A Casual Summer Table Inspired by Island Daydreams

Welcome to a tropical escape, powered by island daydreams and the memory of palm trees swaying in the breeze! Or at least to my summer table where all the above formed the design. I'm delighted to be joining a wonderful group of tablescape designers for a seasonal blog hop spotlighting summer style. You'll want to explore each of their tables listed near the end of this post.

 

       

I wanted to capture both the lighthearted fun of summer and memories of some unforgettable vacations. I immediately imagined a tropical paradise with a little bit of Hawaii, some of Key West, and a dash of the Bahamas, Jamaica and Martinique, all of which my husband and I have been lucky to visit.

 

    

I eagerly chose these salad plates that convey the anticipation of island exploration and the lovely hues that water takes on in the Caribbean. They sit on deep green dinner plates that echo that of palm trees. Open weave rattan chargers provide casual support to the plates.

 

Underneath them all is this charming palm tree cloth with its unusual pinkish coral background. It seemed the perfect choice although it's not actually a tablecloth but a bolt of fabric that I've had in my closet for about fifteen years, intending to make something out of it. 

 

          

I happened to have ombré coral/pink napkins to bring the "tablecloth's" color to the place settings and held them with woven napkin rings. The place settings at the ends of the table have salad plates from a different pattern — these have a leaf design that ties them to the other salad plates and to the palm tree fronds.

 

       

I could have used my iced tea glasses that are etched with palm trees, but I chose other stemware instead because they have simpler lines that wouldn't compete with the other palm designs. The wine glasses are etched with small leaves that appear to be moving gently. The iced tea glasses have lovely blue stems that call back to the azure seas. The latter were used most recently in A Charm of Finches for a Late Spring Table Setting and Year of the Fire Horse. 

  

 

Down the middle of the table runs an open centerpiece that allows the free flow of conversation.

 

         

At the end by the windows where the sun first enters the house in the mornings, I placed a metal sculpture of palm trees in front of the rising sun. 

 

The middle section contains hand-carved and stained wooden palm trees flanked by ceramic candlesticks sporting large leaves on an architectural column. I thought they made a compatible addition to the palms.

 

      

At the other end of the table stands another metal sculpture, simpler this time with only two trees. "Sea glass" sits beneath both sets of trees which are hand-cut from steel.

 

   

Seashell necklaces are entwined with traditional Hawaiian leis made of polished, dried seeds of kukui trees. They symbolize peace and protection. Kukui "nuts" come in a variety of natural colors: black, brown, cream/blond and marbled.

 

Between the candles are found the kinds of things that wash up on beaches: driftwood, pieces of coral and shells of many kinds. But not these since they are ceramic reproductions!

 

    

The necklaces however are strung of real shells.

 

   

My island daydreams are taking root!

 

I wanted to add to the vcacation vibes a bit more so I crafted a half dozen votive holders, one for each place setting, and filled them with battery-operated candles. I used ribbon, raffia, copper wire, wood and "sea glass" beads, and faux leaves.

 

     

I don't expect them to last forever, so I made them the easy way. I removed the labels but not the sticky residue, so that the wide ribbon could somewhat adhere to the jars along with doubled-over clear tape. Thin raffia ribbon tied in a cute bow further keeps it secure. I strung the beads on the copper wire and looped them around the jars just under the top lip, then stuck a leaf under the ribbon. Voilà!

 

      

 I think it's delightfully summery!

 

     

It's a table where daydreams of relaxing days and leisurely evening walks along the beach can be shared, along with good food and, perhaps, tropical cocktails. Not to mention iced tea which no Southern table is without!

 

I thought I'd share evening shots lit only be candlelight.

 

 

I want to thank Rita from Panoply who organizes these seasonal blog hops for all of us. I'm sure you will find marvelous ideas for setting your Summer table in the wide array of tablescape styles listed below. Come, take a look! Which ones will intrigue and inspire you? 

🌴Panoply - Happy 250th Birthday, America!

🌴Home is Where the Boat Is - Oh My Stars & Stripes

🌴Hyacinths for the Soul - Celebrate With a Patriotic Heart

🌴Olla-Podrida - Night of the Iguana Tablescape

🌴Everyday Living - America is 250: Let's Celebrate!

🌴Me and My Captain - Belmont Stakes, The Last Race of Triple Crown

🌴The Cats Whiskerz - A Gardener's Tablescape

🌴Pandora's Box - Summer Patriotic Tablescape and Kitchen Cart

🌴Life and Linda - A Whimsical Elegant Pastel Summer Table

🌴The Bookish Dilettante - Tablescape for America 250

🌴My Thrift Store Addiction - Summer Serenity in the Garden: Elegant Breakfast For One

🌴Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Celebrating America's Favorite Pastime

🌴Thrifting Wonderland - Searching for Summer: A Thrifted Tablescape

🌴Red Cottage Chronicles - From Antiquing to Dinner: A Simple Summer Gathering with Friends

🌴Dinner at Eight - A Casual Summer Table Inspired by Island Daydreams

🌴Mantel and Table - Blue and White Tablescape - How to Enjoy a Beautiful Summer 

Table details 

Salad plates | Lenox 'Colonial Tradewind'

Dinner plates | Williams Sonoma 'Garden Lattice'

Metal and wood palm trees | Etsy creators 

Ceramic candlesticks | Bordallo Pinheiro

Iced tea glasses | Schott-Zwiesel 'Conte Sapphire'

Wine glasses | Libbey Glass 'Windswept'

   

Shared with these fun parties!  

Talking About It Tuesdays    

Tuesday Twirl