Tabletop
Brighten your outdoor table with fabric: We love this idea from Lonny by David Stark that uses leftover fabric to cover lanterns and a vase. With a bit "of paint, Mod Podge, and handkerchief-sized textiles, they transformed three standard decor pieces into a vibrant tablescape that begs for a sunny patio."
1. DIY fabric-covered vase & lanterns. (via Lonny)
Summery straw: Our raffia runner adds another touch of summer to this tablescape from domino. Add coordinating raffia bowls and baskets to complete the look.
2. A summery straw tablescape.
Striped Tray: "Dress a serving tray or two in jaunty stripes. All-purpose galvanized trays from garden centers make great candidates for outdoor entertaining -- they're inexpensive and sturdy enough to withstand years of use." – Martha Stewart Living
3. A striped zinc tray for serving.
Summer Flowers
The formula for a pretty summer flower arrangement: 2 flowers, 2 colors + a vase in one of those colors. HGTV Magazine originally used green hydrangeas and pink garden roses in our green linen ceramic vase, but try them in our verdigris glass cylinder for a unique color combo with a pop of pink, or in the teal version of this vase.
4. Summer flowers: 2 flowers, 2 colors, + a vase in one of those colors.
Tricks
River stone paperweights: "Pretty paper goods are no match for an unruly summer breeze at an outdoor party. River rocks help keep plates and napkins where they belong."
5. River rock paperweights. (via Martha Stewart)
R is for Rocks: Wrap colorful yarn around a river stone to use as a napkin, balloon, or blanket weight when partying outside, or use easy-to-bend aluminum wire to make a photo holder for your child's first birthday party.
6. R is for Rocks: Decorated paperweight and photo holder.
Food
Make seashell toothpicks that are perfect for serving shrimp or other small bites at your summer party; and they add that "beachy vibe."
7. Seashell toothpicks for serving summer bites. (via Martha Stewart)
What's for dessert? Martha adds marcona almonds dipped in chocolate to store-bought coffee ice cream and serves the sweet treat in our yellow and pink glass bowls.
8. Dessert: Coffee ice cream with chocolate dipped marcona almonds.
Party Lights
Mood lighting: A prefilled votive between two Lion's Paw shells set in a tray with sand, brings another touch of the seashore to your summer decor.
9. Mood lighting: Seashell votive holders.
The magic of candlelight: Add a glow to your garden party by arranging tea lights in similar mini lanterns and terra-cotta pots clustered in groups for a big impact.
10. Tea lights in tiny lanterns & terra cotta pots.
THE SOURCES 1. Fabric covered lanterns & vase, Lonny. 2. Summery straw tablescape, domino. 3. Striped tray, Martha Stewart. 4. Summer flower arrangement, HGTV. 5. River rock paperweights, Martha Stewart. 6. R is for Rocks, Parents. 7. Seashell toothpicks in poached shrimp, Martha Stewart. 8. Dessert in pink & yellow glass bowls, Martha Stewart Living. 9. Seashell votive holders, Martha Stewart. 10. Lanterns & terra cotta pots, Real Simple.