A Summer Tablescape + Five Tips For Setting A Table

My personal style is always “opposites attract.” From combining feminine and masculine, heavy and soft, to modern and traditional, I believe combining opposites yields the most dramatic and yet surprisingly natural results. But sometimes I just have to indulge in the ultra feminine side of me, as is the case with my perfectly pretty summer table setting!  With just one look at this tablescape, it’s easy to see that living in the South has really started to impact my design aesthetic. This particular table was inspired by vivid summer hues, quintessential Southern style and my favorite summer indulgence: key lime pie. It’s light, fresh, feminine, and perfect for summer!  

And when setting your table, besides your basic etiquette there are a few hard and fast rules I always adhere to:

No. 01 – Think variation in color, pattern and height. I want my table to create interest at every angle and this is easily achieved by mixing colors and patterns, with elements at different heights. By simply placing a napkin between the charger and dinner plate or dinner plate and salad plate,  you can break things up and give your place setting definition.

No. 02 – Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and shades of color. I would have never thought a chartreuse ikat placemat and kelly green greek key napkin would work well together, but I loved the result once I played around with it!

No. 03 – Invest in round white dinner and salad plates. They’re easy and will go with everything. I rely on white plates as the starting point for most of my tablescapes. Just add colorful linens (I love festive napkins) and dessert plates for instant pop. 

No. 04 – Go all out with your flatware. Forget about silver or stainless steel—go with gold or rose gold for something unexpected and unforgettable. I found my gold set at One Kings Lane years ago and the rose gold set featured in this tablescape is a recent purchase from West Elm.

No. 05 – Don’t forget fresh flowers! In my mind, a table is just not a table without fresh flowers. My biggest resource for affordable flowers is a wholesale florist and foraging. Finding a great vendor and planning in advance are your best options for a beautiful, inexpensive arrangement!  See how I created this arrangement right HERE.  

Happy entertaining Loves!  truly, MKR

*Rope Vase  ||  Elephant Napkins  ||  Confetti Champagne Flutes  ||  Mint Julep Cup Vase  ||  Lilly Pulitzer Pom Poms  ||  Fuchsia Striped Straws  ||  Mercury Votives  ||  Citrus Plates  ||  Mercury Vase  ||  Rose Gold Silverware (sold out but I love THESE)

**All images via Rustic White