Hosting on the Horizon? These Summer Tablescape Ideas Are All the Inspiration You Need

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A beautiful tablescape turns a dinner party into an event your guests won’t forget. Styling your table is very similar to designing an interior—it’s a layered mix of color, texture and personal touches. One outdoor living trend that has stuck out to me this year is bringing the indoors out. We’re collectively craving outdoor spaces designed just as thoughtfully as our indoor ones, which heralds an era of elevated outdoor dining. Summer tablescape ideas abound! The urge to tuck away paper plates and bust out the nice china is strong this season, and why not throw a dinner party with a swoon-worthy place settings?

Our Favorite Summer Tablescape Ideas

If dressing an outdoor table to the nines sounds intimidating, don’t worry. Tablescaping doesn’t have to be complicated or even fancy. Camille herself loves gathering around her backyard table with loved ones, and she’s not one for extra fuss.

Camille handpicked the following summer tabletops, and they’re all beautiful in their sweet simplicity. If romanticizing a dinner party is on your bucket list this season, read on for five summer tablescape ideas that are sure to leave a lasting impression.   

Start With Linen

A beautiful tablecloth sets the tone for a cohesive table. It takes up the most real estate and is the backdrop for placemats, plates and cutlery—plus it’s very easy to make a statement with a bold color or pattern.

The mustard linen tablecloth is the star of the show here, and since linen is synonymous with summer, it’s the perfect choice for a summer tablescape. To recreate this look yourself, match your napkins to the tablecloth and pick a complementary color for your placemats. Warm pinks or brown go perfectly with mustard and create a cozy and inviting table.

Play With Pattern

Pattern play has been everywhere this year, and nothing screams summer more than gingham. This yellow gingham tablecloth sets the tone for a casual and playful dinner, with matching taper candles as a sweet touch. A pattern like gingham is timeless, and this mustard color easily transitions to fall.

For a maximalist tablescape, mix a gingham tablecloth with floral or polka dot patterned napkins and plates. For a simpler setup, you can’t go wrong with white dinnerware. Matching your napkin color to the tablecloth will make you table feel streamlined, or opt for more gingham in a complementary color. The Casa Zuma chairs here also deserve a shout-out. They fold for easy storage and are effortlessly stylish while remaining casual and inviting. 

Keep It Simple

Summer produce is not only delicious but the fruits and vegetables themselves are stunning. Celebrating the season means savoring ripe tomatoes, juicy peaches, and sweet cherries. One summer tablescape idea is to showcase the beauty of the season. Let the food do all the talking! No need for fancy decor when a plate of citrus at the center of your table will do the trick. Pairing your produce with a classic white and blue color scheme will give your tablescape an elegant coastal vibe that is sure to charm. Pair a simple white tablecloth with blue and white plates, then finish off the look with blue linen napkins.    

Decorate With Greenery

Another nod to the season’s simplicity is decorating your table with herbs and greenery. This tablescape was from a dinner party thrown by designer Jenni Kayne, and her menu centered around thyme. It just goes to show you don’t need to hire a florist or even purchase flowers for your table. Decorating with greenery found in your backyard or herbs from your garden make a beautiful statement.

Tying in your dinner party’s theme with the decor is also an incredibly thoughtful touch that doesn’t have to be expensive. If this is a summer tablescape idea you can get on board with, stick with neutral linens and tableware. Reach for creamy whites or soft oatmeal shades to really allow your greenery to pop.  

Statement Seating

I’m a sucker for statement chairs. Who else? A comfy woven chair is ideal for outdoor summer dining and can add a warm and rustic feel to your whole setup. A woven chair, whether it’s wicker, rattan, or cane will also give your space some added texture. The wicker chairs shown here look beautiful mixed with the surrounding greenery, the light peach tablecloth, and blue napkins and glasses.