Summer Table Setting

On a beautiful Midwest summer evening, entertaining outdoors is something that we both enjoy. An outdoor summer dinner party is special because there are only a few months of the year that you can entertain this way so you better take advantage of it! Today we would like to share with you our versions of a summer table scape.

Summer Table Setting

Val’s Table

Val’s table decor starts with a beautiful square dining table that can comfortably fit 8 people, but in a pinch can fit 10.

Placemats

Let’s start from the bottom up. Hester & Cook have some of the prettiest and most original designs in paper placemats, runners and place cards. Paper placemats are colorful and add much interest to your table but at the end of the event you just throw them away!! Their placemats add so much dimension and color to a table both outdoors and indoors.

Click on the picture below for some pretty placemats for the summer!

Woven Charger Plates

The charger adds another layer of dimension that makes your table more interesting! The layering of multiple layers creates a beautiful table setting! They also protect your table from heat if you are setting a wood table.

Click on the picture below to see some beautiful woven charger plates!

Melamine Plates And Salad Plates

Melamine plates are the plate you want for outdoor dining. These plates are very durable and pretty much unbreakable. We both love simple white plates because they make food look so appetizing and pretty especially summer veggies! Val loves to mix and match patterns for more interest so the criap white plate makes that easier to do.

Click on the plates below for more information!

Flatware

The flatware you choose can be simple and clean like white, ivory or silver or depending on the color palette you are working with a beautiful blue and white or any other color you prefer! We have chosen some blue and white flatware we think would look so pretty paired with a white plate that would most certainly give your table decor that summer vibe!

Click on the flatware below for more information!

Napkins and Glassware

The La Cadeaux Fleur glassware Val chose is one of her favorites! The design is so pretty and certainly adds a flare of wow to your table!! The acrylic glasses for your summer table setting can be any color that works with your dishes but sometimes having clear acrylic glasses makes setting the table a little easier. A simple white cloth napkin always work but Val chose a colorful pattern to add more interest! Napkins white or colorful are pretty much a personal choice. If you like to mix and match patterns go right ahead and do that but a crisp white linen napkin will always work!

Bev’s Table

Bev’s tablescape is set up indoors because the dinner party she was going to host had to be moved because of the weather. Her outdoor table is a rectangular table that comfortably fits 6. Placing more around the table is a bit of a challenge-unless you can fit in a high chair haha! The indoor table that we are showcasing is also rectangular and can fit 8.

Placemat

Bev found these Jute Woven Round Placemats at Crate and Barrel. The bonus with these is they provide table protection from a heated plate if your table is wood.

Click on the placemat below for more information!

Charger

The Artesia Honey Rattan Charger is from Crate and Barrel and adds an interesting dimension and style. There are many chargers of this type out there, but what is unique about this one is the sunken middle that safely holds the plate in place.

Click on the charger below for more information!

Melamine Dinner Plate

Bev loves using simple white dinner plates and these are a very simple and solid design. By using a white dinner plate you can add color and/or interest by coordinating your salad plate and napkins and your food! These plates also come from Crate and Barrel. Because they have been around awhile, if you need to replace one or two, it would be very easy to do this.

Click on the photo below for more information!

Salad Plates

This is where you can add some fun. Bev added two patterns from Juliska’s melamine collection. The Bamboo Caning Salad/Dessert plate and the Le Panier White Salad/Cocktail plate and switches between the two.

Click on the photo below for more information!

Flatware

Bev uses a stainless steel set from Reed & Barton- the Crescendo II. The vertical lines on the handles go with a many different styles. Bev also has a Bamboo Handle Flatware set with dark brown handles- a lighter color handle would have been a better choice- it would go with more.

Click on the photo below for more information!

Glassware

Pottery Barn has similar acrylic glassware that Bev has. The hammered texture adds interest and the shape is simple and classic. Bev also has a set of Tervis insulated glassware that was a gift and was monogrammed. Mark & Graham and Tervis have a wonderful assortment if you are looking for a gift or something for yourself. A new favorite this year is the Juliska Amalia Clear Acrylic Wine Glass. It has a touch of the Thread and Berry design. By keeping the glassware all clear acrylic, this allows you to mix things up a bit.

Click on any photo below for more information!

Napkins and Napkin Rings

Choosing colorful napkins is fun. Bev sticks with a green and white pattern white a light woven rattan napkin ring. The green accents any outdoor setting and the rattan pattern compliments the charger, the bamboo salad plate and any green in a flower arrangement.

Click on any photo below for more information!

Serving Pieces

We have included some of our favorite serving pieces that we use for summer table settings and entertaining. The melamine and acrylic pieces that are available now are so good. We are showcasing Juliska and Vietri- but there are so many to choose from. If these aren’t your design style, check Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel and Target for the wonderful selections all of these stores offer. From Crate and Barrel- the hammered stainless steel pitcher and the hammered aluminum beverage tub paired with a large woven tray makes a great beverage set up along with any of the acrylic drinkware.

Browse through the photos below for more information and inspo!

Centerpiece Ideas

There are many ideas for a centerpiece for your summer table setting. If you are eating outdoors you could add votives and any flowers from your landscape could be placed in vases or a beautiful pitcher to create an attractive floral arrangement. A beautiful table runner adds to a summer table scape. Floating candles in clear glass bowls, lemons and sunflowers, sprigs of rosemary and thyme with eucalyptus sprigs. Have you seen the cool table lights that are rechargeable?

Browse through the photos below for some new centerpiece ideas for your summer table!

We hope you are enjoying this beautiful weather as much as we are.

Bev and Val. xoxo