It’s hard to believe that the official first day of Summer is just a few days away. In honor of the new season, I pulled together a light-hearted and tropical themed tablescape.  To be honest, this tablescape has been in the makings for weeks.  I finally got around to photographing it and the timing couldn’t be any better because this table screams summer entertaining.

Like so many of the tablescapes I create, the theme for this table is based on a single item–the palm leaf plates.

I’ve been spying these plates at HomeGoods for a while and finally decided they needed to come home with me.  I purchased the small plates first and then went back and got the salad plates because I love the pattern so much. #homegoodshappy

The purchase of the plates led me on a hunt for a table runner and I found the perfect one at Hobby Lobby.  Actually, I bought this gorgeous green malachite fabric and made my own table runner for less than $12.00.  Unfortunately this fabric is no longer available  but I found two similar options here and here. 

Along with using wrapping paper as a table runner, making a runner using inexpensive fabric is one of my favorite entertaining hacks.

To add depth and dimension to each place setting, I layered the dinnerware.  I used square wood charger plates (thrifted) as the bottom layer and then placed round woven rattan chargers on top.   I snagged the round chargers at a store here in Atlanta that was going out of business.  The additional of the brass rim makes them really special.

I pulled out mat wedding china and placed the white dinner plates on the rattan charger.  Then I layered the two sizes of palm leaf plates.

 

 

I love adding a pop of color to my table settings and decided there’s not better combo for summer than pink and green.

To create a layered look with the napkins, I used hot pink dinner napkins and place these cute green and white lattice design paper napkins on top.   For casual events, it’s ok to use paper napkins along with cloth napkins.  Or use paper napkins alone.

 My bamboo flatware adds another nod to summer and I just love using it to dress a table.  (p.s.  The 20 pc. set of flatware is on $35 and it comes in a lighter color as well)

pink napkins from World Market (similar color here)

My centerpiece was really easy to pull together. I used three of my milk glass vases along with these green candle holders I bought several years ago.  You can recreate the look with this budget friendly set of candleholders.

My glassware is another HomeGoods find.  These bamboo glasses are melamine (acrylic) but look like the real thing.  They are perfect for outdoor entertaining and come in a larger size too. (p.s.  I just spotted the same glasses at Tuesday Morning the other day–in case your HomeGoods is sold out).

Instead of buying fresh flowers, I filled the milk glass vases with silk stems I had in my stash.  The color is a dead on match to the napkins.

 

I love the away my table turned out.  It has a preppy vibe but still feels classic and pulled together.

I’ll be in Oklahoma the next few days helping my mom with a garage sale and packing up her house.  In just a few weeks she’ll be moving to Atlanta and will get to enjoy my tablescapes in person.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I’ decided to do a little decorating for the 4th of July so I’ll be sharing that with you next week.  Stay tuned.