Keep the centre low
Anything taller than a wine glass blocks conversation. Use short taper candles, tea lights in small glasses, and a shallow bowl of whatever is in season.
Mismatch on purpose
Collect linens and plates in one loose palette — clay, cream, olive — and let the shapes differ. It looks gathered over time, because it was.
Serve from the middle
Family-style platters mean nobody waits and you get to sit down. Two big dishes and a salad will always beat four fussy courses eaten alone in the kitchen.