How to style every summer table
What we love most this summer is the ability to re-express our creativity while having fun – we will never take quality time spent with our closest friends and family for granted. To help us make the most of our summer gatherings, we brought in pro hostess Roxy Te Owens, founder and creative director of the furniture brand. Social Society. Roxy shares her favorite (and purchasable!) Summer-inspired tables for different occasions. From picnics and poolside parties to celebrating brides and babies, these inspired backdrops with fun recipe ideas are easy to put together and chic to boot!
SWIMMING POOL PARTY
There are so many stylish options for outdoor tableware. Take it up a notch by treating your outdoor table like you’re inside when you entertain. âIf you’re entertaining outside or hosting little ones at the party, opt for a set of melamine serving dishes. This allows you to entertain yourself at ease without sacrificing style, âsays Roxy.
Those bamboo dinner plates also make a summer alternative to your outdoor party. Placing smaller vases of flowers around the table is an inexpensive way to decorate your table and keep it cheerful.
SUMMER DINNER
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âEvery successful summer evening begins with a beautiful tablecloth and durable tableware. We currently love the brightly printed linens paired with melamine serving utensils, colorful glassware, and of course, abundant flowers, âsays Roxy. Create a high-low effect with tall, narrow white cones atop gold candle holders. âA classic in our book!â Adds Roxy.
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Don’t forget your signature cocktail. “The last thing you want to do at your own party is get stuck behind the bar! Stock up on what you need to serve the classics and a signature cocktail. It’s our summer drink of choice!” Roxy said.
CUCUMBER BASIL SMASH GIN COCKTAIL
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lime
- 1 basil leaf
- 2-3 slices of cucumber
- 2 ounces of gin
- 4-5 ounces of tonic water
Steps to do:
1. In a lowball glass, mash the sliced ââcucumber and torn basil.
2. Squeeze the lime juice.
3. Add crushed ice, filling the glass 3/4 full.
4. Add your choice of gin (my choice is Hendricks!)
5. Fill the rest of the glass with tonic water. Fevertree tonic water has always been a favorite of mine, but their Cucumber Tonic Water is new to me and makes all the difference. When the majority of your drink is tonic water, it is so important to buy a quality tonic.
6. Mix well, garnish with a cucumber slice. If you are lucky enough to have an outdoor space large enough to eat, a summer dinner is a must. Make it pretty with a mix of colorful prints.
WEDDING SHOWER
Photo: Demi Mabry / Styling by Society Social
For your favorite bride, seek to create a bright and cheerful setting that they will remember. Lemonade theme, do you like it?
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“Is it even a bridal shower if there are no bubbles involved?” Roxy adds. Try her essential rose sparkling recipe for all summer occasions.
Widow and Rosé Cocktail Recipe
- 1 bottle of chilled Veuve Clicquot Champagne
- 16 oz of Cordial Rosé with Elderflower Belvoir
- 10 fresh strawberries
Wash the fresh strawberries and remove the tops. Carefully pour the champagne and rosé syrup into a drink dispenser and add the strawberries! Pour into a chilled champagne glass and enjoy!
Photo: Demi Mabry / Styling by Societal Social
âWoven or rattan chargers are the perfect tabletop accessory for any season. Their natural texture and neutral color provide the perfect base for layering, whatever the season,â says Roxy. Do you prefer DIY? Try our woven placemat project.
BABY SHOWER
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Are you planning a baby shower for your best friend this summer? Get all the trimmings for a brunch night. Here are some baby shower themes to consider. âMore is more when it comes to decorating a table. Here we’ve layered a number of scalloped designs, from chargers and napkins to salad plates and decorative bowls. Scallops really are the perfect playful pattern for baby shower decor! Roxy said.
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This refreshing mocktail is perfect for all your shower guests, but especially for the mom-to-be. âWhen you have guests who can’t drink (hello pregnant moms!).
Fresh alcoholic cocktail, cucumber and lime
Ingredients:
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and roughly chopped
- 12 ounces of strawberries,
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 4 cups (32 ounces) cold water
- 1/4 cup agave
Mix the cucumbers, strawberries, blender, lime juice and water until no more pieces of fruit are visible. Filter the contents by squeezing the fruit to get the most out of the flavors. Sweeten with agave and add ice!
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âWhen it comes to style, especially for a baby shower, don’t underestimate the power of flowers! We love to use the natural colors of the season and mix gorgeous real flowers with high end faux flowers. C It’s just amazing how easily beautiful flowers can enhance table decor and help set the mood, âsays Roxy.
ENERGY PICNIC
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It’s picnic season! Be creative beyond the food with stylish accessories. “When hosting an outdoor affair, have a slew of turkish towels on hand is always a must. Not only are they the perfect picnic blanket, they can also double as a chic tablecloth or sarong that guests will turn to when the sun goes down! Drape them over the backs of your dining chairs or spread them out on your patio to make guests feel welcome to grab one and get comfortable! “
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Roxy’s âchef’s salad on a stickâ is a brilliant play on single servings. âIt’s an effortless staple for any picnic or party. Roll up some cold cuts and cheese, add your favorite veggies, and arrange them on a long skewer for a quick bite that’s perfect for a hot summer day without a fork! Roxy said. (We also love his ideas for individually sized charcuterie boards!).
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For any party, whip up a few pitchers of a quick and easy cocktail so you can get back to the accommodation. We imagine sipping this one sitting on the porch on a blustery summer day. Enjoy!
Sweet South Bourbon tea
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2 or 3 tea bags (choose your flavor!)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1 cup of bourbon
- Lemon for garnish
Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour the sugar water into a jar or pitcher, add your tea bags and let steep for at least 10 minutes. You can absolutely leave the tea bags on longer depending on how much strength you want for your tea! Once the steps are complete, remove the tea bags and add the lemon wedges. Pour in the bourbon. Cover the jar and put in the refrigerator. Serve in your favorite lowball glass and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Thanks Roxy!
Are you planning a Labor Day this year? Share your table landscapes @BritandCo!
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