Have you ever gone to look for a beautiful tablecloth and fainted at the site of the price tag? Yeah… it’s a real problem! Table linens can be very expensive, and when you’re putting together an important event and you want to impress your guests, beautiful linens are such a powerful way to do so. After all, the table is where people gather, it’s where the food gets served and it’s where you put things that you want to show off, such as decor, beverages, special items and central pieces like cake.

These ideas will challenge you to think outside the box next time you need to dress your table to impress!

Black and White Table Linens

This gingham is as simple as it gets in terms of tablecloths, but it looks like the most fun and chic picnic ever! Paired with black napkins rather than traditional white, there’s a pop of unconventionality thrown in there, and the paper flowers are a very sweet touch. [Image via Wedding Chicks]

How elegant does this long table look draped in thick black and white stripes? I am a HUGE fan of stripes for any room and donned my own kitchen chairs in stripes because I just love them that much! If you’re thinking “where do I get this tablecloth?,” don’t worry… IKEA has a beautiful cotton black and white fabric called SOFIA. This table setting also has black napkins, and the lush flowers and gold/copper tones elevate the look to a new level of chic. [Image via Elizabeth Ann Designs]

Mixing and matching patterns can be incredibly successful when done right, and on this table, it is SO right! The mixture of large (gingham), small (chevron) and widespread (polka dots) fabrics is so great because they complement one another without competing with one another. Mixing in natural elements grounds and neutralizes it all. The other great thing about mixing is that you can find random pieces (potentially on sale) and not have to worry about everything being matchy-matchy. Less pressure! [Image via Ruffled]

DIY Table Linens

Plain white tablecloths are the easiest (and cheapest) to find, so if you can score a few of those, you have yourself the opportunity to make a showstopping tablecloth with a little fabric paint, which is exactly how this one was made. The almost-abstract feel of the flowers means that if you’re not a natural Michelangelo, you don’t have to worry! If you make sure you use fabric paint, the fabric won’t get stiff, and you can actually wash this and use it over and over again. Win-win! [Image via Oh Happy Day]

Would you believe me if I told you this tablecloth was used at a first birthday party and was painted by the baby’s dad? I know… I didn’t believe it either, but it’s true! The simplicity of the tablecloth is perfect with the intricate elements above it, like the roses on the wall, on the table, and all of the gold being used as an accent. [Image via The Makerista]

This DIY Anthropologie knockoff was made using canvas and fabric dye for under $12. The original tablecloth is $228! It’s kind of amazing, right? I mean if you can save $200 just by doing something yourself, why not? I love the idea of this for a fun birthday party or a bridal shower, because you can make more than one without breaking the bank, and it looks expensive and cool. [Image via Iron & Twine]

Made entirely from materials out of a home improvement store, this tablecloth is light and subdued without being boring! It’s a canvas drop cloth embellished with latex paint, and i think it’s perfection for a dinner with friends to celebrate a special occasion. [Image via Modern Sequins]

DIY Placemats and Napkins

If tablecloths aren’t necessarily your thing and you prefer the more casual look of placemats, look no further. These dip-dyed linen placemats look far from cheap, and I think it’s kind of cool that each one will look different because of the uniqueness of how the dye takes to the material with each piece. Yet they all look cohesive! It’s a cool trend, and your guests will be wowed! [Image via Design Love Fest]

Burlap is definitely a hot material when it comes to DIY projects, and I love how these placemats bring function and fun together. These can easily be used for everyday eating, but they are so sweet. Not to mention, each one is unique, like in the dip-dyed placemats above. [Image via The Woodgrain Cottage]

A table runner with napkins to match – talk about getting an expensive and chic look, right? These are made with canvas and fabric dye as well, and I love how they bring an air of elegance to this garden setting. It’s easily a look that can be used indoors and out, and these pieces definitely can be used over and over, thanks to the use of fabric dye. [Image via The Budget Savvy Bride]

I don’t know about you, but I want to go buy some fabric, dye and paint and get to work on some of these–I just don’t think I can look at table linens the same way again! I do hope you also feel inspired to think outside the box next time you want to dress up your tables!