Summer table settings give you more freedom to unleash your creativity. It’s time to play with colors, textures, and different compositions for a perfect summer table decoration. With it, you will create a stylish table for summer meals, snacks, or dinners. Don’t miss these suggestions to leave your guests spellbound. Putting the table has never been so fun!
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Key Details for Summer Table Decor
Tablecloth: To dress a summer table, you basically have two options depending on whether it’s for lunch or dinner. In the first case, we recommend plastic-coated tablecloths, preferably patterned or striped. This finish allows you to clean it with a damp cloth and “nothing happened here.” The napkins can be paper, in bright tones like beige that goes with everything. For the evening, go for something more sophisticated, like an XL tablecloth of natural linen, preferably plain in light tones: beige, pale pink, soft gray… Napkins, also made of the same fabric. Tip: If you choose a white tablecloth, your colorful tableware, the flowers on the centerpiece, and other accessories will stand out more.
Tableware: Summer plates allow more freedom in both their colors and materials. Enamel or bamboo tableware are alternatives to the classic ceramic ones. In terms of color, dare to choose vibrant pieces in pink, blue, or green tones.
Glassware: Colored glasses and cups are trending this summer. Choose a tone that is the same as or complementary to your summer tableware, depending on whether you want harmony or contrast.
Cutlery: Golden for a summer party or stainless steel for a homemade barbecue. Current cutlery offers innovative finishes, ranging from the most sober black to those with wooden handles for more informal occasions.
Candles: They are a must for a nighttime gathering on the terrace. Place them in a studied disorder to illuminate each plate without bothering the diners, or in the center of the table. Opt for the same scent to enhance it or for very different candles to give it more dynamism, both visually and olfactorily.
Flowers: Another must for summer tables. Whether in a lush centerpiece or distributing one or two flowers in small vases throughout the surface, they are essential elements in the decoration of summer terraces.
Accessories: Lanterns and garlands are accessories that look great in the styling of summer dinners. Metal lanterns, natural fiber lanterns, even paper lanterns! They illuminate and decorate, as do garlands arranged on the table surface or above it.
5 Styles for a Summer Table
If you’re looking for more specific inspiration, we suggest five scenarios ready to copy the look. These trends on how to decorate a table in summer are a sure hit.
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Ethnic Look: Summer transports us to exotic and paradisiacal places. Travel through your table with an ethnic style decoration. Choose a tablecloth with a geometric pattern, like ikat, and accompany it with white, brown, or black tableware. Decorate the table with a centerpiece of large green leaves, like monstera or palms, or fruits and accessories made of natural wood.
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Boho Romantic Deco: A pale pink linen tablecloth, with a…
Unique Ideas for Summer Table Decor
Incorporating grey tableware as a base can help achieve a romantic and casual look. Enhance this style with golden cutlery and vibrant floral centerpieces for a complete aesthetic transformation.
Color-Block Your Summer Table
Take a risk by combining two opposite colors for a bold color-block effect. Choose your favorite color and find its complementary tone by drawing a straight line to the opposite side of the color wheel. Use one color for table linens, another for dinnerware, and mix and match accessories accordingly. Opt for vibrant colors to make a striking impact on your tablescape, or go for lighter hues for a more subtle yet cheerful touch.
Beach vs. Mountain Vibes
Summer plans often revolve around beach or mountain settings. For a seaside theme, embrace the nautical-Mediterranean style with striped tablecloths in red or navy blue, white enamel dinnerware with blue or red accents, seashells, and starfish as table centerpieces. In contrast, for a countryside feel, go for a country-style setup featuring floral tablecloths, pastel dinnerware, wooden serveware, and wildflower centerpieces.
Transform your summer table into a kid-friendly space with paper tablecloths, whimsical napkins, lanterns, and garlands. Opt for bamboo fiber plates, cutlery, and glasses to create a cohesive look. Building a delightful candy bar with sweets in matching jars can elevate the kid-friendly ambiance, suitable for both backyard playdates and summer birthday parties.
Ideal Floral Arrangements for Summer Table Decor
Floral arrangements can enhance the visual appeal of your summer table decor with a variety of seasonal blooms like hydrangeas, lavender, and wildflowers. Consider a monochromatic, dual-tone, or multicolor floral arrangement based on your table setting and color scheme. For a summer vibe, opt for soft hues like faded greens, yellows, purples, and blues to complement the season.
Trending floral styles for summer include rustic arrangements featuring delphinium or eremurus flowers in wicker baskets or wooden crates. For a vintage touch, use hydrangeas, garlic flowers, and roses in antique or metallic containers paired with candles. Classic arrangements with purple, white, or pink tones can add an elegant touch to special events, utilizing a variety of blooms in a unified color scheme.