Summer is coming! Temperatures are rising and I'm planning ways to stay cool during the long, lazy days of summer. One carefree way to enjoy simmering days and leisurely evenings is to surround myself in the cool blues of summer.
I'm excited to share my carefree table with you today, doubly so because I'm joining a group of very talented table stylists in a seasonal blog hop arranged by Rita of Panoply. You'll find links to all their fabulous designs at the end of this post.
Whether you're a regular visitor or are coming from the blog hop —
Welcome!
I've set the breakfast table that sits between the kitchen and the
family room. This is where we eat most of our casual meals, frequently
joined by family or friends. I love the colors and design of the mosaic
table; sometimes though, the design can be challenging for tablescaping.
Today I've used a runner and matching napkins that contain colors that complement the table's. I then added rattan chargers with looping edges that mimic the mosaic waves as the base for the plates.
I selected blue dinner plates with a trellis design that relates to both the chargers and the flowers in the table linens. I often use these plates, particularly in garden-themed tables such as Thoughts of Pansies for Spring.
They were topped by salad plates featuring baskets of flowers and fruits. They still feel new to me although I've had them for a couple of years.
Beautiful vintage stemware in a pastel blue are etched in cascading flowers on the bowls. A favorite of mine because of their graceful shapes, they've added sparkle to a number of tables, such as Spring Tablescape with Azaleas and Birds.
The meadow flowers on the linens are perfect examples of a carefree summer! These pretty napkins and runner were a wonderful gift from my daughter. Of course I chose an enameled flower — in this case dogwood — to hold the napkins.
The easy centerpiece consists of a vase of faux flowers on a majolica platter — a centerpiece that would look lovely all summer long, simply changing the flowers as needed. I've added fruit in glass bowls that are in the shape of a rose (lower) and a dogwood (upper). They are a pretty echo of the other flowers.
Strawberry plants cover the center of the platter, surrounded by a textural basket weave.
And adorable birds perch on the edge! I don't remember how long I've had the platter, but this is the first time I've used it this way.
Besides the summer, blues can be found throughout my house in all seasons. The relatively new area rug beneath the breakfast table connects with the blue walls in the family room as do the newly recovered chair seats.
The pinkish hue of the peonies amplifies that of the wildflowers on the runner beneath. I've also included blue agapanthus and several white flowers. The pastel shades will be a refreshing counterpoint to the climbing temps outside.
The flowers are displayed in a gorgeous hand-blown glass vase that I bought from the artisan many years ago when I still lived in Ohio. It has moved with me ever since.
Thanks to Rita of Panoply and my tablescaping friends for this wonderful Summer Tablescape Blog Hop — please click on each title below to explore all their marvelous ideas!
Home is Where the Boat Is - Lakeside Table with Thistle and Bees
Hyacinths for the Soul - Marching Into Summer
Everyday Living - A Garden Table to Welcome Summer
Pandora's Box - A Berry Good Brunch
Celebrating Everyday Life - Poolside Patriotic Party
Life and Linda - Adventure in the Skies
The Cat's Whizkerz - Come Sail Away
My Thrift Store Addiction - Heavenly Honeysuckle Picnic in the Garden
The Little Yellow Corner Store - What is Growing in the Garden Tablescape
Belle Bleu Interiors - A Quiet Summer's Afternoon
Dinner at Eight - Summertime Blues on a Carefree Table
Thrifting Wonderland - Summertime...Living is Easy
Olla-Podrida - A Patriotic Tablescape
Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Summer With a Cherry on Top
Mantel and Table - A Beautiful Red Table Setting - Roses Make It Easy
The Bookish Dilettante - Americana Tablescape for Summer
Thanks for joining me today for a carefree table in the cool blues of summertime!
Table details
Runner and napkins | Maison D'Hermine 'Colmar'
Dinner plates | Block 'Blue Skies'
Salad plates | Lenox 'Autumn Studio'
Stemware | Fostoria 'Navarre'
* Table details are provided for identification/information only. Dinner at Eight does not receive any type of compensation.
Shared with these delightful parties:
The first thing that caught my eye is your stemware! So delicate and lovely! Your table is quite welcoming and I would enjoy being a guest! Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patti! I love using the stemware.
DeleteOh Sandra – those glasses!! My heart did a little dance the second I saw them, and I scrolled down fast for the closeup! I could write my whole comment about them, but I’ll force myself to move on – because your salad plates are lovely too! Well, it’s all lovely, and I think you handled the pattern of the table itself very well! It makes a complete picture. And so inviting. I wish I could pop over there for a leisurely breakfast! Hope you get many of them yourself this summer! Wonderful hopping with you, as always!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara! I had so much fun searching for these in every vintage store and antique mall I happened to visit. They come in clear and pink as well, but I'm crazy about the blue ones. I'm so glad you enjoyed the whole picture!
DeleteSandra, that stemware is beautiful and I love your pretty blue table setting!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cecilia, I'm glad you enjoyed this!
DeleteSandra, I have to agree with everyone else. The vintage stemware is gorgeous! It looks so lovely with the pretty floral plates and your runner and napkins. Your mosaic table is gorgeous! It is always a treat to hop with you. I hope that you have a wonderful summer! Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shannon! The stemware is special and I liked how it went with the other elements.
DeleteWhat a cheerful and adorable table! I love everything so much that it’s hard to single out one particular thing. I love the placemats/chargers. Those wonderful scalloped edges give off such a delicate feel. Your dinnerware is phenomenal. Particularly the salad plates on top. They remind me very much of Italian tile that we had imported to use in the backsplash of the kitchen at our former house. I loved that tile so much. When we sold the house, we learned that the new owner painted it all white. Can you imagine?! Really lovely. I would love to dine here with you.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Pattie! I'm very glad the table spoke to you. I thought the plates had an Italianate flair too. I cannot imagine painting gorgeous tile!!
DeleteSandra, you did a remarkable job of blending your linens and tabletop elements with the mosaic pattern of your table. Before the table elements, let me say I love your new rug and chair covers. They're beautiful shades of blue. Your trellis dinner plates in blue are just gorgeous. I know I can always count on you to select beautiful glassware too. Your stems on the table are so delicately patterned. The art glass vase is a beauty. I just visited our Blenko Visitors' Center this past week and chose a few art glass vases by one of the glassblowers there (not a Blenko produced item, but showcased for the blower on premises). Your majolica platter in the center is unique! I love the basketweave and birds on either side - very special!
ReplyDeleteThank you for participating in our summer hop. I'd love sharing time at your table as a guest.
Thanks so much, Rita, for all your lovely comments. Since I like the color blue so much I tend to acquire items in various shades that end up being complementary. I've heard that the glass show is returning to town so I'm looking forward to finding new things. In the past they've had a nice selection of Blenko glass.
DeleteRita, thanks again for organizing these wonderful blog hops!
DeleteSandra, your mosaic table is lovely with your floral plates. The stemware is gorgeous in that lovely blue color.the art glass vase is so pretty. Your new rug and chair covers are wonderful. Always feels good to refresh. Happy summer Sandra.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! I've had the art glass so long I tend to overlook it (though it's always out in the open!). It does feel good to refresh and spring/summer is a great time to do it. Hope you enjoy the summer months ahead.
DeleteI love your table, first of all...it is so pretty. I also love the delicate little details, like your stemware, the dogwood napkin rings, and the little birds on your majolica platter (is that a cake plate?). The linens are pretty, too. I also like your new rug and how it blends nicely with your upholstered chairs. The older I get the more I love blue. Very pretty table, and I hope you have a happy summer!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ricki! We have really enjoyed the table over the years, both the colors and movement it brings to the area. I imagine the majolica platter could be used for lots of things but the birds might require some dexterity to cut a cake on it. Enjoy your summertime!
DeleteSandra, the mosaic table looks gorgeous. I am always fascinated by your gorgeous collection of glassware. The etched blue stemware is fabulous and the art glass vase is stunning. I love majolica and your platter is lovely. The new rug and chair covers are the icing on the cake. It is always a treat to join you at the table. Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Pam! It's a struggle to pass up pretty glassware lol. I'm looking forward to the return of the glass show next month. I searched for a rug I liked that was compatible with the table for over a year -- thought I'd never find one! Enjoy your summertime.
DeleteSandra, I am also a fan of your mosaic table- I am a texture person and I love the texture it adds to the background of your pretty table. I like the way you used your bird platter as a wonderful way to show off your centerpiece. It all came together beautifully for a great table to celebrate summer around. I hope you have a wonderful sunny season!☀️🕶️
ReplyDeleteSorry- the anonymous comment above was from me- Ann
DeleteThank you, Ann, for your sweet comments! I loved the mosaic design as soon as I found it and quickly replaced the original clear glass top. I should definitely use the bird platter more often.
DeleteSandra, your mosaic table is so lovely and a work of art in itself. You managed to work with it with your lovely delicate floral runner and napkins to enhance the beauty of both. The choice of using blue was so calming. Of course, I am among all of the others who are in love with your blue vintage stemware. They are absolutely gorgeous and I am sure can be used in many tablescapes opportunities. You certainly can recognize beautiful pieces of art with your artisian handmade blue vase. Such a wonderful purchase. I definitely noticed your lovely platter with the blue bird. I love any platters or plates which offer a protruding ceramic piece to it. I have one with ceramic veggies, but I love your beautiful bird.) It makes the details even more special. Have a great summer, Sandra. See you again in Fall.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Marsha! The garden and blue skies that you can see from the table always inspire me with themes and colors. I'm pleased that you enjoyed all the table elements -- I firmly believe useful doesn't need to be boring. Hope you enjoy the months ahead!
DeleteSandra, Your mosaic table is stunning and almost too pretty to cover up with dishes and stemware! I remember your pretty fruit and flower basket plates and your majolica platter with birds makes a beautiful centerpiece. You have the most gorgeous collection of stemware. So happy to join you at the table hop you again. Wishing you a Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary! The table makes a wonderful backdrop that encourages me to set tablescapes that work off its design. I'm pleased with the way this one came together. Enjoy your summertime until the next hop!
DeleteOne of the best things about summer is relaxed dining. It was a joy to see your mosaic table and how you styled it for this relaxed luncheon. The stemware is such a pretty accent in high blue with a vining floral design that works well with your plates. The runner and the neutral rattan placemats are lovely with the mosaic background. the simple centerpiece was perfect with the rest of the design. Wishing you a wonderful summer.
ReplyDeleteLynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Thanks so much, Lynne! Once I decided on the runner and napkins with the wildflowers the table came together quickly with tableware I already had. Enjoy summertime!
DeleteSandra, I can see how the mosaic table might present some challenges when styling a tablescape but you married the two beautifully! The vase you chose for the centerpiece is lovely and the flowers are so pretty; the majolica platter with those sweet birds is perfect for showcasing them. The napkins and table runner are light and airy, and the pretty salads look wonderful on the trellis dinner plates, and the rattan chargers add texture and interest. Of course the crowning jewel is that gorgeous vintage stemware! It was great hopping with you and I hope you have a most wonderful summer!
ReplyDeleteKim, thanks so much for your lovely comments! I usually resort to a tablecloth or solid placemats to blend with or totally cover the table, but I’m glad I tried something different this time. Next came the platter and voila! Enjoy your summertime
DeleteSandra, it's a lovely setting on the mosaic topped table! The meadow flowered linens to reflect a carefree summer! What a special gift from your daughter. The enameled flower napkin ring is the perfect compliment. Like others, the blue stem ware is a show stopper. Thanks for sharing this beautifully set table. Happy Summer!.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah! My daughter has great taste and I’m the lucky recipient of it. The enameled napkin rings were a gift to myself lol. The stemware is even lovelier in person. Have a wonderful summer!
DeleteWhat a beautiful table setting! I love those blue drinking glasses.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy! The glassware really sparkle in person. I’m glad you stopped by
DeleteSandra, your “Summertime Blues” table is absolutely stunning. That soft color palette is one of my favorites, and you wove it through every detail with such care. It feels serene, fresh, and so inviting. Love, love, love! 💙🌼
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jennifer! I love the cool blues when the temps heat up. Have a wonderful summer!
DeleteThat is such a pretty tablescape. I love those basket & fruit plates!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanne! I fell for the plates as soon as I saw them. Happy summertime!
Delete