How to Style a Summer Dinner Party
My approach to summer entertaining is rooted in simplicity. Unlike the holidays, when I’m inclined to pull out all the stops, a summer dinner party feels more relaxed with fresh, seasonal food and casual conversation. This summer, Quinn and I have been traveling to the lake house often, but when we’ve got an open night, I like to invite friends for a spontaneous weeknight meal. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—just a simple grill out is our usual game plan. I set the table with some pretty linens, arrange flowers in vintage vessels, and let the seasonal menu speak for itself. July can get unbearably hot here in Austin, so I set this summer dinner party indoors, but it would also work al fresco. Just add string lights and citronella candles for ambiance once the sun goes down.
How to Style a Summer Dinner Party
My Design Playbook
Every table design needs a point of inspiration, and these red french lattice napkins were mine. The pattern gave me modern summer picnic vibes, so I used that idea to guide the rest of the setting. The goal was to incorporate some pattern play, so I sourced this cotton tablecloth with a pretty motif. The placemats brought a touch of softness with a coastal blue binding and subtly waved silhouette to round out the look.
Once the table linens were in place, it was time to focus on plates, flatware, and florals. I used a set of grey plates (similar style) to bring some neutral balance alongside classic stainless flatware. There was already a lot of color and pattern involved, so it was important to keep things simple with the tableware. As a finishing touch, I arranged garden flowers in vintage glass vases as a nod to the elevated picnic inspiration. I even added a colander of fresh cherries for everyone to snack on while dinner cooked on the grill.
Summer Dinner Party
Set The Table
Plates (similar)
Berry Basket (similar + use code Anastasia15 to save)
Dining Chairs (use code Anastasia15 to save)
Colander (use code Anastasia15 to save)
Glass Flower Vases: Vintage
RECIPE IDEA
Watermelon, Cucumber, Avocado, and Feta Salad
This quilt-style salad is always a crowd-pleaser when I’m hosting a summer dinner party. It requires no actual cooking, and everything (minus the avocados) can be cut up in advance. I top the salad with lemon juice, sea salt, mint, and balsamic glaze as guests arrive and serve immediately.
Ingredients:
- 1 small watermelon
- 1 cucumber
- 1 avocado
- 1 block of feta
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- sea salt
- handful of fresh mint
- balsamic glaze
Directions:
– Cube each ingredient into 1/2 inch squares
– Arrange in random order, following a grid
– Generously sprinkle fresh mint
– Squeeze the juice from half a lemon over top
– Top with coarse sea salt
– Drizzle with balsamic glaze
Table Design & Styling: The Interior Collective | Photography: Madeline Harper
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY
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