Summertime Gardens for the Table

Hello! What says summer to you? For me it's the long hours of daylight that energize the garden. So I've chosen gardens as my theme for today's summer tablescape blog hop where I'm joining a wonderful group of stylists who'll inspire you with the variety of their designs celebrating this season. Organized by Rita of Panoply, all nineteen participants in the blog hop are listed at the end of this post with links to their tablescapes.

I chose lovely linens bedecked with summer flowers as the base for the table setting. The flowers are primarily pinks and lavenders with an array of different types and colors of leaves. I was lucky to receive the runner and napkins as a gift from my sister. 

   

The place settings begin with woven rattan chargers that remind me of chrysanthemums! They provide both pattern and texture as do the magnolia leaf placemats on two sides of the table. 

 

Continuing the focus on texture, the handles of the flatware are ridged like columns, while the dinner and salad plates are rimmed with intricate reliefs. Because the plates themselves don't boast a floral design, I tucked mini 'bouquets' under the plates. You may remember them as napkin rings in An Everyday Table.

 

I chose interesting glasses for their color that plays off the lavenders in the linens and stems etched in abstract leaf designs. I often select vintage glassware because I love the variety of shapes, colors and surface treatments that bring a one-of-a-kind feel to tables.

 

The purple iced tea glasses are a perfect match in color and intensity to the glass plates that were a gift from my husband 'just because'.

And now for the centerpiece arrangement! These are the real 'summertime gardens' on the table! For a number of years I collected miniature handmade models of real English cottages and scenes. I was entranced by their charming architecture and especially their gardens. 

  

I was particularly drawn to the cottages with thatched roofs and houses made of stone with slate roofs.

  

The plants are rendered realistically enough to determine the types of flowers!

Ten years ago we visited England and spent some time in Bath and Oxford. I was delighted to find that these types of houses were still seen in villages and alongside roadways while driving.

   

Each one boasts fascinating details and unique elements.

Although the public gardens in the UK were beautiful, I really loved the private gardens attached to homes. I combed through my photos for a couple of representative pictures of both types.

  

I love the subtle design etched into the rim of the glass plates.

  

Some of the houses include figures, like this mother and child in front of a half-timbered house.

   

I understand that you can find the original houses in many cases. They also made replicas of houses from northern England and Scotland.

 

  These arches and windows are so pretty! (First the side view, then the back.)

     

By using your collections as inspiration, you can style your tables in ways uniquely your own. And spark lively conversations as you enjoy the company of your friends and family.
 

  

  

 

   

Thank you for joining me today whether you are a returning friend or are new to Dinner at Eight, and a special thanks to Rita for organizing this blog hop. I'm sure you will find marvelous ideas for setting your summer table in the tablescapes listed below!

 

Panoply - Summer Meadow Bistro Tablescape

Hyacinths for the Soul - Summer Whimsy Tablescape

Home is Where the Boat Is - Stars and Stripes Alfresco Tablescape

Everyday Living - Say Hello To Summer With a Garden Tablescape

The Bookish Dilettante - Red, White and Blue Summertime Tablescape

My Thrift Store Addiction - Flower Fairies in the Garden Summer Tablescape

Life and Linda - A Margaritaville Party

The Cat's Whiskerz - A Tropical Tablescape for Summer

The Little Yellow Corner Store - A Fourth of July Tablescape - A Star Performance

Pandora's Box - Pineapple Delight

Thrifting Wonderland - Morning Tea in the Garden

Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Summer Road Trip

The Painted Apron - Summer Sea Shells

Red Cottage Chronicles - Summer Afternoon Tea Party Ideas

Dinner at Eight - Summertime Gardens for the Table

Belle Bleu Interiors - An Early Summer Tablescape in the Garden

Celebrating Everyday Life - Simple Homespun Patriotic Table Decor

Mantel and Table - A Summer Pink Tablescape - Beautiful Indulgence for One

Me and My Captain - Small Backyard Space? Come Sit By Me

   

Table details

Table linens | Williams-Sonoma

Dinner, salad plates | Villeroy & Boch  'Manoir'

Iced tea glasses | Fostoria 'Classic Amethyst'

Wine glasses | Fostoria 'Holly Clear'

Miniature houses | Lilliput Lane

* Table details are provided for identification/information only. Dinner at Eight is not affiliated with nor compensated by any other entity.