Stylish Entertaining on a budget

Who has plans for friends and family to come over in the next two months? More than likely, a lot of you. Even when I feel like my cabinets are fully stocked, before someone comes over I feel like I need one or two things to make everything feel complete. 

If you ask my husband, I should never need a new coffee mug or wine glass ever in my life... But, of course I will. You need to have a set of essentials and a girl's gotta have some options, right? Actually, last week we broke a red wine glass from my favorite set and of course, his reaction was "well you have three more, so you'll live" and I'm over here like "BUT THE SET IS NO LONGER COMPLETE I'M DYING INSIDE." Priorities, people. I haven't replaced it... I do have other sets. But RIP trusty glass, you were good to me.

So when Bryan and I both worked, and we had no kids, I could willy-nilly go buy things for entertaining. Now that we are on one income and have two kids, and live in the DC area (insert flying away money emoji here), I don't have that luxury anymore. I have, however, found that Target and TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Home Goods are FANTASTIC for finding beautiful things at great prices. I've always been a TJM/M/HG advocate, but I've recently started loving everything at Target, they've really stepped their style game up recently.

I thought I'd share some of my new favorite finds at super affordable prices. If you are in need of stylish goods for entertaining, definitely see what your local TJM/M/HG has and also check Target. 

Gold-Rimmed Double Old Fashioned Glasses | 4 for $15

I fell in love with these when I saw them online (TJ Maxx has recently revamped their website, and it's actually a great experience now), and then fell even more in love when they arrived. They are beautiful and look like you paid $100 for the set, not $15. ​

Copper Moscow Mule Mugs | 2 for $20

Last year I wanted a set of these so badly, for styling as well as to actually use, but everything was so expensive, it just wasn't worth it. My sister ended up getting me this set from Target, and it's still in stock and only $20 for a set of two. ​

Gold Flatware | $2 Per Piece

This is another one that I just accepted I'd never have, because everything is so astronomically priced it's just silly. One day a few weeks ago I was browsing Target, Raleigh was behaving and Palmer was sleeping, so I let myself wander for a bit. Dangerous. I did, however, stumble upon these cute gold utensils! They are sold separately, and only $2 each. I got a set of 12 (4 each) for $24, which is pretty great, and I have another option if I'm not feeling our usual stainless flatware. 

Gold Rimmed Marble Coasters | 4 for $7

I often still see these in Home Goods, they come in circles or squares. I am obsessed. They are so cute and add a little something extra to the table. The key to shopping Home Goods/TJ Maxx is to go often, and have an open mind. If you go looking for something very particular, you probably aren't going to find it. If you go knowing you need new coasters, you will more than likely find something perfect. 

Be sure you have the basics

If you are getting married or are on the market for a new set of dinnerware, I highly recommend getting a plain, white set. That way you have a trusty base for your dinner table, and can change things up for the seasons or parties by swapping out napkins, glasses, and utensils. A white plate goes with everything, and can be dressed up or dressed down as you see fit. Resist the urge to get those beautifully patterned plates, and if you do give in (we have a great blue and white set from Ralph Lauren), be sure to register for something more casual, like these from Williams Sonoma. They come in a set of 6 and are sturdy, affordable, and beautiful. I love them. Best thing we registered for.