With the summer holidays finally here, there’s still time to spice up your dining table game before the kids go back to school in September. So get ready to host epic gatherings with your family and friends around a dining table that screams summer vibes.
In this blog, we’re serving up five awesome summer dining table decor ideas for your dining room or kitchen. From chill coastal elegance to rad rustic garden retreats, these ideas will have your dining area looking and feeling like the ultimate summer hangout.
1. Coastal Vibes
Get your coastal groove on with a totally rad coastal elegance theme. Picture soft, chilled colours and natural textures that remind you of those summer beach days. Start with a clean white tablecloth, add some placemats in ocean-blue or seafoam green for those good beachy feels.
Table Centrepiece: Shells and Flowers
For the centrepiece, gather some cool seashells and pair them with fresh flowers from your garden to add a touch of summer’s beauty. Daisies, hydrangeas or some sea lavender will set the perfect summery mood. The combination of shells and flowers will exude a tranquil and sophisticated charm. It’s like bringing the beach right into your dining room.
Coastal Grandmother vs. Coastal Cowgirl
A fierce battle for the hearts & homes of summer 2023 is currently raging between two interior design trends – coastal grandmother and coastal cowgirl. Each style is vying for the spotlight on social media, and homeowners everywhere are caught in the midst of this epic showdown.
For a timeless beach house charm, the coastal grandmother-themed dining room is all about soft pastel colours, floral patterns, weathered wood furniture, cosy cushioned seating and vintage beach decor.
On the other hand, the coastal cowgirl trend combines elements of the wild west, such as cowhide rugs and leather accents, with beach-inspired details like seashell accessories and ocean-themed artwork. Playful touches like cowgirl hats as decor, bootlace ties on the chairs and a mix of coastal and western-inspired tableware create a lively and spirited dining space.
Sponge cake or saddle up, the decision is yours!
2. Tropical Paradise
If the coastal look isn’t your thing, why not go for a party island style with a tropical paradise setup. Think bold colours and exotic vibes that will transport you to a far-out island getaway. Slap on a groovy tablecloth with tropical patterns and mix up some wild dinnerware with palm leaves or sweet floral designs.
Table Centrepiece: Potted Palms
Grab some potted palm plants or other tropical greens and set them up like an island jungle in the middle of your table. You’ll feel like you’re dining in a tropical oasis. Throw in a couple of pineapples or coconuts for that extra tropical touch.
“In addition to floral bouquets, consider incorporating palm leaves into your summer home,” agrees Hallie Milstein at Southern Living Magazine. “A fanned-out palm leaf adds a tropical ambience and looks stunning in a vase or arranged on its own.”[1]
3. Rustic Garden
If you’re all about that down-to-earth countryside charm, a rustic garden retreat is for you. Get a rustic wooden or linen table runner for that earthy touch, and keep it real with some vintage-style dinnerware in mellow cream or beige.
Table Centrepiece: Garden Flowers and Mason Jars
Here’s where your own garden shines! Pick those blooming flowers like sunflowers, daffodils or lavender, and arrange them in mason jars for a totally charming homegrown centrepiece. Toss in a few pebbles or acorns for that extra touch of nature.
“I prefer flowers to be quite low on a dining table so that you can easily see and speak to your guests,” states legendary British interior designer Nina Campbell. “For evening meals you could also place candles which bring a warm, ambient glow and never fail to make a dinner party feel special.”[2]
4. Citrus Fiesta
For a burst of summer energy, go all out with a citrus fiesta theme. Get a tablecloth in sunny lemon yellow or tangy orange to set the tone for a zesty dining experience. Mix it up with colourful dinnerware in citrus shades to keep the fiesta going.
Table Centrepiece: Citrus Fruit Bonanza
Grab a bunch of lemons, limes and oranges and show ’em off in a decorative bowl or a wicked tiered stand. It’s like a burst of summery colours right on your table, and that fruity aroma is pure bliss.
“Small things like block print tablecloths, colourful glasses and bamboo cutlery are in for summer 2023,” reveals London interior designer Rosanna Bossom.[3]
5. Modern Garden Chic
For those who dig modern vibes, this garden chic setup is the way to roll. Get a sleek and minimalist tablecloth in a mellow tone like soft grey or neutral beige. Keep it classy with modern dinnerware sporting clean lines and subtle patterns.
Table Centrepiece: Terrarium Garden
Get yourself a glass container and fill it with a mix of succulents and tiny potted plants. It’s like a mini garden right there in the centre, adding a cool touch of greenery and modern charm.
KEY TAKEAWAYS ABOUT STYLING A SUMMER DINING TABLE
The DOs For Epic Summer Dining Tables
• Comfort First, My Friend – Make sure those dining chairs are comfy. We wanna sit back and relax during those long summer meals.
• Keep It Cool with Light Colours – Choose light and mellow colours for your tablecloth, placemats and napkins. Think chill sky blue, mint green or laid-back pale yellow to set that summer mood.
• Add Some Fresh Blooms – Spice up your dining table with fresh flowers straight outta your garden. Grab those daisies, hydrangeas or sea lavender to bring in that natural beauty.
• Set the Table with Light and Fresh Stuff – Use light and refreshing tableware, like clear glass dishes or simple white plates. Let the food shine and keep it fuss-less.
• Stay Hydrated – Keep a jug of ice-cold water infused with lemon, mint or cucumber on deck. Keep everyone refreshed and ready to party!
The DON’Ts For Epic Summer Dining Tables
• No Heavy and Dark Stuff – Ditch those heavy fabrics and dark colours for your table. We’re all about those breezy summer vibes, not a gloomy winter feel.
• Don’t Get Too Formal – Keep it casual and relaxed. No need to get all fancy with the table settings. We’re here to chill and enjoy, not be all stiff.
• Skip Heavy and Rich Foods – Keep the menu light and fresh. Heavy stuff ain’t gonna fly in the summer heat.
• No Strong-Smelling Candles – Candles are cool, but don’t go crazy with overpowering scents. We want to smell the food, not the candles.
• Don’t Forget the Outdoor Option – If it’s nice out, take the party outside! Patio dining or backyard hangs are the bomb in the summer.
What Other Design Experts Say About Styling Your Dining Area For The Summer…
“This year, niche trends like coastal grandmother and coastal cowgirl have spread rapidly via TikTok. These variations contain the unifying thread of the coastal lifestyle – light wood tones, easy fabrics, casual but elevated living – but coastal cowgirl better represents playful Gen Z fashions while coastal grandmother is a mature, sophisticated take.”
Bryce Jones at Better Homes & Gardens
“Rugs are one of the quickest and easiest ways to completely transform any space in your home and they are an important facet of the coastal cowgirl trend. Again, you’ll want to lean into natural and neutral materials when you go to choose a rug.”
Ellis Cochrane at Ideal Home
“To add visual interest to your plant collections (both indoors and outside), introduce plant stands so that plants are set at different levels.”
Amanda Lauren at Real Simple
References:
1. ‘51 Summer Decor Ideas That Are As Hot As The Weather’ by Southern Living (May 2023)
2. ‘Interior designer Nina Campbell’s top 5 tips for laying a summer dining table’ by Homes & Gardens (June 2023)
3. ‘How to update your interiors for summer 2023 according to your fashion aesthetic’ by Hello! Fashion (May 2023)
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Which look would you choose? Share your summer dining table thoughts, questions or decor tips in the comments below!
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