Why would I ever want to create a tablescape where nothing matches? Because I have a collection of one-off plates, glasses, flatware and linens that I adore. And like children, I love them all equally and wish I could gaze upon them all the time. In fact, I often fantasize about having multiple dining rooms in my home. The thought of wandering around and looking at all of these pretty things at one time totally rocks my world. But alas, I have just one dining room and one dining room table.

So my solution? Create a tablescape using my favorite things, none of which match.

Among my favorite things, are a placemat made of Irish linen that I inherited from my mother,

a plate my grandmother purchased in Copenhagen 50 years ago,

and a Vietri plate that my husband and I purchased in Italy on our honeymoon.

Every piece has a story.

And who knew that there would be an added benefit to setting my table this way? Each distinctive place setting also acted as a place card. I directed my guests to the “Pink Tablemat” or the “Lemon Plate” etc.

I’m so glad that I took the plunge and used all of my mismatched favorites together because the evening was a big hit punctuated with lots of laughter, conversation and connection!

Have you ever set a mis-matched table? I’d love to hear your comments and see your pictures!!