Happy Monday friends! Our weekend was filled to the brim. Usually I approach Mondays with a bit of dread. Not today though. Today is the first day of a late summer tablescape blog hop. I am not only excited my own table, but I also a few summer entertaining ideas.
Thanks once again to Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate for organizing this fun monthly blog hop. Everyday from today through Friday 5 new blogger links will go live, so be sure to check back everyday! You can find all the links at the end of this post.
Tip # 1
Make your own easy show stopping centerpiece with just some foraged greens and an inexpensive grocery store flowers.
The centerpiece I made cost just $7.99. I purposely loaded it with greens clipped from my own and a neighbours yard. I wanted a lush green back drop for the flowers. Limelight hydrangeas from my yard and one simple bunch of spray roses in a color to match my overall theme.
Tip # 2
Use what you already have!
You will notice that all my place settings don’t match. Summer entertaining does not need to be fussy. I used my everyday dishes, but I only have place settings for 4 of the white dishes and the same for the blue ones.
Instead of running out to buy more of one or the other, I just mix matched the layered plates. Same for the napkins!
Tip # 3
Purchase simple wine glasses and some bold colored water glasses in a color you love. They will be interchangeable with many occasions.
These blue glasses are made from 100% recycled glass, hold a lot and come in a six pack for just $12.99. Since they are recycle glass each one is a slightly different shade of blue and go with so many other different colors.
Tip # 4
One of the easiest and most cost effective summer entertaining ideas I use ALL THE TIME is to incorporate food into your overall table décor. Not just any food, but food that you would otherwise be serving and adds color and interest to your table. This and this are more examples of how food can elevate the table décor.
For this late summer tablescape I used cantaloupe not only because we are loving all the melons this summer, but because they compliment the blue and peach color scheme of the table.
Peaches are at their peak here in Niagara and they were the starting point for my entire table design. In fact, it was Peach Festival Weekend! Last year this peach layer cake was a big hit at my daughter’s table during the festival!
Tip # 5
Serve food that can be prepped ahead of time. Summer salads like potato or pasta salad can be made a day or two ahead. Both are inexpensive and easy. Serve local vegetables that are in season this time of year.
Don’t try to make EVERYTHING homemade. Make what you have the time for and purchase one or two things. For instance, I purchased store bought ice cream for dessert, but spent 10 minutes chopping up some fresh peaches and frying them in a pan with some butter and brown sugar. It was so easy, and delicious, and really fancied up plain vanilla ice cream.
Tip # 6
Keep the table uncluttered.
No need to be over the top with table décor in the summertime. Simple place settings, a centerpiece of flowers or even a charcuterie board, a couple of candles if you wish, is all that is needed.
Not only does it leave lots of room for serving dishes, but also makes clean-up a breeze. Which leads me to tip # 7!
Tip # 7
And the most important tip of all, SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY!!
You have taken the time to set the table, prepare the food, invite the people. Now, take the time to enjoy it all right along with your guests. Nothing says summer like lingering a table after a delicious meal.
Now that you have gathered some summer entertaining ideas, check out the Monday late summer tablescapes below, and check back every day this week as more inspiration goes live!
Oh, and please consider subscribing to Red Cottage Chronicles. I will keep you up to date with an email whenever a new post goes live.
It could be flowers, a recipe, a stunning tablescape, or another fun project to make your house a home! Simply click here to subscribe. I never sell or share your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time!
Until next time…….
Monday
Debbee’s Buzz | A casa di Bianca | Red Cottage Chronicles | The Little Yellow Corner Store | Sweet Pea
Tuesday
White Arrows Home | Living With Thanksgiving | Life and Linda | Everyday Living
Corner of Plaid and Paisley
Wednesday
Home is Where the Boat Is | Celebrate & Decorate | Panoply | The Painted Apron
Thursday
Intelligent Domestications | Sweet Sensations | Our Crafty Mom | Bluesky at Home
Friday
My Thrift Store Addiction | My Family Thyme | Katherine’s Corner | Zucchini Sisters
Paula@SweetPea says
Your late summer table is so pretty. Blue with peach is such a pretty color combination. Your table centerpiece is so pretty and I love that you were able to use flowers and foliage from your neighbor’s yard along with grocery store flowers to create an inexpensive arrangement that looks like an expensive one from the florist. The peach on each place setting looks so pretty. Speaking of peaches, that cake was amazing! I loved seeing your tablescape and I hope that you enjoyed a nice meal outside with your family after creating this lovely table.
Maureen says
Thank you Paula! And yes, I did get to enjoy a lovely meal with family and friends when it was all said and done!
Rita C at Panoply says
Maureen, I always get a peaceful, easy feeling when I visit your tablescapes. Your entertaining tips are all well taken, so simple and logical, yet so often overlooked by so many. I love the complementary blue/peach (a variation of orange) on your table. It’s one of my favorite color combinations. Those recycled glasses are especially pretty! That’s a gorgeous floral arrangement you’re using, and so is that peach tower!
Maureen says
Awww! Thank you Rita. That is so kind of you to say! I almost passed those recycled glasses up, but I am so glad I didn’t. They have become one of my favorites 🙂
Lori Nell says
Beautiful outdoor tablescape! I love eating outdoors, and this gorgeous setting would ad to the fun!
Maureen says
Thank you Lori! One of my favorite things about summer is the casual outdoor meals with family and friends!
Jenna says
I love the color palette you chose Maureen, peach, blue and bright summer green is so fresh and pretty…the cantaloupe slices are such a simple touch but bring the table to life in a magical way! Your relaxed entertaining style is the perfect way for host and guests alike to enjoy the gathering! Oh, and save me some dessert please, vanilla ice cream with fresh sauteed peaches sounds like heaven!
Pam Richardson says
Maureen, your seven tips for summer entertaining are perfect! I love the blue, peach, and green color scheme and that you used what you had on hand. Adding food to a tablescape always elevates it. Your centerpiece is so pretty and easy on the budget. It is always a pleasure to blog hop with you, enjoy your week!
bonnie morgan says
Maureen, Thanks for the great tips. Your table is so inviting. You do a great job incorporating food in your tablescapes. That cantaloupe looks so refreshing. We have been eating lots of peaches this summer. Great idea to serve on ice cream.
I love your blue glasses and the color scheme for your table.
Relaxing and simplifying sounds so lovely. I’m more relaxed after reading your tips.
Have a lovely week. I enjoyed your story on IG this weekend. Fun to hear you.
Chloe says
Oh yes! Bring on the Bellinis and the peaches! Alternating your plate stacks with the different plates is a great way to expand the number of place settings you can serve. The overall feel I get from your table is a great casual table for friends or family to gather around and spend a convivial evening! Thank you for joining another hop and sharing your table styling talents!
Marsha says
A slice of that peach cake and some peach Bellini at your lovely cheerful and carefree tablescape would highlight my summer. I am so glad your shared your tips for having a beautiful table and yet with some shortcuts so that the time can be enjoyed. I love your idea of using ice cream with a topping that took just minutes to make but has guests finishing a meal with a delicious and refreshing dessert. I adore the use of blue and peach colors together. It is so calm and relaxing. A summer table should be all about enjoyment and your captured the essence of an easygoing moment.
Maureen says
Thank you Marsha! I only wish I had made more of that peach ice cream topper! It went fast 🙂
Debbee M says
Maureen, you’ve done it again — a beautiful table full of great tips and ideas for others! I can’t take my eyes off your lovely floral centerpiece — you make it look effortless to create the summertime arrangement. Oh, and those blue glasses; a real punch of “wow” on the table.
Maureen says
Awww! Thanks Debbee! It is always a pleasure sharing in this blog hop with you 🙂
Julie Briones says
What a fun blog hop… love your colors and the fruit elements! Pinned!
Maureen says
Thanks Julie!
Sandra Garth says
The edibles add lots of flair to this beautiful table and your entertaining tips are all on point. This table is laid back and ready for company.
Maureen says
Thank you Sandra! I am all about easy and relaxed when it comes to summertime entertaining!
Cecilia says
You’ve shared some great tips along with your lovely tablescape, which is the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance. Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Maureen says
Thank you Cecilia!
Rebecca says
Maureen, I just love the casual look of your outdoor tablescape. Your entertaining tips are the perfect recipe for creating a relaxed summer meal! I love the color scheme and how you incorporated seasonal fruit as part of the decor. And those blue glasses! Thank goodness you didn’t pass them by! It’s always a pleasure hopping with you!
Maureen says
Thank you Rebecca! I always find I am more likely to invite guests over when everything is relaxed and casual!
Linda says
Awww, love your take on peach with blue. I will gladly sip a peach bellini and of course dessert. A very simple and relaxed table for guests to enjoy. The blue glasses are lovely. When guests linger after a wonderful meal, it means they are thoroughly enjoying the moments. Great tips for anyone wanting to create a pretty tablescape.
Maureen says
Thanks so much Linda!
Carol@BlueskyatHome says
Maureen, I love the idea of a simple, uncluttered table this time of year. The recycled blue glasses are a wonderful idea that make so much sense, for decor and the environment. Love the idea of using peaches; they are so good this time of year.
Maureen says
Thank you Carol! Those blue glasses were a great find! Although my husband is thinking I am at my limit with the number of glasses I have in my collection! 😉
Kristin says
I love those blue glasses and they look great paired with the goblets! All of your tips were so helpful! I just love how the blue looks with the peach! All so pretty. And the peach cake is absolutely amazing!
Ann Krucek says
What a pretty pairing of blue and peach. Who knew a cut up melon could look so pretty!!?? You made it look fabulous! Love the flowers too!
Mary says
Great tips Maureen for effortless entertaining and the lazy days of summer! Love your pretty flower arrangement and wonderful blue glasses. Happy to be hopping with you this week! Enjoy the last days of summer.
Shirley Wood says
The fresh peaches and cantaloupe scream summer. What a nice addition to your pretty blue and white summer table. Those beautiful blue glasses though!! It looks like you hosted a nice summer soiree. That cake is amazing! Thanks for the tips!
Katherines Corner says
Your table is lovely. The blues and peach together make such a beautiful display. I try not to buy things for the tables too. I use what I have or I make something from things I have on hand. If I need to buy something the dollar store is my first place to go. Your centerpiece is amazingly filled with summer! A perfect way to entertain. Of course, I pinned and it’s a pleasure to be on the hop with you xo
Maureen says
Thank you Katherine!
Lynne says
Your summer table is lovely, Maureen! It looks like the perfect setting for family and friends to enjoy a meal. I found your tips to be so clever. I loved how you mixed and matched the plates and napkins, along with how you incorporated food. So happy to be joining you again!