Al Fresco Tabletop for Your Summer Oasis

We are fully into summer now, which means a lot of backyard gatherings in our Midwest oasis!? Now, I do have a biases to the outdoors being from California and I know sometimes summers out here don’t feel like an oasis, but I will not give up! Together, with a team of creatives we set this stunning table escape in the gardens of Allerton.

|1| Select your inspirational linen. In selecting the hydrangea linen called, Garden Oasis, I wanted the surrounding flowers to be a part of the dining experience. Also, the bright colors of blue, pink, green and orange brought a lightness & happiness to the setting.

|2| Find florals that will bring alive your overall inspiration. I worked with the florist to take the surroundings to the next level…making the flowers from the linen become 2D. As if growing from the gardens itself onto the table, she matched the color perfectly!

|3| |Select china, flatware and glassware that will be the final piece that brings the tabletop together. I envisioned the guests sitting around the table as a group of longtime friends who find comfort in the traditions of Allerton, but intrigued by the modern of something new.

Oh, and one more bonus tip! Don’t forget about the stationery. When guests come to sit at your table, they are there for a full sensory experience. Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, and TOUCH! 

Remember, as the hostess, of your family gathering creating a simple & easy experience for your guests is the priority.

Here is my vendor rundown: Blue Dragonfly Catering, Flowers by Kristine, BBJ Linen, Create A Scene and A.P. Calligraphy. Bonus vendors! Anthropologie (glassware) and Crate & Barrell (plateware and flatware).

Cheers, to celebrating summer together!

Photo Credit: Lisa Shreffler Photography