Whether it's for Easter or any other time I am having family and friends over, setting a beautiful table is always a priority. However, setting the table also has to be fit in between shopping, cooking and serving the meal. Because how the table looks is so important to me, I start about a week in advance, pulling out few linen choices. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box - I love to use vintage linens, like an antique kantha quilt.

TIP: I have a few inexpensive tablecloths (or you could use a flat sheet) that I put on the table first to add a bit of padding to the table and then lay the final linens on top.

I also go through the cloth napkins, often choosing something with a bit of contrast to the linen, or if the occasion is extra special, pull out some vintage monogrammed napkins. If washing and ironing cloth napkins isn't your thing, nicer paper napkins are always an option.

TIP: I like to stock up on paper napkins in different sizes and fun patterns throughout the year.

I'll then figure out the plates and glassware I'll need, making sure they are clean and ready the day before. As for silverware, again, if it's super special, I'll pull out the family silver (giving myself plenty of time to polish it - I love Wright's Silver Polish) or use the everyday silverware.

For flowers, I'll do a quick walk through the garden a few days before to see what is blooming (daffodils, early tulips and flowering branches would be perfect for Easter lunch). Local growers and the grocery store will also have an amazing selection of blooms this time of year. Pick up a few bunches of what you love!

TIP: Keep the florals low on the on the table so everyone can see each other. If you have limited selection of blooms, consider doing grouping of budvases mixed with candles.

For candles, a mix of votives and tapers makes for nice glow at the table. Tapers in different colors are a great way to pick up the colors in the table linen or the flowers. Don’t be afraid to experiment with tapers in different colors!

TIP: Candlesticks are a great thrift shop find. I’m always on the lookout for unusual candlesticks that can be mixed and matched.

I like to set the table the night before. Don't forget to save room for the flowers, which I place the day of. Doing the table the night before means it's one less thing to do the day of the celebration. Coming down the stairs and seeing the set table first thing in the morning will put you in a festive mood!