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It’s tough enough to get the meal on the table most nights. I know. I’m a mom. But there are those times when you find a few extra minutes to devote to your dining experience. Creating an elegant tabletop can elevate an everyday meal as well as special occasions.

We engage all our senses while eating. Why not make it a feast for the eyes, too? Even a takeout can become a memorable if the table is thoughtfully set. It doesn’t have to be Martha Stewart difficult. Here are some easy and inexpensive ideas.

First choose your covering from the multitude of tablecloths, runners and placemats. Even a thin quilt can do double duty as table covering. Go for interesting textures as well as color. For the big family Sunday pasta dinner you can’t go wrong with the RSVP wrinkle and stain resistant tablecloth with napkins. For a funky girls night in check out Isaac Mizrahi's animal print table runner and placemat set. Channel the look of fireflies in the summer or a winter wonderland come December, with Bethlehem Lights battery operated table runner with built-in lights.

Matchy matchy is boring. Mix place setting pieces and serving pieces to create a custom one-of-a kind tabletop. The green floral vine of your grandmother’s china dinner plates will get along just fine with your brand new green glass salad plates. I also like to add a pop of color with wine or water glasses. Lenox Tuscany Harvest in red does the trick in my dining room.

Napkin rings can be simple as raffia ribbon with a sprig of berries. For one baby shower I used pacifiers and the Mom-to-be got to take them home. For fall sit-downs, I love the Serenity beaded napkin rings by Valerie. Reed and Barton comes to the rescue of those who didn’t inherit the family silver with their stainless steel service for 12.

Remember this is just like setting a stage. What takes center stage? The centerpiece! It should be low enough that guests can see each other across the table. That’s my only rule.

As the representative for Home Reflections, I’ll admit to a bias for my flameless candles. They are often contained in hand blown and hand forged works of art. They never drip or burn down. Their random flicker is realistic and safe. Did I mention they are on timers and the batteries last for months? One of my favorites for its creativity factor is the fillable seeded glass hurricane with flameless candle. You can fill the bottom with lemons, nuts, flowers, marbles, pinecones, sand…. I could go on and on. The indoor/outdoor metal leaf basket is perfect for the upcoming fall season. If you do go with a burning candle, unscented won’t compete with the delicious food aromas.

Collections can be conversation starters when grouped as a centerpiece. I’ve used crystal balls. Consider toy trains or figurines. They’ll take on more presence when placed on the decorative mirror centerpiece by Valerie.

If you’ve got a theme, run with it. For your family movie night dinner, fill a large popcorn container (from the movie theater) with vase of supermarket flowers. On game night, use old game boards as a runner or placemats. Serve up a vase of saved corks for a wine and food pairing.

Skip the pricey florist and forage through the frig and backyard. Fruits, vegetables, branches, nuts, leaves and flowers from the garden are wonderful when arranged in found objects from around the house such as baskets, vintage hats and decorative boxes. Just be sure to debug outdoor finds and check that the container is waterproof if adding H20. You want to serve up food - not a flood.

Finally, the best thing at the table is you - so be sure to prepare a simple meal that allows you to spend time with your guests. Dining alone? Indulge yourself the way you would company. You deserve it. Bon appetite!

Yours for a luxe life,

Susan Matthews