Table settings. Sounds a bit stuffy, don’t you think? The first thing we think of when we hear it is “overdone wedding reception”. Fortunately, the next thing we think of is “great dinners with family.” Setting the table doesn’t have to mean towering flower arrangements and napkin swans – there are lots of simpler settings that make a more stylish statement. Next time you have guests over for dinner (or you want to class up mac-n-cheese night), try a couple of these simple table-setting suggestions. They’re sure to add a little extra spice to your entrees:

Table Coverings. Bringing a little something to the table doesn’t have to mean a tablecloth. You can use placemats or a runner down the middle of the table to add a splash of color. We leave our chocolate and ruby placemats on the table between meals to help tie the rest of the room together.

Centerpieces. Nothing beats a big floral arrangement for blocking your view of that uncle who eats with his mouth open at a wedding, but who has the time or resources to keep something like that up at home? Luckily, many longer-lasting options look even better, such as a collection of pillar candles, a bonsai tree or a giant fishbowl (with fish). Or try something unexpected. We know someone who keeps a cluster of snow globes at the center of her round dining table.

Chargers. Using decorative chargers might sound a little formal, but they can be an intriguingly inexpensive alternative (or complement) to placemats. Chargers are plates that don’t hold food. They are slightly larger than standard dinner plates, so that they can be seen peeking out from beneath them. Go for a bright color or unique pattern, and you may end up keeping them on the table all the time.

Cloth Napkins. Eco-friendly and mature, cloth napkins project a clear message: “paper napkins are for picnics”. Besides, cloth versions are bigger (and therefore make better origami swans, if it’s homemade mac-n-cheese) than paper.

There’s something kind of grown up about a well-set table. With chargers and cloth napkins at the ready, our mac-n-cheese nights may never be the same. Ah… It’s maturity like this that almost makes us want to reconsider our habit of eating peanut butter straight from the jar… almost.