Warm weather entertaining starts with a charming tablescape! Read my expert tips and get decor ideas for creating a beautiful garden party tablescape for your next summer gathering.
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Summer is almost here in warm and sunny Southern California, which means outdoor entertaining season is in full swing!
I jump at every opportunity I can to host an outdoor dinner party. And while we are lucky enough to entertain outside year-round, summertime is one of my favorite seasons to host celebrations outdoors. Whether I am throwing a Fourth of July party or a casual Memorial Day get-together, I love transforming our patio and side yard into a welcoming space for friends and family.
And what better way to celebrate the season than with a charming garden party, complete with a beautifully styled summer tablescape?
I am sharing all my best hosting tips, along with creative garden party decor ideas and an easy step-by-step guide to style your own stunning tablescape.
The small yard on the side of our home is what I refer to as my own little slice of heaven. It is such a wonderful extension of our living space. And, if I am being honest, It might be my favorite “room” in our home.
Oozing with character, it is decorated with unique, vintage decor and bordered by both my cottage garden and beloved SheShed.
Next to the shed on a gravel path is our large, rustic farmhouse dining table. With all the flowers blooming around it, our outdoor entertaining space is the perfect spot for a charming garden party.
A garden theme party works well for celebrations like bridal showers, baby showers, or even an afternoon tea party.
The theme you choose for your garden party tablescape can really set the mood for the entire event.
Think about the feeling you want to create. Do you want your garden party to be elegant and formal, casual and relaxed, or maybe something with a touch of rustic charm?
Or do you have a color scheme in mind, maybe inspired by the colorful flowers blooming in your own gardens? The possibilities are endless!
Ultimately, the best theme will reflect both your personal style and the occasion itself.
When it comes to styling a garden party tablescape, start with basic table decor and essential elements including linens, dishes, glasses, and silverware.
When setting my dining table, I usually begin by laying down a clean, pressed tablecloth. However, for this outdoor dining experience I decided to skip it altogether. The natural charm and rustic beauty of the garden setting are the perfect backdrop for this gathering.
Instead of a tablecloth, I centered a preserved moss table runner in the middle of my farmhouse table to add a layer of color and texture to my garden party tablescape.
If you choose to use a tablecloth, a light and airy linen material in a soft, neutral tone like cream or light grey is a perfect choice for a summer garden party.
Fabrics in calming blues or crisp whites are other timeless options.
A gingham tablecloth or a tablecloth with a delicate floral print can also add a touch of color to your outdoor dining table.
I love using creative placemats, like these charming cabbage leaf designs. They bring some playfulness to the overall look of my garden table decor.
In addition, stacked plates build on the layered look of the place setting. First, I started with a large terra cotta plant saucer as my charger plate.
Next, I added some classic white dinner plates topped with some whimsical ceramic cabbage salad plates.
And of course, don’t forget the glasses! To finish I placed vintage amber-colored water goblets at each chair around my summer garden table. The rich color of the glasses matches the warm tones of all the terra cotta accents.
Setting the table properly can make a difference in the atmosphere of any meal.
Since my garden party is outdoors, it is more casual, but you can certainly set a more formal table if you prefer.
If you are looking for guidance on table setting etiquette, Emily Post is a fantastic resource. Their website offers a wealth of information, including a detailed post that explores various table setting styles based on the formality of your meal.
This can be a great starting point for planning your own elegant or casual gathering.
My mom had a green thumb, and as a florist, she taught me so much of what I know about floral design. In fact, I really owe my love of gardening to her!
So, a centerpiece created with fresh flowers is a must at all of my parties. But the flowers are more than simply decorations to me; they also serve as a sweet reminder of my mom.
For my summer garden party tablescape, I arranged a bouquet of flowers in a rustic watering can.
The arrangement contains a mix of pretty blue delphinium, ornamental cabbage, feathery willow branches, lisianthus, some hydrangeas, tulips, and even some chamomile.
The general rule of thumb is to keep centerpieces around 12 inches tall or lower for easy conversation across the table. But for this summer tablescape, I wanted a real “WOW” factor!
The good news is, there are plenty of other beautiful decorations to admire, and when it’s time to sit down for dinner, the centerpiece can be easily removed to create more space.
In addition to a fresh bouquet in the watering can, I displayed a variety of daisies in aged terra cotta pots.
Also, I used fresh carrots, lettuce, and artichokes to add a natural touch.
You can even use a head of cabbage for your vase to create a playful arrangement with vegetables – just like I did for some spring table decor!
Thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales are my secret weapon for finding unique flower vase ideas including, vintage suitcases, wooden crates, old metal toolboxes, and even shoes!
Here are just a few examples of other floral arrangements I have created for parties over the years.
Wildflower Floral Arrangement ⎟ Creative Arrangements with Sliced Citrus
DIY Dahlia Floral Arrangements ⎟Succulent Floral Arrangements
Additionally, you can create a stunning centerpiece for your party using a collection of mason jars filled with colorful wildflowers. Or try a wicker basket filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, or place potted herbs down the center of your garden tablescape.
Lighting is always a great way to add to the atmosphere or any party!
Here, we created DIY outdoor lampshades by hanging some garden baskets upside down on our vintage-looking market lights.
You can also add candles or lanterns to the table for lighting. The warm glow will create a create a beautiful ambience, perfect for sharing stories and entertaining long after the sun goes down.
Now let’s talk about the finishing touches that will truly elevate your garden party tablescape! These little details personalize your dinner table and create a memorable party experience for your guests.
Consider creating charming menu cards that tie in with your theme. These can be simple and handwritten, or you can dowload some of my customizable party menus in my printables library.
To embrace the gardening party theme, I used some fun printed garden gloves as unique silverware holders. Then, for the napkins, I made some adorable DIY napkin rings using mini peat pots to add a simple and charming touch!
Lastly, no party is complete with some special garden party favors for your guests.
I created these personalized flower pots that serve multiple purposes on my table.
If you need a fun and affordable craft idea for your garden party, these little terra cotta pots are easy to make. Not only do they double as decor for your garden tablescape, but they also serve as place cards and take home gift for your party guests.
I planted mine with some lettuce and included a seed packet. You could also use these pots for herbs, small flowers, or even succulents.
Finally, to finish, I made some DIY name tags with Scrabble tiles and garden markers for a personal touch.
Let’s celebrate the bounty of the season! This sample menu is perfect for a garden party, featuring flavorful dishes that showcase the best of spring and summer produce.
If you love this summer garden party tablescape, you might also enjoy some of my other tablescape posts.
So there you have it! With a little planning and these easy tips, you can create a stunning garden party tablescape that will impress your guests and set the stage for a memorable summer gathering.
From incorporating fresh flowers and playful centerpieces to gardening ideas with personalized DIY touches, each element adds to the charm of your party.
Remember, the most important ingredient is your own warm hospitality – so relax, have fun, and enjoy celebrating with loved ones in the beautiful outdoors!
