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Beautiful tablescapes turn a dinner party into an unforgettable event for your guests. Designing a table is very similar to designing an interior – it’s a layered combination of color, texture and personal style. The outdoor living trend that struck me this year is bringing the indoors out. Our collective desire for outdoor spaces to be as thoughtfully designed as indoor spaces heralds the era of al fresco dining. Summer desktop ideas abound! It’s the season when it’s tempting to put away the paper plates and break out the beautiful china, so why not throw a stunning dinner party?
Our favorite summer tablescape ideas
If sprucing up your outdoor table sounds daunting, don’t worry. Tabletop decor doesn’t have to be complicated or even fancy. Camille herself enjoys sitting around the backyard table with her loved ones without making a fuss.
Camille has carefully selected the following summer tabletops, which are all beautiful in their sweet simplicity. If a romantic dinner is on your wish list this season, read on for five summer tablescape ideas that are sure to impress.
Start with linen
A beautiful tablecloth sets the tone for a cohesive table. It takes up most of the space, serves as a backdrop for placemats, plates and cutlery, and is easy to make a statement with a bold color or pattern.
The Mustard Linen Tablecloth is the star here, and since linen is synonymous with summer, it’s the perfect choice for a summer tablescape. To recreate this look yourself, match the napkins with the tablecloth and choose complementary colors for the placemats. Warm pink or brown pairs perfectly with mustard to create a cozy and inviting dining table.
play with patterns
This year, the pattern game is everywhere, and nothing screams summer like plaid. This yellow plaid tablecloth sets the tone for a casual and playful dinner, paired with tapered candles to add a sweet touch. Patterns like gingham are timeless, and this mustard color transitions easily into fall.
For a maximalist tablescape, mix a plaid tablecloth with floral or polka dot patterned napkins and plates. If you want a simpler setup, you can’t go wrong with white dishes. Match the color of the napkins to the color of the tablecloth to make your table feel more streamlined, or opt for more plaid in complementary colors. The Casa Zuma chairs here are also worth mentioning. They fold for easy storage and are effortlessly stylish while remaining casual and attractive.
simplify things
Not only are summer produce delicious, but the fruits and vegetables themselves are amazing. Celebrating the season means savoring ripe tomatoes, juicy peaches, and sweet cherries. One idea for a summer tablescape is to showcase the beauty of the season. Let the food do the talking! No need for fancy decor when a plate of citrus in the center of the table will do the trick. Pairing your products with a classic white and blue color scheme will add an elegant coastal vibe to your tabletop that’s sure to be charming. Pair a simple white tablecloth with blue and white plates, then finish the look with blue linen napkins.
Decorate with green plants
Another nod to seasonal simplicity is to decorate your table with herbs and greenery. This tablescape is from a dinner party hosted by designer Jenni Kayne, whose menu centered around thyme. It just goes to show that you don’t need to hire a florist or even buy flowers for your table. Decorating with backyard greenery or garden herbs can create a beautiful ambience.
Incorporating a dinner theme into the decor is also a very thoughtful touch, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. If this is a summer tabletop idea you can live with, stick with neutral linens and dishware. Choose a creamy white or soft oatmeal color to let your greenery really bloom.
Declare seat
I love personalized chairs. Who else? Ideal for outdoor dining in the summer, comfortable woven chairs can add a warm and rustic feel to your entire setting. A woven chair, whether wicker, rattan or rattan, will add some texture to your space. The wicker chairs shown here look beautiful mixed in with the surrounding greenery, light peach tablecloth, blue napkins and glasses.