tablecloths, make sure they don't have metal grommets for hanging: they should have discreet buttonholes like these. I received many compliments! Shopping links are at the end of the post.

Our Northern California weather, no matter how warm it is during the day, is generally cool in the evenings and everyone knows to bring a shawl. Luckily the night was gorgeous and we didn't need them until close to 9:00. The drinks table above sits on the lawn under a large umbrella. That sunny yellow "tablecloth" is my favorite! Next to the table I had a cooler filled with ice and white wine, beer and sparkling water--perfect for a summer evening. My flower garden is bursting with color and variety and looked so pretty last night. The arrangements consisted of zinnias, dahlias and white shasta daisies. The fillers were purple basil and marjoram, both of which were in flower, and a few olive branches. 

LINKS

I see some of them are $40 but the four I bought, links below, were $20.

Here is the blue and orange Geo print, the animal jungle print, the yellow one

I also bought this black and white one.

Each post I'll try to remember to share what I'm reading--not everything I'm reading, just what I loved and recommend. I read a lot of murder mysteries and so many of them aren't good, but this one is good: Dream Girl by Laura Lippman, 2021. The main character is so incredibly dense about himself it made me laugh. The ending had a twist I did not see coming. Not heavy, but thoroughly enjoyable.

Reading now: The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, 2020. Biographical historical fictional account of JP Morgan's librarian who was a black woman passing as white. Loving it.

Next up, maybe: When Crickets Cry, 2006. Did anyone read this and like it? It was recommended to me so I'll give it a go. I don't mind giving up on a book if I can't get into it. As always, any book or author recommendations are always welcome.

Hope you are enjoying the remains of summer. I'll try to be back soon. xo Kristen