Summer Party Themes: Father’s Day Table with a Country Club Theme

In this post: Looking for summer party themes for your Father’s Day table? Here’s how to subtly suggest a country club theme that’s more elegant than contrived.⇒

I’m not one for bang-em-over-the-head obvious themes.

But I do enjoy having a concept in mind as a foundation for my design direction. I would much rather let the elements tell the story when taken together than have imagery that blasts the theme in a kitschy way. A boating jacket and deck shoes worn with classic seafaring tones rather than a tee shirt with boats and flags on it that screams “I’m wearing nautical”.

So as I pondered my Father’s Day table I was thinking about golf, but rather than having golf balls and motifs that broadcasted that idea, I instead went more subtle using country club inspired cues that could be re-used for future summer party themes.

I had hoped to set my table outside but the weather had its own ideas and the rain kept me indoors. Fortunately, my wall of windows keeps the room light and bright and the trees just beyond bring the outdoors in.

My goal for this table was to communicate a summer feel, with hints that suggested ‘golfing at the club’ and the lovely lunch that always follows. You don’t need to actually belong to a country club to create this ambiance in your own home and truth be told, I’ve never once in my life played golf.

But the men in my life do and I was thinking about Father’s Day, so that’s where I drew my inspiration from.

As with most of my tables, this one started with a single pattern and everything was built around that central aspect. In this case it was the madras plaid napkins in a pastel plaid reminiscent of men’s bermuda shorts.

I typically then find a second component that when paired with the first, anchors the story. For this tablescape that piece became the palm tree appetizer plates, simple and elegant and entirely country club material. A clean white dinner plate complements the mix and the rattan charger adds the perfect foundation.

I was careful not to get too masculine with my table, aiming for a pretty warm-weather affair, and nothing says pretty quite like pink peonies. My favorite flower in my favorite color, the mid-tone pink blossoms take my breath away!

In contrast, the leather wrap napkin rings recall belted men’s shorts, and I very much enjoy slipping in these subtle thematic hints.

Artisan olive oil and lovely green dipping cups forecast the meal that’s about to be served. Classic silverware adds a note of refined elegance while the bare table with linen runner keep things from getting too formal. Wooden lanterns are another nod to summer, a bit rustic yet offering the warmth of candlelight.

Glen plaid crystal stemware lends another menswear touch, while maintaining an appropriate air of a celebratory brunch.

The simple summer palette is light enough for the season, but reined in enough for the genteel occasion. The butter yellow pitcher is a sunny addition and just the right balance for those glorious peonies.

The elements come together to tell a cultivated story, at once casual and relaxed, yet restrained and well-mannered. This simple sophistication would be well-suited to a variety of summer party themes… and the season has just begun!

Today’s post of part of the Styled & Set Summer Entertaining Tour. Be sure to visit the other wonderful posts linked below!

Designthusiasm | Shabbyfufu
So Much Better With Age | On Sutton Place