As summer is here, there is nothing sweeter than a long dinner into the evening with loved ones. It’s one of those traditions from my French heritage I cherish and reminisce on often. I grew up spending hours around the table with my family, savoring each bite and sip. In our home now, this tradition of long summer meals is one I love carrying on with our community.
When setting up a table for friends and family to come to gather together, the word I think of is inviting. Pieces that both catch the eye and serve their purpose are what I cling to for a table setting. And with summer, what better than crisp white linens and natural materials?
As we are re-emerging to gather with our friends and family around the table, this is my ideal summer-inspired outdoor table setting. A table setting that is simple yet thoughtfully executed, inviting guests to linger for those extra hours after the meal has passed. Nothing that takes too much time to put together yet still feels a little elevated.
A Summer-Inspired Outdoor Table Setting
In partnership with Bloomist, I’ve curated my favorite serving pieces and decor to put together this table setting. I gravitate to each of these pieces’ organic and raw materials to help put the finishing touches on the setting. Effortless statement pieces make the table pop. These are a few elements I look at as I set a table:
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Tone
My eye is first drawn to the overall palette of a table setting. I look for similar tones that compliment each other and then decor that will add contrast. For instance, neutral linens like the white tablecloth contrasted with grey linen napkins and matched with the off-white pitchers. Dried lavender tied with twine to set each seat, pulling in the wood tones of the serving trays.
Varying Heights
Bringing in elevation through decor catches and draws the eye. The simplest way to vary the height on a table is through florals — it brings the eye up and down. When placing florals on the table, I lean to put them somewhere that doesn’t block conversation. Either staggered between seating or in the center works well. Shorter vases also do wonders for not blocking views.
Beauty in Practicality
The final element is beauty in practicality — I try to find pieces that can serve a purpose yet still be beautiful. Whether this is a statement water pitcher that is a piece of art itself or unique plates, each piece on the table has a purpose. Keeping it simple, always. It also means I don’t need to add more decor to the table and let the functional pieces speak for themselves.
On The Table
Serveware
Novah Water Pitcher (Two Sizes – Small & Large) – I love having two of these on the table, one for the beverage and ice for the other. We always grew up with a bowl of ice on the table for drinks which is well needed during the summer. This set from Bloomist is handmade by craftsmen in India. When not used for serving, they’re beautiful stand-alone pieces for shelves or for displaying a bouquet.
Wooden Gathering Tray — Ideal for placing our condiments and serving utensils on, plus I use it as a tray to bring out pieces to the table. This one is made by Itza Wood from craftsmen in Guatemala.
Wooden Serving Spoon & Fork — Perfect size for summer salads and the darker wood contrast is wonderful. This is also made by the brand Itza Wood as the wooden gathering tray.
Gathering Cheese Board — What I love about this cheese board is that it long and can be placed in the center of the table for all guests to reach. Made by Itza Wood as well, the mahogany piece has a beautiful natural tone to it.
Decor
Dried Botanicals — One of my favorite accents for a summer table is dried botanicals. These pre-arranged bouquets are simple and will last for quite some time so you can reuse them for a setting. They add that wonderful touch of organic and natural decor. I took two of Bloomist’s arrangements and combined them together. The dried lavender smelt heavenly plus I used the leftovers to create an added touch to each setting. Seen in “meadow bouquet & lavender bouquet.”
Beach Stone Vases — Made of stones collected in New England, these hand-drilled vases are smooth yet add texture to the setting. I love that they’re lower in height so they don’t obstruct views between two seated (seen in size little).
Linens — A simple white linen tablecloth and grey linen napkins (similar linked here).
Dishware
Plates & Bowls — Scalloped plates and bowls in size 24cm plate and 16cm bowl.
Glassware — go-to Duralex glasses made in France.
Forks & Knives — vintage pieces collected in France.
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Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
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I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
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I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
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Xx,
Jessica
