Summer Tablescape Tips: Make Every Meal a Moment
Warm evenings, good food, and great friends – summer’s got it all. But while the food may take center stage, the table it’s served on deserves its own moment in the sun. Whether you’re aiming for a casual gathering or an elegant evening, we’ve got the tips to take your summer table setting from ordinary to extraordinary.
Use Unexpected Base Layers
Think outside of the box when it comes to the base layer. Visit a fabric store and explore the remnant section for unique materials. Mix and match for a patchwork effect that feels custom and chic. For a more hands-on approach, start with a plain canvas and bring it to life with tie-dye, paint, or embroidery. Bonus: it's an instant conversation starter. Short on time? Anthropologie’s table linens are ready to save the day!
Unique Vessels as Vases
Break free from the usual vase. Repurpose unique items like vintage watering cans, colorful ceramic pitchers, or even hollowed-out citrus rinds for single blooms or small arrangements. A collection of mismatched antique teacups, each holding a different flower, adds a whimsical and charming touch.
Seasonal Centerpieces with a Twist
Step away from conventional flowers and explore seasonal alternatives like a cascading fruit arrangement. Think: stacked peaches, cherries, and plums. For a coastal vibe, incorporate driftwood adorned with coral or sea glass for a centerpiece that doubles as art. Or, lean into summer with an unexpected twist by creating a succulent garden centerpiece, complete with fairy lights woven through the plants.
Personalized Place Settings
A thoughtful place card adds a personal touch to each setting. Tie silverware with a sprig of fragrant herbs and a tiny handwritten note expressing your excitement for their company. Use small, decorative objects that reflect your guests' personalities as place card holders – think miniature succulents, smooth river stones, or vintage keys.
Upcycle Everyday Objects
Give common household items a second life by transforming them into unexpected table décor. Mason jars can become vases, wooden crates can act as risers, and old picture frames can serve as trays for condiments. Turn mismatched plates into chargers or create unique placemats from old maps, fabric scraps, or even leftover wallpaper rolls. And don’t forget about your empty bottles of wine – turn them into stunning glassware or mini vases by removing labels and adding a fresh coat of paint.
Make it a Story
Let your tablescape tell a story. Are you inspired by a recent trip? Bring elements from that destination into the mix. Think Italian countryside with olive branches and terracotta, or a tropical escape with palm fronds and tiki accents. A narrative gives your table a unique point of view and makes the experience more memorable. For a literary twist, you could even theme your table around a favorite book, incorporating quotes, colors, and details from its pages.
Farewell Favors with Flair
Extend your design vision to the very end of your gathering by choosing farewell favors that also enhance your summer tablescape's visual appeal. Miniature potted succulents, their vibrant greenery adding a touch of life, can be taken home as a lasting reminder. Small bags of artisanal candies, their colorful packaging adding a festive note, can be artfully arranged at each place setting. Or beautifully wrapped seed packets, promising future blooms, can serve as both a charming detail and a thoughtful takeaway that extends the beauty of your gathering.
Shop for the Perfect Summer Tablescape Essentials
Whether you're drawn to the subtle beauty of foraged finds or the bold statement of unexpected textures and colors, remember that the most incredible tables are those that feel authentic and welcoming. Now go forth, gather your inspiration, and create a summer table that's not just a setting for a meal, but a celebration of connection and the beautiful, fleeting moments of the season. Happy hosting!