5 Tips for Creating An Effortless Summer Tablescape

I've found that whenever you're playing hostess—whether it's a casual backyard lunch or a formal celebratory dinner— one of the quickest and classiest ways to decorate for the event is with a well-planned tablescape. Summer events are no exception!

Over the years, I’ve found that summer entertaining has a style that's all its own. It’s lighter and more relaxed, and the season offers a delightful opportunity to play with color, texture, and natural elements in unique ways that make elegant yet effortless seasonal tablescapes.

So, whether you're planning a light lunch with friends, a birthday cookout, a holiday BBQ, or a late evening dinner party, here are five of my go-to tips for styling summer tables that make a statement.

1. Start with a Soft, Natural Foundation

Summertime naturally means light fabrics. Skip the stiff formal linens and go for soft, breathable materials that speak to the season. Think light linen table clothes, woven placemats, cotton napkins, or even a bolt of natural fabric laid across the table as an impromptu runner.

2. Choose a Color Scheme—and Stick to It

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fresh, vibrant color palettes, but the key to a cohesive tablescape is keeping it focused. When choosing a palette, I recommend keeping your base neutral (such as by using lighter colored linen) and letting two to three complementary colors lead the design. Carry those colors through your florals, napkins, candles, and accent pieces for a pulled-together feel.

Here are a few of my favorite go-to color pairings this season:

Navy + White + Yellow: Classic and crisp, this palette has always been favorite. Add in lemon accents, gold flatware or napkin rings, or bright yellow blooms to make the color scheme pop. (Our navy gingham door bow or our navy polka dot door bow work particularly well with this summer look.)

Coral + Aqua + Sandy Gold: This color scheme is perfect if you're going for more of a poolside theme! 

Sage Green + Blush + Cream: Elegant and understated—ideal for garden parties or bridal showers. (I'd recommend pairing our cream linen door bow with this look!)

Terracotta + Olive + Mustard: Warm and earthy, this palette works beautifully with wood or rattan textures.

3. Let the Garden Do the Talking

Nothing elevates a summer table as fast as fresh florals or greenery do—and you don’t need an elaborate arrangement to make a big impact.

If you’ve got a garden, great! Snip some of your flowers, herbs, or even flowering branches, and pair them with a cute vase or wicker basket for a tasteful centerpiece. If you don't have your own plants, picking up even a small $10 grocery store bouquet can go a long way too. If you want to try something other than the classic large bouquet centerpiece look, try splitting your florals into a few small bud vases and scatter them along the length of table.

A few other ideas to try include:

• A row of clear mason jars filled with fresh mint and lemon balm
• A small vase at each place setting with a single bloom and a ribbon tied around the neck
• Tiny arrangements in vintage tea cups or colored glassware

4. Layer with Intention (Using What You Already Have)

I've already written about the power of layering and of using small, tasteful accent pieces instead of bigger, more specialized pieces-- the same goes here. You don’t need to invest in a whole new set of dishes or decor pieces to make a great tablescape. Layer what you already have with a few standout or summer-inspired accents.

Start with your plates and flatware, then add:

• Cloth ruffle napkins in a seasonal color, tied simply or wrapped with ribbon
• Seasonal placemats
• Woven chargers
• A hand-tied bow or sprig of rosemary on each napkin
• Taper candles or tea lights in mixed holders for a beautiful evening glow

If you already own neutral basics, even just updating the napkins and centerpiece can transform your entire table. Here's an example of a table scape I made awhile back using our scalloped blue floral placemats and blue striped ruffle napkins (our white ruffle napkins have been particularly popular as well!)

5. Create a Signature Centerpiece That Reflects the Occasion

If you're not quite sure how to layer with what you have, and want to keep things simple, you can also try anchoring your table with one strong, seasonally-inspired centerpiece.

For example, consider:

• A large white ceramic pitcher filled with sunflowers and tied with blue ribbon for a backyard brunch
• A rustic wicker basket with stacked citrus fruits and sprigs of mint for a Mediterranean dinner
• A low bowl filled with lemons and tea lights for an evening party

A well-styled centerpiece acts as a focal point, helps define the mood, and gives your table visual weight without feeling cluttered.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of summer entertaining is that it doesn't have to be perfect to be memorable. Whether you're setting the table for a Labour Day gathering of 20 or preparing a simple weeknight dinner with your college-aged kids, it only takes a few minutes to make it special.