6 Simple Steps to Create a Lovely Summer Table
In this post: If you enjoy the ease of summer, try using pretty table linens, chair covers, and these 6 simple steps to create a lovely summer table setting.⇒
If you could use only one fabric to decorate your house, what would it be?
For me it’s easy…
White linen.
And if I could have two, I’d add natural linen.
This is particularly true in summer, when the breezy fabric adds a delightfully carefree vibe to any space it graces.
A Lovely Summer Table
As the sun shines brightly and the days grow longer, summer is the perfect time to create a table setting that reflects the relaxed and joyful spirit of this season. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or a gathering with friends and family, the inspiration you’ll glean from this airy tablescape will guide you through the process of designing your own table that bears a touch of summer magic.
For this table, I wanted the look to be casual and easy and everything about it says summer to me, from the bare naked table to the garden plants. I decided to style this simple summer table with linen figuring prominently in several of my tablescape choices.
Here are 6 simple steps to a lovely summer table.
1. Table Linens
Since the essence of this summer table setting is the use of stonewashed linen, the table linens became the star of the show, not in the sense of an attention grabbing focal point, but more in the way they set the tone for the character of the table. These lovely linen napkins and the pretty table runner have the perfect drape and casual ease.
2. Chair Covers
In addition to what is featured on the table top, perhaps my favorite aspect is what dresses up the chairs. These ruffled linen chair covers are the perfect French Country accessory for a summer table setting, but there is also a simpler style for the farmhouse fans. Using chair covers is a super fast way to add style to your dining chairs and is also practical given how easy they are to wash.
3. Dried Lavender
It’s hard to think of anything more emblematic of summer than rolling fields of French lavender. For my table I used dried bunches tucked in hobnail mason jars, the most effortless decoration for a relaxed tablescape. The scent they provide is heavenly and I pulled a few sprigs off to nestle into my vintage napkin rings.
4. Rattan Chargers
For the actual place setting I went as simple as can be, with crisp white dinnerware and rattan chargers. There’s no question that rattan lends a subliminal reminder of summer as it’s often used in outdoor furniture. I love the contrast of the clean white plates against the natural rugged rattan.
5. Garden Planters
For the centerpiece, I only had a few minutes left (as this table needed to be set in 20 minutes… ;-)), so I went out to the patio and grabbed these awesome little clay pots, already planted with African violets. They’re sweet and pretty and go with my easy-going theme as their distressed finish looks great with the washed linen.
6. Gingham Check
And how could I leave out that truest of summer staples? I had to give a nod to gingham check. I added a charming checked ribbon to my lavender bouquets for the quintessential finishing touch. It reminds me of the dresses that little girls wear in summer, when their little toes are running through the summer grass. I can practically feel the soft summer breeze of an afternoon in the countryside!
I use linen in my home all year long, but there’s no more perfect time and place than in a summer table setting.
And since you’d never really be limited on the number of fabrics you can use in your home, you can add it confidently to your mix with reckless abandon!
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.
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Please be sure to visit all of the other posts below:
StoneGable | How to Style a Functional and Fabulous Nightstand
Thistlewood Farm | Ideas for Decorating with Lamps
French Country Cottage | 20 Minute Decorating Ideas for 4th of July
On Sutton Place | Simple Round Coffee Table Styling Ideas
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I love your linen chair covers. I will have to check into these when I finish doing all remodeling.
What a beautiful table! Love the linen and those planters! What size are the ones on your table? Love reading your blog when I find the time.
Thank you!! The planters on the table are the “medium”.
Can you tell me which color chair cover is pictured? I tried going on line to their site and it offers natural and off white which to me are the same thing but it doesn’t show the colors when ordering.
Oops, I guess I should’ve added that into the post, since several people asked… 😉 I have the off white. My napkins are the natural, so that should show you the difference.
Love the ruffled chair covers! Do you have the natural or off white? Thanks for sharing.
Mine are the off white. Thanks!!
your table is beautiful as always. Love the chair covers. Also the African violets are so pretty.
Lory, May I just say that your seasonal tables, choices, and design sensibility are just stunning. Always! Thanks for the inspiration you so graciously share.
Oh I love linen! This is a gorgeous table Lory – so summery and cool! ❤️