Summer Tablescape Ideas

Hi and Happy August! My mom and I spent the morning together at the Beach Cabin and decided that it would be fun to set a summer tablescape. It quickly turned into two.

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Nancy Meyers Inspired Tablescape

Admittedly, we didn’t go into this with Nancy Meyers in mind, but I think it fits the bill all the same. It is elevated, causal, warm, and definitely collected.

We started with a classic ticking striped tablecloth. Next came woven placemats. We only had four seagrass chargers so decided to fill in with navy on both ends of the table.

We then incorporated the beautiful blue plates from my childhood and some everyday flatware. A subtly-patterned napkin and my mom’s silver napkin rings rounded out the place settings.

My mom also brought her crystal glasses that coordinated with the candlesticks and tea light holders perfectly. These were items that instantly elevated the table.

The table lights feel both fancy and casual at once. Combined with the ruffled planter and faux stems, everything is low enough that guests can have conversation over dinner.

A melamine tray reminiscent of paper plates, a hand-painted butter dish and a swan holding toothpicks all create a table that doesn’t feel too serious.

It was so fun to text with my mom to plan out the general idea of the look we were going for and to amass all of our earthly belongings. (Thank goodness we both love to collect tableware. Right, Dad & Raj?!) We even rummaged through some of the lovely items that came with the Beach Cabin when we purchased it years ago- including the striped pitcher and the salt and pepper shakers.

Now if only we had actual guests coming to dinner in the trees.

Cottage Core Tablescape

Because we were having such a difficult time deciding which pieces to incorporate, we though we might as well just do two tables. This time we included cozy layers, nature-inspired elements, and vintage pieces.

We kept the ticking stripe tablecloth, the chargers, and the flatware but changed everything else.

My mom brought some lovely enamel napkin rings from my grandmother. They went so well with her gingham napkins.

I cut hydrangeas from the cabin porch to go in the green tinted vase. (Oh, and the swan stayed. Of course.)

The whimsical candlestick holders were a gift to my parents and they are the perfect focal point of this table.

The plates and bowls came with the cabin and really helped to complete the table. (They are some of my favorite plates that I own! The pattern and durability alone earn them my highest regards.)