It’s never too early to start dreaming about balmy summer days and entertaining al fresco again! Just plan on keeping the gatherings small, the venue outdoors, and the table settings themed just the way summer inspires you! And speaking of themes, we’ve got quite a fabulous selection of tablescapes from our own outdoor party and wedding sets to get you excited.
So whether you’re thinking of going beach-inspired, exotic tropical, or styled after summer travel destinations—or if you’ll be celebrating a family birthday—our themed tabletop ideas are a great way to spark your planning. Summer entertaining, here we come!
Travel Inspired: Havana Nights
Capture the sultry Havana vibe with garden dining sets on an open patio, laid with striking aqua tablecloths. For table elements, arrange lush tropical centerpieces in cigar boxes, make palm tree place cards, and roll up napkins with gold "cigar seals."
Travel Inspired: French Country
Rustic charm is what this French Country table setting is all about, with its burlap tablecloth and grapevine wreath-chargers. Centered around a wine and cheese menu, the setting includes crusty baguettes as place card holders, mini wine bottles for each guest, and a cheese and fruit arrangement as centerpiece.
Travel Inspired: Palm Beach
Cool and classy, this Palm Beach inspired tablescape is such an inviting way to enjoy the summer outdoors. The sky blue table cloth sets a serene mood, while the end-to-end centerpiece boasts lush tropical blooms, seashell place frames, pillar candles on sand, loose shells and starfish!
Travel Inspired: Mexican Fiesta
There’s no mistaking this ultra-colorful fiesta theme! What with its bright floral tablecloth, crepe paper piñata balls, and giant sombreros taking center stage. And for fun touches (which would make great summer crafts with the kids), we added hand-painted cardboard placemats and bead strands as napkin rings.
Travel Inspired: Colorful Caribbean
You can almost feel the Caribbean beat in this vibrant table setting inspired by sunny Jamaica. Yellow, orange, and green are everywhere, along with bright tropical-print fabrics and baskets laden with fresh fruits. And believe it or not, we actually have a how-to post for the coconut tree centerpiece!
Family Occasion: Vintage Country At-Home Wedding
Maybe an intimate summer wedding is on the calendar? Plan a charming at-home reception with this vintage country theme—a mix of burlap and dainty lace for the table linens, vases of garden blooms, and rose pomander sachets to hold the wedding favors.
Family Occasion: Shabby Chic Garden Birthday
This sweet scene was actually styled for a garden-themed baby shower. But the lovely shabby-chic style table setting would be perfect for a first birthday or a Mother’s Day soiree. Note the vintage birdcage surrounded by flowers and foliage in vases, tea cups, and a tea pot! Floral-patterned china and napkins, doily plate liners, and tiny bird figurines complete the garden ambiance.
Family Occasion: Nautical Birthday Party
Got a little sailor marking a milestone? Assemble a snappy nautical-themed setup on kiddie party tables with a palette of red, white, and blue in stripes and solids. Add playful accents like sailor-hat place cards, a large conch shell—and for a centerpiece, a model sailing ship or a miniature lighthouse!
Family Occasion: Outdoor Painting Party
For an older child in the family, an art-themed painting party would be loads of fun. The theme itself provides all the decorative elements, while they also double as art materials. Think party utensils displayed on paint kits, menu cards on mini easels, centerpieces of paper-covered cans holding colorful flowers and paintbrushes.
Fun, fun, fun! Whichever summer table theme you choose—or style on your own—small outdoor gatherings can definitely be enjoyed safely and in style!
