We’re currently enjoying some lovely spring weather here in Austin, Texas. As the summer months approach, so do graduation parties, Mother’s Day brunches, picnics, and outdoor dinner parties. To transition from spring into summer, we love going green with our event decor. After all, nature never gets it wrong. Read on for our tips on this spring-to-summer event trend, and how to incorporate it into your next gathering.
Summer Entertaining | Style Your Dinner Party with Greenery
Create Dining and Seating Areas
Let’s start with the basics. For indoor or outdoor dinner parties, we love pairing our Farmhouse tables with ghost chairs or wishbone chairs. The lacquered wooden table top provides a natural canvas to build your tablescape without having to put down a linen.
For backyard dinners or picnics, the low table trend is a fun way to dine and relax under the stars with friends. In our collection we offer a low option of our Farmhouse table, but our Marfa Rectangle Tables are also great for smaller gatherings. At home, you can use a table of your own, or even stack pallets.
Next, throw down a flat weave rug. These can be rolled up and thrown on a shelf for easy storing, or tossed in the back of a car for easy transport. Add some comfortable floor seats, cushions, poufs, and pillows. Mix and match for an eclectic and memorable vignette.
Add Place Settings, Cards, and Centerpieces to Complete Your Tablescape
Plain white or clear plates don’t have to be boring. Vamp up your place settings with some gold flatware, and some colorful glasses. We love these mauve tumblers from Anthropologie, and the light pink tone ties in beautifully with our green au natural decor.
How cute is this lush look of a monstera leaf or cinnamon fern under a clear plate! For white plates, consider offsetting the leaf under the plate to incorporate it into your place setting. Another option is to place a leaf on the plate as a name card.
Speaking of name cards, we always try to mix up our guests and break up couples, so determining seating before your guests arrive is key. Another adorable place card can be created using succulents, or try writing your guests’ names on marble tiles or stones for a thoughtful detail. For a pro's touch, our go-to calligraphy artist is Averi with an Eye, who can personalize place cards, invitations, and more.
To fill out your table’s decor, green leaves placed flat down the length of your table create an impactful table runner. Or, try fashioning a collection of clear bud vases and vessels filled with assorted leaves for both an effortless and elegant focal point.
Last but not least, candles and lanterns will light up your space after sunset. You can tie some green leaves to glass votives with twine or raffia to keep up with the leafy green theme. If DIY projects aren’t for you, these gold geo lanterns from West Elm are another great option keep your event lit.
Get Creative, and Speak with an Event Specialist for More Help
We invite you to get inspired and create the outdoor event of your dreams. Many of the products mentioned above can be purchased at your local crafts or home goods store, if you want to keep them for future use. If you need help planning a larger event, or simply want to learn more about your event styling options, talk to us, and we will pick out some pieces for you to redesign your space. Contact us today!
Our co-owner Lisa was even invited to speak on KXAN's Studio 512 in a short segment about dinner party styling. See the video here.