The Pretty & Practical Napkin/Dinner Table Station You'll Wonder How You Lived Without

The Pretty + Practical Dinner Table Station You’ll Actually Want to Leave Out

If your dinner table is anything like mine, it’s equal parts gathering spot, homework zone, and snack command center. Which means the poor thing sees it all- spilled pasta sauce, piles of notebooks, half-finished math worksheets, and at least three different drink cups for one kid. And every night, like clockwork, I find myself clearing the same pile of “essentials” off the table just so we can eat.

My friend Anissa was visiting me here in Boise when we came across this gorgeous, long, oval basket. She held it up and said, "this would be perfect for the center of a dining table" and started describing that what if instead of constantly moving everything around, I created one functional but pretty station to hold all the things we actually reach for during dinner (and homework)? Think of it like a permanent centerpiece, but one that works just as hard as it looks good. I was sold before she even finished her idea and bought the basket and told her she had to complete her vision in my dining room before she left my house. It took her less than 10 minutes to gather up items from around my house and create a completely functional, yet totally cute dinner table station. Now let's work on yours...

Here’s what I keep in mine:

• Napkins 

• Salt + pepper grinders 

• Toothpicks 

• Vitamins & Medications (anything taken with dinner)

• Study snacks 

• Pens, pencils, and highlighters 

• Something pretty (a plant, candle, or seasonal decor)

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The Basket

The trick is choosing a tray, basket, or caddy that’s stylish enough to live on your table 24/7. Figure what size would work good for your table. Here are some of our favorites:

Antique Farm House Oval Seagrass

Oval Rattan

Hand Woven Rattan Tray with Metal

Oval Woven Seagrass with Handles

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Lazy Susans

If you don't already have a minimum of 10 of these workhorses helping your organize your house already then you need to reevaluate somethings. They are the best in the bathroom, kitchen cabinets, drop stations, offices, closets, basically everywhere. They are something extra magical when you have one or two in the Napkin/Dinner Table Station basket. It's great so everyone can reach the salt and pepper, or toothpicks or other in demand items! Lots of colors and sizes to choose from so once you know your vibe you can elaborate on it here.

12" white beaded lazy susan

Acacia Wood lazy susan

10" Wood and Metal lazy susan

10" non-skid metal (other colors too)

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Salt & Pepper Mills

When your salt and pepper are going to be on prime display you don't mess around. This is the chance you've been waiting for to splurge on some really gorgeous S&P mills and feel like a private chef in Napa every time you season your dinner!

Hammered Gold Metal

Electric S&P Set

Ceramic S&P Set

European Brass Salt Grinder

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The Special Touch

Add a small vase with fresh (or faux) flowers, a candle, or something decorative to soften the “utility” vibe, and suddenly your everyday table station doubles as décor.

Eucalyptus Faux Plant

I also love the idea of entertaining those hungry customers of yours with a little game like TicTacToe. Channel your own inner Cracker Barrel and have a fun item right at arms length for anyone who finds themselves waiting at the table for dinner.

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Lighting

I also really love a lighting moment and these two rechargeable options are perfect to leave on your table to add a special touch.

Shaded Rechargeable Lamps

Gold Rechargeable Lamps

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Napkins

I just have my napkins placed directly in the basket and kind of love the casualness of it, but you could place them in a nice holder and/or get some nicer dinner napkins as well. Perhaps you even keep nice cloth napkins rolled up in your basket?!

Gold Leaf Napkin Holder

Silver & Other Colors Holder

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Practical Stuff

If you are doubling up as a homework station too, it is always good to have pencils, pens and maybe scissors on hand. You can have all that and still have it look pretty!

Vintage Pencil Holder

Metal & Ceramic Holder

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No more clearing. No more scrambling. Just grab what you need, enjoy dinner (or survive algebra), and let it all stay put—beautifully. I'm not sure how (or why) we managed without something like this sooner! We continue to add ideas to our Amazon Dinner Table Station list, so check that out for further inspiration!

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