It's warming up outside and we're ready for sun rays and lake days! Spring is wrapping up so we're gearing up for summer everywhere we can. That includes a summer tablescape in the dining room in the entry way of Kim's home.
DINING ROOM PLACE SETTINGS
We layered up the plates to create a multi-dimensional look and bring varying textures, colors, and prints into each setting. Last Summer, we purchased the melamine larger palm tree plates with the smaller ikat plates as a set (4 place settings, so we bought 2 boxes to make 8 place settings). A few weeks later, we came across some of the smaller plates with the same palm tree print as the larger plates sold separately at a different retailer. We have always hated that the ikat plates cover up the palm print on the larger plates when we set the place settings.
Although there were only 4 (not 8) small palm plates, we thought it would be cool to alternate the small plates around the table, allowing at least part of the place settings to showcase the palms. We weren't able to find the same set but found an awesome fun blue melamine set that is sure to bring a ray of Summer into your home.
To finish off our place settings, we added a layer of white between the blue and rattan placements with the scalloped edge chargers (similar style here). It turned out so cute and looks awesome sitting on top of the rattan placemats purchased from Amazon. We mentioned previously in the trend article that rattan is making a big statement and we are a big fan of the texture it can bring to so many decorating projects.
SUMMER TABLESCAPE
We utilized the same metal oval tray as a base, added a fun lantern that's wood with a rope handle to bring in a touch of natural materials. We brought in a marineblue faux potted plant to add a touch of greenery and put a wood bead strand coming out of the pot and cascading down onto the tray. Having different heights helps to add visual interest at varied levels so we brought in two candlestands with a hint of seaglass blue in the candles. Our finishing touch is the adorable #lakelife sign that states the truth, "I'd rather be at the lake".
Rattan Round Placemats, Set of 4 | White Scalloped-edge Melamine Charger Plate | 12-piece Melamine Dish Set in Bright Blue | Napkins, Set of 12 Beige with Grey Stitching | Water Goblet Glasses, Set of 12 | Wood Lantern with Rope Handle | Oval Metal Tray (Centerpiece sits on) | Lake Sign (Ours is no longer available but this one is CUTE!) | Wood Bead Garland (Kirkland's) | Small Table Top Plant | White Candle Stands
Formal Table Setting
To some this may seem really obvious, but others may have truly never been taught the specifics of setting a formal place setting at the dining table. Whichever position you are in, this is a great tip to pass on to kids, grandkids, or new families. (And actually kids think it's kind of fun to do a formal setting!).
Ashley teaches a children's etiquette course where they practice basic table manners, including how to set a formal and informal place setting. It's an important skill to teach kids. We have been to many formal business dinners with co-workers who don't know the proper etiquette when eating at a very nice restaurant. Ashley is thankful she took a similar course to this when she was younger so she is knowledgeable about this. The kids that attend the class always enjoy their time and learn skills they will remember for a lifetime.
Tip to remember when setting a formal table setting: F-O-R-K & L-E-F-T both have 4 letters so you should always place the forks on the left. S-P-O-O-N, K-N-I-F-E, and R-I-G-H-T all have 5 letters so the spoon and knife go to the right.
If you don't already have your tablescape set for Summer, we hope this inspires you to get on with setting the table. Do you have a favorite set of dishes that give you Summer vibes? If so, we would love for you to hear all about them.
We love hearing from our Anchor Crew! That is Y-O-U!
