Garden Party Decorations: Tabletop Tips for Summer Entertaining
In this post: Garden party decorations can offer just the right note for summer entertaining. Here are tabletop tips to inspire you for your next summer soirée.⇒
When was the last time you went on a picnic?
It’s one of those activities that sounds delightful, but unless you’re really adept at organizing the details, it can possibly sound a lot better than it is. For one thing, it’s not that comfortable to sit on the ground, and balancing your food on your lap is tricky at best. Even with the most well equipped picnic basket and perfectly prepared portable food, lunch on the grass definitely presents challenges.
Still, if you love the idea of a garden party, why not set a table at home that’s inspired by this theme?
Garden Party Decorations
As with any season, there are certain visual cues that immediately signal summer to us. The most obvious revolves around dining outdoors, but when that’s not convenient, brining the outdoors in is equally as fun.
This tablescape utilizes what I would call garden party decorations to anchor its identity. Here are the key components to help you achieve this look.
1. Red, white and blue centerpiece
While this tablescape is not strictly red, white and blue, they are the dominant colors in the somewhat broader palette. The patriotic colors in this centerpiece would certainly work for the Fourth of July, and as such communicate a summery feel.
But ultimately, for summer, any floral will do if evoking the garden is your goal. The more lush the blooms, the better and the more greenery included, the more garden-like it will feel.
You might also consider housing your centerpiece in an outdoor planter brought indoors. Bonus points for utilizing a vintage piece, as chippy and crusty read garden like nothing else.
2. Garden floral plates
In addition to fresh flowers, the garden floral salad plates are a distinct nod to summer. The vibrant colors distinguish the look from spring florals, which tend to include more pinks and pales than this more primary palette.
There’s a plethora of options when it comes to choosing floral plates, so select what speaks to you. I chose to go bold here, but a soft floral would work just as well. Just be sure it weighs in with the palette on your table.
3. Blue and white chinoiserie
Blue and white porcelains can be popular at any time of the year, but for me, adding them to a table immediately cheers it up. For summer mix them with bright florals like the ones here or possibly with sunflowers.
The strong patterns work well with the bold style of the table setting and the blue is reminiscent of blue skies and clear waters.
Use them as a receptacle for flowers, leave them empty, or fill with breadsticks as I’ve done here.
4. Floral napkin rings
For a garden party theme, it’s nice to balance a mix of florals, from fresh and vibrant, to painted and colorful, and these soft blue napkin rings provide the perfect gentle counterpoint to all that brightness.
Played off pinks and lilacs, they’d work well for spring, but for summer I like them paired with these stronger tones. They also add a bit of dimension to the table.
5. Gingham check
Apart from flowers, nothing says summer quite like gingham checks, especially done in red and white. They pretty well scream picnic or kerchiefs and sundresses, and in any case, they’re a summer staple that very much defines this table’s vibe.
The pretty picot edge is a lovely extra and it is that sort of refined detail that can make all the difference in the world.
6. Laundered linen tablecloth
The laundered linen tablecloth in soft calm white is a reminder of summer linens hung outside to dry. Who doesn’t love white linens wafting in the summer breeze?
Alternatively you could keep a bare table if your wood reads ‘picnic table’, but I do favor a bit of relaxed white linen on my summer tables.
7. Chunky wood chargers
A touch of chunky wood is the last component I’d add, for those who love to spend time outdoors. I always like to add bits of nature to my tables and in summer it gives the table a casual camping feel.
Organic wood pieces add charm to the home and the more ‘found” they look, the better. Try vintage wood dough bowls and bread boards, as well.
Of course, the best element of all is one I was lucky enough to blessed with the day I photographed this table and that’s the sun streaming through the windows. What would bright summer colors be without sun-drenched lighting?
For a unique look, I tend to approach my tables in a somewhat counter-intuitive way. I love to use crystal and china to dress up an outdoor table, but for indoor summer entertaining, I’m all about a casual garden party!
Ants not included…
Tips for Setting a Garden Party Table Indoors
- Use Fresh Flowers: Arrange fresh flowers in vases, jars, or pitchers as the centerpiece. Choose vibrant, seasonal blooms to add a touch of nature.
- Greenery Galore: Incorporate potted plants, small topiaries, or leafy branches around the table to enhance the garden feel.
- Natural Table Linens: Opt for tablecloths, runners, and napkins in natural fabrics like linen or cotton. Floral or botanical prints can add to the garden ambiance.
- Outdoor-Inspired Tableware: Use tableware with nature motifs or in colors inspired by the outdoors, such as greens, blues, and earthy tones.
- Wooden Elements: Include wooden serving boards, trays, or utensils to add a rustic, natural touch.
- String Lights and Lanterns: Hang string lights above the table or place lanterns around the room to create a warm, outdoor-like glow.
- Candlelight: Scatter candles of varying heights on the table for a romantic, garden party atmosphere.
- Fresh Fruit Decor: Use bowls or platters of fresh fruits like lemons, oranges, or berries as part of the decor. They add color and a natural touch.
- Garden-Themed Place Settings: Create garden-themed place settings with flower-shaped napkin rings, plant markers as place cards, or mini potted plants as favors.
- Wicker and Rattan Accents: Incorporate wicker or rattan elements like placemats, baskets, or chargers to bring a touch of the outdoors inside.
- Herbs and Spices: Use small pots of herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary as part of the table decor. They add greenery and a lovely fragrance.
- Light and Airy Curtains: If your table is near a window, use light, airy curtains to let in natural light and give a breezy feel.
- Outdoor Furniture Indoors: If possible, bring in a few pieces of outdoor furniture like a garden bench or woven chairs to enhance the theme.
- Nature-Inspired Centerpieces: Create centerpieces with a mix of flowers, branches, and moss for a lush, garden-like arrangement.
- Colorful Glassware: Use colorful glassware that reflects the hues of a summer garden, adding a cheerful, vibrant touch to the table.
Resource Guide
To get the look, click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)
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More Summer Entertaining
What a fun, welcoming summer table Lory! Nothing says summer better than the colors you chose, and I love those checks! This is such a happy table setting for any kind of party or dinner with family and friends. I’m excited to be part of this Style + Set Tour with you. xo Lidy
Thanks, Lidy! A pleasure to have you along on this tour… 🙂 And yes, summer is such a happy season!
Lory, this is gorgeous and I love your tips! You know I love that blue and white! It’s so fabulous with all that red and those floral plates! Thank you as always for hosting such a fabulous tour – I’m honored to be a part of it!! xoxo
Thank you, Tamara! And yes, I can’t wait to get over to your post because the teaser photo is stunning! Love having you join us!!
I love your tips, however in Australia our seasons are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere. Is there a way I can look back at your winter and spring ideas
Liz
Thanks so much, Liz, and yes, you certainly can! For both the Homestyle and Tablescapes categories, there’s a drop down menu (hover over the category to see it) that groups posts by season. You can head right to the winter ones for now! 🙂
Love the crisp red, white and blue on the table Lory…and as always, much appreciate you hosting us 😉
This is summer perfection Lory! I love the combo of the hydrangeas and roses. Those floral plates are on sale so I just may treat myself. Thank you so much for putting this tour together. It was such a bright spot in my week!
Thanks so much, Ann! I think it was a bright spot in a lot of people’s weeks because of all the gorgeous posts from the whole group… 🙂 I know I enjoyed it!!
So fresh and beautiful Lory! I love the blue porcelain mixed with the floral plates, wood chargers and every little touch you added. And those cheese sticks are a fav too! Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this stunning tour!
Love your table setting! I choose yours out of all the ones shown – just love the pops of red in the centerpiece and the checked napkins! Your flowered salad plates are gorgeous! Love those flowers on the plates and the blue goblets. This is just lovely. I can picture myself having dinner and being so happy at your table (wish it was mine!!!) STUNNING!
Thanks so much, Barb!!
Very pretty
Thanks!
What a gorgeous table Lory! I’m loving all the blue and white (my fav!) and the cute floral napkin rings are such a special touch. And I’m crushing on those chargers -now think I need to have a chunky wooden charger for sure:)
Thanks again for hosting, and for including me in such a talented group!
Happy Summer!
Sheila
xo
Thank you so much, Sheila! It was such a pleasure having you on the tour… 🙂
So beautiful Lory! I love the colors and design aesthetic. Happy 4th of July, my friend!
Hugs, Jamie
This table feels like summer and I love the vivid colors. My children keep telling me that the last thing I need is new dishes, and I’m in love with your colorful plates. I typically buy colorful salad plates to pair with a white dinner plate, but after seeing this set I think I need these dishes. Thanks for the inspiration!
Haha, story of my life! Life is short… get the dishes… 😉
What a gorgeous table to welcome Summer and yes, an American table with the blues and the red checks. The floral plates are lovely too. Love it all Lory and thanks for your tips too.
Fabby
Beautiful table settings! Love that the table setting of red, white and blue is for all summer and not just 4th of July theme.
Where did you get the floral napkin rings? ❤️
I believe they were from Pier 1 and that was a few years ago, so no longer available. However, I found these similar ones which I like even better: https://rstyle.me/+DRBRcIWOVpm3V4M1ezc9aQ
Beautiful table setting. I love the chargers but the link doesn’t work. Can you send the link to me? I’m interested in the floral plates too but that link isn’t working either. Can you send that one too?
Thank you
Thank you, Jennifer! Yes, unfortunately they were from Pier 1 and now that they are closing stores, their links don’t work. I’ve updated the post to offer options, but the exact plates and chargers are not available. If you really love the plates, there are a few on eBay right now and you can try to collect them over time because they do show up from time to time. But I’ve also added some substitutes in the post. For the chargers (which were also from Pier 1), you can try a plain wood charger like this one: https://rstyle.me/+S2FDUiGdBrPL_9mTV9pISQ For the plates, you can try these: https://rstyle.me/+J1Sdzfu9ddxcQEwxrxV2Gg I would then do those with blue and white check napkins instead of red and white. I have some linked in the post now. Hope that helps!
What a lovely tablescape. I’m in love with the garden floral salad plates and must have them!!! They aren’t shown on e-bay. What is the pattern name, please.
Thank you! The pattern is PIER 1 “FLORAL MEDLEY”.
Thank you for your fast reply. Your tablescapes are lovely and so enviable.
SO beautiful Lory! Your tables are always stunning no matter what colors! 🙂
Thanks for the inspiration – I love the salad plates. Happy Almost Summer!
My pleasure!!
Hey lori, I loved the hole conceptof the table to me it was just spectacular. I’m definitely ordering the flower dishes & the napkins I already have the blue & white vases, but have to buy the flowers. I’m having a fourth of July party this year. I want to thank you for the inspiration. Can’t wait., but I think I’m having some ants at this party lol ty
Haha!! Sounds like it will be great!
GORGEOUS.