Our Design Quickie designer, Elyza, featured some tips we love on Facebook Live a few weeks ago. Since we know you’re going to be dining on the porch with friends at some point this Memorial Day weekend, it’s our job to make sure you set up the table like a pro. Part of being a pro is also knowing how to look good without breaking the bank (best. feeling. ever.). Here are some of our tips on hosting a dreamy, summertime porch dinner party (or indoors!) with the ultimate summer table setting:
Location
Set up your dinner table in a spot that offers some shade and protection from the sun if you’ll be sitting at the table before or during sunset. It’s hard to hold up a conversation with your guests when you can’t look directly toward them because it’s too bright. Nothing a cute umbrella can’t fix. Also, it’s always good to ask if your guests are comfortable before getting the meal started.
(Photo from Emily Henderson–where you should be reading up on patio tips galore!)
Color
Choose your color palette. Summer is all about contrast so have fun with it! For this particular table scape, Elyza used bright white plates against a linen table runner, with metallics and bright accents layered in. The salmon and blue feel like true classic summer colors, don’t they?
Flowers and Greenery
Pile on the greenery and the flowers (and buy them at Trader Joes)! Elyza used eucalyptus branches down the length of the table which adds an organic look and a great smell. If you can’t find eucalyptus, magnolia branches or even boxwood garlands are a good substitute. For flowers, pick up a few assorted bouquets to make your own small DIY arrangements (it’s really fun and easy). Start with your focal flower–for these I’m using ranunculus–and cut them to a comfortable length for your vase. Then fill around and in between the flowers with some smaller buds, like wax flower. Don’t forgot to include a lot of green touches. Here Elyza filled in her arrangements with the ranunculus leaves and also some left over eucalyptus from the table. Be sure to have some elements that stand a little taller or spill over the edge–this gives it that “just picked” wild flower look which is perfect for summer!
Linens
As for your table linens, if you have a table that makes a statement like this rustic piece we have here at the Havenly headquarters, it makes more sense to not cover it up with a table cloth and let the finish of the wood complement the arrangement. Here, we used a rustic fish net-inspired runner and some brightly woven placemats to highlight each individual place setting.
The Flair
Don’t forget the small details! You can find uniquely finished silverware at all price points, so go ahead and get that special set just for entertaining. We love using cloth napkins to really elevate the look and make the meal feel special. Elyza suggest to layer them simply either on top or under the salad plate. We also suggest having more than one set of salt and pepper shakers at the table. You can get so many cute shaker sets in a wide range of styles and all price points, so this is something that I always like to have more than one of!
If you have any more questions regarding decorating your home for the summer (indoors or outdoors), download the Design Quickie app and ask away!