Setting the Summer Table by Susie Robb What are the first words that come to mind when
brightly colored napkins. I recommend that
you think of summer? For me, words like “BBQ”,
no matter where you use patterns (like in a
“cook-outs”, “smores” and “picnics”.
checkered tablecloth, plaid napkins, or floral plates) that you be sure and use solid colored
I love to entertain, especially in the summer. We
elements to give visual contrast.
are by the pool, on a park bench, or in the cool air-conditioned kitchen. There is a casualness
For the top of the plate I went back to nature and
about summer entertaining and that is reflected
used faux floral drop-ins. The white and green
in our simple, fresh menus and light, bright
colors are repeated, and the dimensions of this
home décor. My top tip for creating a summer
flower adds height to my tablescape. I usually
tablescape is to
keep it simple with the center piece and stay
Use colors and textures that capture the season and your theme.
true to that tendency here. A tall white vase of greenery leaves room on the table for food and it doesn’t block the line of sight when guests are seated across from each other. ProTips for creating your Summer Table:
To create my summer table I started with wicker
• Bring in Nature
placemats. The texture of naturally occurring
• Use Seasonal Colors
elements like willow and rattan immediately
• Break up Patterns with Solid Colors
bring the outdoors in and I think of tree houses
• Add Greenery
and tire swings.
• Simple Centerpieces
The next layer in the tablescape is color. I used
Whether you prefer paper plates and paper
grass green napkins which nods to the summer
towels to fine china this summer, you can achieve
season. The color green elicits playful memories
an aesthetically pleasing tabletop with these easy
like children running through the sprinklers.
tips.
White plates neutralize the wood element and
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