Ditch the neutral dinnerware

Push out of your white-plate rut and get adventurous with colorful dishes and linens. “Tablecloths and napkins are one of the easiest things in a house to play with; they can set a mood, reflect the season, and just be so fun,” says Walsh. “But sometimes people need some hand-holding to get out of their comfort zone.” If you’d prefer to test-drive before you commit to a look, a growing number of online start-ups like Social Studies and Freshly Set will let you “borrow” from a chic lineup of designer dishware, flatware, and linens (think Rent the Runway for your dining table) and send them right back.