Citrus Inspired Summer Tablescape

Can you believe that the summer is almost over?!  For the last few weeks of summer, I like to display my lemon decor.  Something about lemon yellow screams summer to me!  So today, let’s set the table and put together a citrus inspired summer tablescape.

This will probably be the last of the summer styled posts… soon all these lemons are going to turn into pumpkins around the Sweet Southern Oaks household!  So, to celebrate the end of the summer, this citrus tablescape is perfect!  It’s a bright, bold and festive tablescape using items I mainly already had around the house!  For your convenience, this post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure policy here.  Thanks for supporting Sweet Southern Oaks!

Let’s get started on setting the table.

How to Put Together a Tablescape

• Decide on a theme and color palette: Having a theme or color in mind makes decorating easy and fun!  Our theme for the tablescape is summer and citrus, so I’ll be pulling together lots of happy yellow into the tablescape.
• Get Inspired: You can check out blogs, magazines, Pinterest and Instagram to get inspired.  Use your keywords to search for what you’re putting together.  Hey, maybe you found my little corner of the internet using some keywords for putting together a tablescape! 😉
• Shop around your house: This means that you’ll gather items to use within your tablescape.  Pull out dishes, silverware, linens – anything that makes you feel inspired – use it!
• Put it together:  Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through my thought process that I use each time for putting together a tablescape.  With these tips, you’re going to have a beautiful tablescape in no time!  🙂  So let’s get started!

Step One: Pick a Theme and Color Palette

We’ve already talked about this, but the first thing I do when creating a tablescape {really any decor!} is decide on a theme.  Once I have that picked out, it’s easy to narrow down a color palette.  I like to always incorporate a soft pop of aqua blue when possible, because it’s one of my favorite colors, so I have a lot of stuff in this color.  I’m a nerd and make a list and this is how I plan all the things! 😉

• Tablescape Theme: Summer + Citrus
• Color Palette: Yellows + Green + Pop of Aqua?
• Decor: Citrus fruits

Step Two:  Work Backwards then Make a List

You’ve decided your tablescape theme, so think about what you’ll need to create it.  I work backwards here – meaning I gather items I may use for the tablescape first and then decide if I need to go out and buy something.  Anything that can blend in with my color palette and theme gets pulled.  Dishes, linens, florals, silverware, cups – I pull it all out!  While some things may not get used, I’ve shopped the house and know what I already have to creating a tablescape.  From there I make a list of any other supplies I may need to buy in order to pull the tablescape together.  Consider adding any other props to your tablescape such a cookies or a drink that you may need to buy while making your list.

• Dishes: Yellow Plates {I already had from my fall tablescape}
• Chargers: Jute Chargers {I already had}
• Linens: Tablecloth – White  + Linens – Aqua Blue {I already had each of these items}
• Centerpiece: Citrus Centerpiece
• Items I need to buy: Grapefruit, Limes and Oranges {this was from creating the citrus centerpiece.}

Step Three: Putting Together a Citrus Inspired Summer Tablescape

1. The first thing to go on my table is the tablecloth.  A basic white tablecloth is a great investment for your tablescapes because it can go with any holiday or themed decor.
2. Next, add your chargers to create the first layer of your table setting.  I’m using these jute chargers that I picked up a few months ago, but any chargers would work!  You can find affordable chargers at places like Old Time Pottery, Homegoods and TJ Maxx.  Buying chargers in neutral color tones will allow for you to use them in so many of tablescapes!  Don’t forget that you can also pick up chargers from the local dollar store and easily transform them to also match your decor!
3. The next layer of the table setting is the dishes!  I’m using these yellow plates that I bought for my fall tablescape last year.  If you don’t have yellow plates like me then use what you have!  I feel like white dishes are pretty common for most households; and they can easily go with any tablescape, too.  If you want to layer the smaller dessert dish on your table setting, those would be placed next.
4. Now it’s time to add the linens.  I used these aqua napkins that I’ve had for a long time.  Any linen napkin that goes with your theme will do!  For the linens, I folded them in thirds and then folded it once more.  For my napkin rings, I used these mini grapevine wreaths and threaded the napkin into the mini wreaths, then fluffed it a little. You could always tie the napkin with a piece of string or ribbon instead!  I had some extra forsythia flowers from my centerpiece, so I added them on top of the napkins in order to tie the napkins together, and I like the added depth and texture this adds.  If you don’t have napkin rings, fold the napkin in thirds and lay it over the top plate.  Get creative!
5. Now would be the time to add your silverware.  I didn’t add any silverware to this tablescape, but if I did, I would have gone for a casual, basic table setting.  The fork goes on the left of the plate; with the knife and spoon to the right of the plate.
6. Finally, it’s time to add the centerpiece!  I used my summer citrus centerpiece and went with the doughbowl option for my tablescape.  Since you’ve gathered items, use some of the things that you have.  Think about candlesticks, jars or small vases with flowers – get creative!

Now you’re ready to enjoy that last days of summer and entertaining your guests!  Do you like to have guests over for summer entertaining?

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