We are definitely in the middle of summer, and whether you are on vacation or in town, summer dinners are the most anticipated event of the year. Especially at a time like this, the opportunity to appreciate the company of family and friends in the fresh air is a real gift to be cherished and cared for. Therefore, I will help you understand how to set a summer table, for the garden, balcony or terrace.

5 practical tips for setting the table in summer

Before we look at the details of table setting accessories, I want to give you 5 practical tips for a perfect summer mise en place!

• 1. Choose a summer theme : To give your summer table a unique touch, start by selecting a theme that evokes summer. You could opt for a marine theme with blue and white colors, or perhaps for a tropical vibe use accessories and tablecloths in vibrant shades of mint green, a vitamin color that is bright and perfect for warm weather, the Mint green is the trend color for the Spring/Summer 2023 season. Finally, make sure that the decorative elements and the tavol accessoriesa are consistent with the chosen theme to create a harmonious visual effect.
• 2. Table cloth and napkins : If you want an elegant effect with white, you never go wrong! Whether it’s conone or linen one rule you must always keep in mind–ironing must be perfect, and if you want to fully follow one of the rules for impeccable table setting, add a clothespin under the tablecloth. If, on the other hand, you want to be daring, a brightly coloredtablecloth or runner is just the thing to add a touch of cheer. Choose shades that evoke the freshness of summer, such as green, yellow, coral or light blue. Match the tablecloths a napkins and napkin ties. Place the napkins to the left of the plates or fold them creatively and arrange them over the plates.
• 3. Centerpiece fresh and natural for lunch, wrap-around and romantic for dinner: If you want a centerpiece, make sure it doesn’t obstruct the view between guests or get in the way of conversation. Choose an appropriately sized centerpiece, such as a vase of fresh flowers or a decorative arrangement. For a summer lunch, the quintessential centerpiece is one based on fresh, natural elements that evoke the beauty of summer. You can use a basket of summer fruits, such as peaches, cherries, and apricots, or create an arrangement of fresh flowers in many small glass jars. Add a few mint leaves or sprigs of herbs for a fragrant touch. For the evening I recommend you focus on candlelight, try combining jars with fresh flowers with a few clear glass t-light candle holders, the atmosphere that will be created will envelop all your diners.
• 4. Cutlery and tableware: Choose cutlery and tableware that fits the summer theme and color palette you choose. If the theme is super fresh and contemporary, you can opt for colorful glasses or ones with striped or polka-dot designs, and use high-quality white ceramic plates. Arrange the cutlery in the order in which it will be used during the meal. Place main serving cutlery outermost and secondary serving cutlery closest to the plate. Dessert cutlery can be placed horizontally above the plate or arranged at the time of dessert service. Place the main serving dishes in the center of each place setting at the table. If several dishes are planned, place the next ones on top of the main dish. The glasses should be placed above the plate, to the right of the cutlery, arranged in a straight line from largest to smallest. If you have a bread basket, place it to the left of the dishes. Put the butter in a small bowl with a butter knife and place it to the right of the bread basket.
• 5. Lighting and decorations : If you plan to have an outdoor dinner or a more intimate atmosphere, lighting is essential. Use lanterns, scented candles o decorative lights to create a magical and romantic atmosphere. Add summer details such as seashells, starfish or small plants as decorations on the table or as place cards.

Ideas for setting the table outdoors

It doesn’t matter if you have a garden or just a balcony or terrace, for a moonlit dinner the ideas for setting the table outdoors are many. The important thing is to be in touch with nature and in good company!

It matters little if you bring out the silverware and crystal glasses: to welcome your guests to an unforgettable atmosphere, I recommend that you first focus on table fabrics.

As you know, I am a big fan of natural fabrics, and among them, I find linen to be the purest fiber you can choose to decorate a table: especially in summer!

In my store, or on the online shop, you will find Arte Pura’s beautiful linen tablecloths , perfect for both summer and winter!

These are extendable tablecloths with buttons and buttonholes that can also be combined with pieces of different shades. With Arte Pura’s stunning linen tablecloth you can dress long or smaller tables: just add one tablecloth after another and connect them with the elegant agoya buttons.

The napkins, mind you, must be strictly cloth. You can choose tone-on-tone linen napkins decorated with delightful custom napkin rings, or create contrasts by choosing from the rich collection Pure Art colors by Daniela Dallavalle.

How to decorate a summer table

The table yes, it must be beautiful and harmonious; it must invite people to sit, to stay, not simply to eat but also to converse.
The cutlery and all its components should be laid in the right place, but the decorations should be equally functional and therefore not obstruct the faces of the diners.

After setting it, I recommend decorating a summer table in an elegant, rustic or shabby chic style, but still in a functional way. Remember that bread should be offered in dedicated baskets, such as these romantic holders from Arte Pura:

Don’t forget, especially if you are planning an outdoor summer dinner, to protect your guests from mosquitoes. To avoid spraying smelly protectors around, I recommend taking advantage of delicious citronella candles, both to protect your guests and to create an enchanting atmosphere.

Garden candles, made both unscented and with a very good hint of citronella, are handmade candles with natural wax. The fireproof bags containing the scented candles will give a very elegant look to your table and, if you choose the version with citronella fragrance, will give off a pleasant smell to keep mosquitoes and insects away.

Decorating a summer table with flowers

Ideally, for those who like to receive guests, would be to have a side table next to the main table, also with a nice tablecloth, perhaps large and square, that falls well to the sides giving a nice dramatic effect. Here we could safely lay a beautiful bouquet of flowers:
If we like tall flowers, we will complement with low points of light (candles). If we prefer the flowers in small, low, gathered bouquets, then we can accompany them with a nice tall candelabra, possibly with several fires. You can choose traditional flowers in vases or in a clear bottle, or opt for a more rustic solution by placing aromatics in the center of the table. Create bunches of sage, rosemary, mint and even basil and, after tying them with a thin string, use them to set the table in an original way.
Remember, however, to maintain the harmony of movement heights with the right balance of high and low, avoiding boring and obvious parallels.
Once the glasses are filled, on the support table we will leave the wine bottle with its ice bucket (if necessary) and the water carafe strictly in glass (remember, plastic is banned!).

Setting the table in summer: a thousand colors for a thousand styles

In this article I have tried to provide you with some ideas on how to set the summer table. The truth, however, is that there are plenty of styles to choose from when dressing one’s table in the garden. From shabby chic to elegant table, via “navy” and “country” table. If you’re not sure about style, I’ll reveal a trick that always works: “less is more!” All it takes is a few balanced touches and no more than two matching colors and you’re done! With table linens from Arte Pura, you can choose from many natural colors to customize tablecloths and napkins to fit your chosen style.