Colorful Tablescapes for Summer

Directory Member, Christian Ladd of Christian Ladd Home, shares her best tips for setting the table and how to get the look at your next dinner party.

While we know setting an elaborate table isn’t for everyone, one thing we have learned from this past year is to make even the smallest moments create joy and the larger moments need to be celebrated more than ever. Whether you are setting the table yourself or entertaining family and friends, we are sharing our favorite tips along with a few of our must-haves for your tablescapes this season.

Table Linens

Table linens are typically the biggest investment when it comes to tabletop accessories, but they also are the most important and typically the most utilized. We incorporate placemats into every tablescape because they act as our base layer, especially if we are not including a tablecloth, which we often do not. Additionally, if cared for properly they can be used for many years and can even be passed down between generations.

Dinner Napkins

Another investment that will be heavily utilized. Dinner napkins are also a wonderful investment because they can be used in different ways. We sometimes like the look of matching linens (placemats and napkins) but it is also fun to mix and match. When we aren’t matching our linens to each other, we like to let one be the statement while the other is complimentary. For example, if our placemat is patterned, it’s a nice look to incorporate a solid napkin that coordinates (but isn’t always the same hue.) Our favorites are from Loulou La Dune and Fenwick Fields. Both feature delicate scalloped edges and come in beautiful colors. Loulou La Dune is an artisan based in Istanbul, Turkey. The founder of Loulou La Dune has a background in architecture and her discerning eye lends itself to the exquisite design of her handcrafted linens.

Glassware

Last but certainly not least is glassware. Adorning the table with special glassware is more fun than ever due largely in part to colored glassware having such a moment. Our favorite advice when setting a table is not to shy away from color, so our colored glasses have and will continue to be a mainstay in our tablescapes. Just like with other table elements, colored glassware provides a multitude of options when setting the table in regard to mixing and matching colors. Our two favorite lines of glassware are Sir/Madam and Estelle Colored Glass. The most important thing to remember when setting a table is to have fun! The more layered a table is the more dimensional it becomes and the better it looks. It’s fool proof as we love mixing different textures, colors and patterns. Simply play around with your favorite pieces to see which you prefer stacked and paired together..the process of reaching the perfect tablescape is half the fun!

Simply play around with your favorite pieces to see which you prefer stacked and paired together..the process of reaching the perfect tablescape is half the fun!