I loved my spring tablescape so much that I thought I might leave it all summer long. But, a thrifted, blue, table runner convinced me that I need to change it up for July.
I decided to use MOSTLY red, white, and blue items with a few sunny yellow touches. When I shared my spring tablescape I had been watching lots of English decorating shows and fell in love with the idea of a more interactive and usable centerpiece or tablescape. As always, I use some simple "rules" to create a cohesive and visually appealing display on the dining table--vary height, repeat colors and materials, use some natural elements to create warmth and to incorporate texture. The red, enamel tray in the center of the table was made in the 1940's in California and was used on Hollywood sets by caterers to serve food to the cast. It has different shaped compartments that I utilized to help me decide what to place on it--white salt and pepper shakers, blue floral plates, and a blue striped vase with good faux, red flowers in it. Real flowers from my garden will be used in this vase when they are ready. The wood vase sitting in the fruit plates adds warm wood texture and holds faux dark red flowers. A wood garden trug holds yellow flowers and cloth napkins that will get used daily. The 1935 atlas is a perfect "tray" or base to hold a blue and white bowl. Currently the bowl has one of my favorite after dinner, sweet treats in it, Probiotic Strawberry Yoggies from Costco. But, it will also hold fruit throughout the summer, especially cherries, my favorite summer fruit. A rectangular serving dish adds a little more yellow to the vignette. Wood salad utensils await our next summer salad and a few red peppers are for nibbling (ok, and for the staging photos). A rattan basket sits on red plates. We do use the plates when needed for dessert or extra plate space. A red candle sits on a wood candle holder and adds more height. In the basket there are a dozen or so very vintage, Yellowstone Park postcards that are meant to be looked at and talked about. I like having interactive items on the dinner table like old photos, conversation cards, brainteaser puzzles, etc. I love having a summer vignette that isn't your typical red, white, and blue flags and is instead a little quirky and eclectic and something that might spark conversation or a hands-on experience. And, I am happy that almost everything in this tablescape came from a thrift store.
