“Summertime and the livin’ is easy” croons Ella Fitzgerald on the radio. And what a perfect sentiment for the end of July. We’ve all settled into summer routines, maybe had our vacation, a couple of afternoons at the park and we’re looking ahead to our last month of summer. What to do?
Have a bar-b-que. Not just any bar-b-que, but one that spreads your creative wings. The food part is easy, but to set an unusual table and leave a lasting impression with your guests takes just a little effort. Here are some great table ideas I came up with:
Creative tropical picnic table setting.
TROPICAL PICNIC TABLE SETTING IDEAS
There are lots of great ideas in this table setting I designed. Try bringing out your table runners and layering them in an unusual way. Here I’ve created an interesting effect by placing 2 sheer blue runners laid across the width of the table. Then I layered a 3rd green runner going the length of the table. (The white tablecloth would be unnecessary for you; I just used it to make the table setting stand out more.) The bamboo placemats serve a practical purpose but also add a contrasting texture. The green napkin rings are the jewelry of the setting and are actually beaded curtain tiebacks for yet another texture.
The centerpiece on this table is very simple. I used 4 matching cylinder bud vases and put a stem of fluffy greenery in each, all at about the same height. You could also use just one flower bloom in each. Then for some candlelight, give each place setting their own votive in a cool holder. Scatter some decorative rocks (mine are shades of blue/teal) along the table top and you’re done. Simple and not too time consuming but very memorable.
A second version of a tropical table setting
At your second BBQ, you can make just a few changes and the table setting will feel entirely different. You can see I kept the layered table runners and place settings the same, complete with individual votive candles. You know, votives are quite affordable and rather than just have one or two in the center of the table, putting one at each place setting really creates a mood.
The 2 major changes are the addition of an oversized silk tropical leaf. You could even use the leaf to replace the placemat – they lay flat, they wash clean easily, and …. what a statement! The other change is in the centerpiece. I’ve tipped one vase on it’s side and filled it with silk greens. For a festive touch, the brightly colored vase holds flowers that are equally vivid. The vase wasn’t quite tall enough to be dramatic, so I raised it using a little plant stand.
Living easy is something we all strive for. Living creatively is easy if we just allow our inner decorator out of the box. Take inspiration from these ideas but add your own twist. Send me a picture of your summer table setting ideas so I can share with the other readers.
If you found this article interesting, please share it with your friends or bookmark it using one of the buttons below.
RSS Feeds
