Inspiration / How To / 3 Tips for Setting the Perfect Summer Table

3 Tips for Setting the Perfect Summer Table

By Elizabeth Yunmi Published On
Overhead summer brunch table with raspberries, hand pies on a wood board, two coffee mugs, and napkins with red trim on a checked cloth

There’s something inherently exciting about hosting friends. And now that warmer weather is finally here, we’re celebrating by sharing our tried-and-true tips for the season of entertaining ahead.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard brunch or an at-home happy hour, we’re here to help. Below, we’ve rounded up our top three tips for setting the perfect summer table, opens in a new tab.

A summer table being set with plaid linen napkins and Hasami dinnerware.

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1. Play With Pattern

Setting a table with patterned napkins, opens in a new tab and tablecloths, opens in a new tab can be a great way to add a pop of color and texture to your dining table. Use bright and cheerful tableware like colorful plates or linens to add a playful vibe to your table.

While mixing and matching patterns can be a creative way to add visual interest, it can also be a bit tricky to get just right. We've had the most success when we select a color palette to work within—choose two to three main colors that will tie everything together. From there, aim to pair patterns of different scale to create contrast and depth or if you're feeling particularly bold, choose patterns with a similar style. For example, mix different floral, plaid, or geometric patterns together.

Tip #1: Mix + match neutral dinnerware, opens in a new tab with pattern-forward napkins, opens in a new tab for an easy + effortless summer table.

A summer table with plaid linen napkins and various glassware. Summer table with plaid linen napkins and Hasami Dinnerware.

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2. Provide Plenty of Options

Offering your guests different drinkware, opens in a new tab options can be a fun and interactive way to let them choose their own adventure and personalize their experience.

Go beyond the glass, opens in a new tab, by offering a variety of beverage options, such as wine, beer, cocktails, and mocktails. If you're feeling extra adventurous, setup a DIY bar station where guests can mix their own drinks. If you go this route, make sure to provide plenty of ice and garnishes (citrus slices, berries, and herbs) so that your guests can customize drinks to their liking.

Tip #2: The key to making a good mocktail is adding plenty of tang and texture. Mix in some citrus, throw in some bitters, and add in bubbles or muddled fruit for a delicious beverage.

Kobenstyle serveware on a summery table.

Kobenstyle baking dish on a summer table.

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3. Invest in Elevated Essentials

Well-designed serving dishes, opens in a new tab and bowls can help elevate the visual appeal of your food and create a more inviting and welcoming interior atmosphere. It also means that you are investing in pieces that will last for years. High-quality materials like porcelain, ceramic, and glass are resistant to scratching, chipping, and will serve you well in the long run.

Tip #3: Investing in quality pieces can make cleanup easier. Instead of having to transfer your food to another dish to serve, splurge on serveware, opens in a new tab for easy kitchen to table presentation.

Overhead of a summer table with blue-orange plaid cloth, berry cake in a red dish, slice on plate, blue mug, white napkins

Yellow Gantry pendant over a checkered summer table with bowls, a red baking dish, purple flowers, and colorful cushions

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Photos by Alex Creswell, opens in a new tab
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