5 Summer Table Styling Tips

Light the charcoal, pour the sweet tea, and set an effortless summer tablescape with these 5 summer table styling tips!

Y’all spring is giving way to summer with a lovely burst of sunny weather and deliciously warm air! I for one cannot wait for al fresco dining, picnics, and easy summer suppers.

There is something so effortless about summer entertaining: the menu can be simple featuring grilled meats and lots of fruit; endless refreshing cocktails to stir up; and relaxed vacation vibes makes every guest carefree. I love summer entertaining!

Just because you can take a laid-back approach to summer entertaining doesn’t mean your tablescape should be ho-hum. This is the season for a bright, happy table filled with color, flowers, fruit, and pretty tableware.

Creating this vibrant tablescape doesn’t have to be hard with a few simple styling tips I’ve got you covered!

5 Summer Table Styling Tips

No. 1 Choose a bright & happy color scheme

This summer table styling tip seems obvious, but I just want to emphasize that this is the season for vibrant, playful colors. Choose linens in bold pinks, blues, yellows, greens, or a mix of all of the above ?. This palette will help set a happy mood for your summer soiree.

No. 2 Play with patterns

Mixing and matching tableware is one of the best parts of setting a summer table. I love to create a layered look that feels curated but not too coordinated that’s where multiple patterns come into play! Here I had fun pairing this vibrant paisley cloth with these antique Chinoiserie salad plates (up for sale on my Instagram flash sale Thursday 5/16 at 8PM EST). The colors work together even though the patterns are so different.

Styling secret – use a solid color charger or under plate between the two patterns and choose a third pattern that is smaller and geometric to coordinate.

No. 3 Think beyond flowers for centerpieces

Now there is simply no way I would totally forgo fresh flowers or greenery on a summer tablescape, but these beauties don’t have to take center stage every time. In fact, using summer fruits to accent or hold court in the center of the table is a nice change. You can go elaborate with a cut fruit display or keep it simple with a crystal bowl filled with citrus.

Plus…how easy is this summer table styling tip? No floral arranging skills necessary!

No. 4 Don’t underestimate the power of a monogrammed napkin

As much as I love antique china, floral centerpieces, and beautiful serving ware, there is nothing on a well-laid table that delights me more than a monogrammed napkin! Hands-down it is best way to elevate your summer table effortlessly!

You can easily buy a pre-made set like these or order a set online like these or take a plain set to your local embroidery store and get your full monogram done on one corner.

No. 5 Use your silver, glass, etc.

I know it is tempting when dining al fresco to use plastic and paper, but resist…resist…resist! I’m not saying you should take out your wedding crystal or your great-grandmothers silver tea set. But invest in some low cost vintage silver-plate and glass ware for summer entertaining. Head out on a thrifting adventure and you will find these lovelies in abundance at very reasonable prices or shop one of my flash sales over on Instagram – Thursday nights at 8PM EST!

Vintage or antique silver-plate and china just make the table feel special and fancy. Plus it is so much better for the environment!

Most of the dishes, china, glasses, and tableware you see here will be available to purchase at Thursday night’s flash sale on 5/16 over on my Instagram page!

I’ve got more summer table styling tips, inspiration, and even recipes:

Hydrangea Centerpiece with Hurricane Lantern

Pesto Tortellini Salad with Salami & Peppers

The Perfect Summer Picnic for Two

3 Rules to Hosting a Summer Dinner Party

Happy entertaining y’all & I hope you feel inspired by these 5 summer table styling tips!

Partying with Between Naps on the Porch.,,