A romantic table lit by candle light. We only have so many heartbeats in this lifetime, and meals to enjoy, so I try to make them special.
One the best parts of cooking for me is the conviviality of coming together with family and friends. Nothing nourishes the bohemian soul more, with the exception of traveling perhaps. I think it is one of the most basic things we can to do in our world to promote peace and goodwill, starting right in our own homes. That is something that I try to point out to my girls, if everyone took the time to slow down and share nourishment and break bread with one another, no matter how humble, it might make a difference in the world one household at a time.
The table is also a perfect place to express creativity and style to enhance the dining experience. A big budget would be wonderful, but in true bohemian style, not necessary. Thrift stores, garage sales and using what is already around your house using your imagination and exploring the unexpected makes dining in style something that anyone can do. Bring in nature or things that you may not have thought to bring to the table to add some flair. Fun, whimsical, minimalist, artsy, or natural, the possibilities are endless. I have included some inspiration here from all over, and some of my own creations too.
Think bright and colorful with accessories.
The details make all the difference when putting your tablescape together. Gather old tea tins or pitchers and fill with fresh flowers. Bring books to the table to help create varying heights for candles, flowers and objets d’art.
Using objects around your home to create a cozy bohemian table setting. photo via ruffledblog.com
Dining outside is one of my favorite way to dine, and I need to do more of it! Here is a tablescape that has the feel of an outdoor room with the use of fabric and plants.
Create a Moroccan Oasis with the use of fabric and plants. Via Color Outside the Lines
My collection of found treasure doesn’t include bolts of fabric and exotic sculpture (Wish it did! Though I do have a pretty cool African sculpture carved from a single piece of wood. I will have to share that sometime in a lovely setting like this one!) There is something to be said for a cozy country bohemian feel too. Hippie tapestry or a textured rug for a table cloth, wooden bowls or handmade ceramics.
Sometimes the meal will dictate the style of the table. Think bold colors and textiles for a Moroccan meal, or if you are going for Asian, think lacquer pieces, simple lines, and bold red perhaps. Do what makes you happy, what inspires you…there are no rules, except be true to yourself.
Asian elements of blue and white ceramic, red pattern and flowers would be the perfect backdrop for an asian meal. Photo via Color Outside the Lines
What type of theme inspires you? Moroccan tea for four served outside while seated on cushions? A romantic dinner for two served by the fire, picnic style? An Indian dinner for friends with bright colored sari fabric for a table cloth? Convivial tables make conversation as much of focal point as the food and the decor. When you take the time to create a setting that gives all of your senses pleasure, you are giving of yourself to those you love, by expressing yourself.
Collecting glassware, dishes and decorative items from your travels, thrift stores, or your favorite boutique can make for an eclectic bohemian style table.
I love setting a mood with the color palate, or with a theme of the meal and going on a treasure hunt to find things I already have and adding to my collection with items that I find at thrift stores, garage sales, or boutiques.
Take a color palate as inspiration like this combination of cool blues, purples and greens.
