It’s time for another exciting Design Challenge.  This month, we are serving up beautiful summer tablescape inspiration!  While some are taking the party outdoors, I’m keeping it real here in Texas and finding sanctuary in the glorious A/C.  I imagine it’s much like northern winters, but with blazing sunshine.  Therefore, we are going to stay inside with a refreshingly cool summer tablescape.

If you’ve joined us via Decor to Adore, welcome!  I’m excited you’re here.  If you’ve not been here before, stop by the About Me Page so we can become friends.  Let’s begin.

Our lovely inspiration photo comes from Pam at Everyday Living.  Even in the heat, her photo has me yearning to be outside.  And her fabulous centerpiece with those gorgeous shades of pink had me from the get-go. 

Everyday Living Blog

What I notice about Pam’s image and what I will incorporate are:

• Dual tablecloths
• Fresh florals 
• Placemats, plates, and napkins
• Silverware and drinking glasses

A Refreshingly Cool Summer Tablescape

What does an indoor “cool” tablescape look like in your mind?  In mine, it has touches of blue like the deep color of the ocean, a bit of cream or white for the sand, a little green like the rich leaves of the outdoors, and a bright color like lemons for refreshment.

A dark colorful fabric piece makes the top tablecloth stand out.

I started with the dual tablecloths.  Layering always brings out extra texture and makes a table more welcoming.  The one underneath is really just a piece of upholstery fabric.  But it’s cute!

Next was deciding on which dishes to use.  Again, I enjoy layering, so that’s where the placemats came in.  In the past, I’ve used placemats, chargers, a dinner plate, a salad plate, and a dessert plate or bowl depending on the menu.  And why not?  Emily Post wasn’t invited.  If she were, she’d retract her “rules” and say using all the things is more exciting.

Mix and match your plates as you layer them.

If you don’t have enough dishware, it’s fun to mix and match.  I love that look! 

But if you like to keep things simple with only one plate, move the napkin from the side of the place setting to sitting on top of the plate.  Using napkin rings is lovely too.  And trying an individual place card can also be considered layering.

When the ladies come over, I plan to make a lemon posset to sit inside the bowl.  You can find the recipe here.  It’s easy with only 3 ingredients and has a rich, velvety quality with just the right amount of tartness.

A Majolica sugar bowl is perfect for a vase.

On to the centerpiece.  I feel a beautiful tablescape has fresh flowers.  I picked these up at the grocery store.  They are adorable sitting inside my vintage blue-and-white jars and the Toby pitcher.

Pam had her flowers in the center, but when I saw the tiered dessert tray sitting on top of the refrigerator, I knew it would make the cutest centerpiece.  And it wasn’t too tall for conversation.

Since Pam’s table was outside and we are staying inside in the air-conditioning, I thought bringing more greenery would help with the challenge.  So here come the real boxwood wreaths.

I added a larger wreath under the tiered tray with lemons and then changed the placement of the small pots.  

A vintage hand-painted Tobacco Pot makes the cutest little vase.

I kept two on the right and left side of the lemon tray but moved the Toby pitcher and Majolica pot to sit in between the guests.  

A vintage Dutch Delftware jar does too!

So now the flowers are spread out a bit more.  Even though being in a line down the table was fine too. 

I know sometimes less can be more, but if you don’t have a pretty view of a beautiful backyard or garden, I felt like I needed to bring the outdoors in with all the greenery.  And because lately, I’m in a more is more glorious mood.  😉

Stop and smell the lemons!

Oh yeah, when you take photos on multiple days, be prepared for the leaves (from the daisies) on the tiered tray of lemons to wilt.  I removed them the next day and replaced them with clippings from our own bushes.  The boxwood limbs will last a long time. 

Lastly, if you cut a few of the lemons in half, it will give your table a wonderful scent!  So that is how you stay inside and create a refreshingly cool summer tablescape.  

Next up is my friend Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse.  Along with hers, get ready for some fantastic summer tablescape ideas below!  Thanks for visiting today.  Please leave a comment and tell me your favorite summer table ideas.