Create a Gorgeous Tablescape for a Casual Summer Gathering

Summer is the perfect time for entertaining. With warm weather and for some, a more relaxed schedule, there’s no better time to host. There’s also quite a few holidays that call for a summer celebration. So, if you are looking to host a dinner party on a lovely summer evening, try creating a pretty summer tablescape along with delicious food and drink to make guests feel special.

Pick a Color Scheme

Whether you want a crisp color palette or bold colors, picking a color scheme is important. When choosing a color palette, think about what season you are in and what you are celebrating, Summer tablescapes often incorporate bright, bold colors, touches of citrus, and beautiful vibrant flowers. You can also go for a more coastal style by mixing some blue hues with some natural textures like rattan or jute. Light textiles like linen napkins or table cloths are an easy way to create a summer look for your table to host family and friends.

Gather Base Items

The next thing you will want to focus on is gathering base items like dishes and glassware. Place settings with white dishes look great with any kind of flatware. Pretty clear glassware is another neutral item that elevates the look of your dining table. Always using a neutral base for table scapes is a great way to have the supplies for a variety of table scape looks, no matter the occasion you are celebrating.

Time to Start Layering

After creating the base of your summer tablescape, it’s time to start talking about layering. Below are some ideas of how to decorate the tablescape and really wow your guests.

Layer in Texture

Once the foundation is set, it is time to start layering in some decor items. First, start off with a charger plate. This can either be neutral or have patterned designs. Then add in dinner plates and even a smaller plate or bowl on top depending on the menu. Don’t forget to complete the look by adding in a lovely napkin (perfect time to perfect a new napkin fold) and finished with napkin rings. Always find great tablescape decor at Pottery Barn and Amazon.

Another way to make your guests feel extra special is to add in a personalized place card and placing it either very near to their plate or even on the charger/plate.

Centerpiece Ideas

A centerpiece is the focal point of any tablescape so it’s important to take the time to think about how you want to decorate it. Floral arrangements made with faux or fresh flowers always have visual interest. For any event, keep in mind how large the table is. If you plan on having a table on the smaller side, one large centerpiece in the center of the table works well. If you have a very large table it’s best to decorate it with multiple centerpieces. Experiment with different bud vases with beautiful florals or glass hurricanes with a taper candle inside.

Lighting

Lighting is incredibly important when thinking about tablescape design. Whether you are indoors or out, lighting helps set the overall mood of the table. Incorporating candles on the table or sprinkle in twinkle lights or string overhead lighting. Make sure that guests can still see each other and their food.

When to Set Up a Summer Tablescape

During the warmer months, there are several occasions that might have you thinking about a summer tablescape.

Mother’s Day

Although Mother’s Day is technically still springtime, it is still a wonderful occasion to celebrate and come up with a beautiful tablescape. Create a Mother’s Day tablescape by adding crisp white dishes on top of a floral tablecloth or table runner. Add a napkin and place a single flower on top. Finish the look with centerpieces filled with roses, tulips, peonies, or Gerber daisies. Add in some baby’s breath or eucalyptus for filler. Simple yet gorgeous!

Father’s Day

Think a bit more masculine for a Father’s Day tablescape and keep things neutral. Incorporate a white or off white table cloth with a burlap runner. Add some rustic tones like wooden slabs for charger plates, bamboo silverware, and some nice gray or blue plates on top. For the centerpiece, keep things simple by utilizing greenery and candles. A casual but still very special look.

Graduation

Black, white, and gold are often the graduation color palette however, it doesn’t have to be just balloon arches and banner signs. If you are looking for a more sophisticated look, have a black and white striped tablecloth with black chargers and white plates. Add in black silverware and even black napkins. Incorporate gold by using gold napkin rings, gold drinking goblets, or gold vases along the middle of the table. This is a great one to play around with and to really make it special for the guests.

Dinner Party or Brunch with  Family & Friends

Hosting a dinner party or brunch with family and friends is such a fun way to really get those creative juices flowing. Will you be doing a more natural look with rattan chargers and greenery for centerpieces? Or instead, adding pops of color throughout the table? There are so many different styles and decor options to choose from and no matter how you design it, you will for sure wow your guests when utilizing the tips mentioned earlier.

Remember, Keep It Simple

Creating a summer tablescape can be simple and fun! Before running out to purchase new items, pull out what you already have and do some inventory. By using what you have and adding only a couple of new pieces, it can be pretty easy to create a beautiful tablescape to enjoy for your summer celebrations.