5 Summer Table Setting Ideas to Steal

Step up your outdoor dining with these inspiring tabletop ideas from HGTV Magazine.

July 12, 2022
Farmhouse Style Summer Table

Rustic Summer Table Settings

This rustic summer table features cast iron pots at each place setting and recycled bottles as vases.

Photo by: Abagail Halstead

Abagail Halstead

Set Out Some Succulents

“They last way longer than flowers do,” says Jenni Yolo (@ispydiy). She bought terra-cotta pots in different sizes, spray-painted them Satin Pink Taffeta by Krylon, then filled them with a variety of plants. When the party was over, everyone took one home!

Pastel Table Settings With Potted Succulents

Summer Table With Succulents

This summer table is set with potted succulents and pastel pink glassware.

Photo by: Jenni Yolo

Jenni Yolo

Make a Cool Vase

When Liz Joy (@purejoyhome) threw this party for friends, she says, “The pineapple centerpieces stole the show.” To recreate the look, scoop out the fruit, and add water and a mix of bright flowers. (A blend of large and small blooms has the most impact.) Secure the pineapple top with a metal skewer.

Summer Table With Tropical Vibes

Tropical Summer Table Settings

This summer table features fresh pineapples as vases, monstera leaves as chargers and plenty of colorful flowers.

Photo by: Pure Joy Home

Pure Joy Home

Go Big on Citrus

Lemons, oranges and grapefruits add a splash of color to this table by Amanda Gluck (@fashionablehostess). She halved some of the fruit to mix up the look, then pulled it all together with eucalyptus and lemon leaf garland. The finishing touch: leaf place cards pinned to fresh lemons on each plate.

Summer Table Settings With Fresh Citrus

Nature-Inspired Summer Table

This summer table features fresh lemons, oranges and eucalyptus garland.

Photo by: Amanda S. Gluck

Amanda S. Gluck

Mix High and Low

Shelly Dozier-McKee (@confettistyle) stacked melamine plates from HomeGoods on heirloom wedding china and chargers she found at estate sales. Then she kept with the theme by placing patterned paper napkins over solid cloth ones. The runner is just a piece of fabric folded under.

Summer Table With Fuchsia Roses

Pink and Green Summer Table Settings

This bold summer table features hot pink roses, leaf-print plates and a green table runner.

Photo by: Shelly Dozier-McKee

Shelly Dozier-McKee

Get Personal

You can elevate any meal by giving guests their own little cast-iron pots. “Even baked beans feel fancy in mini Dutch ovens,” says Elizabeth Van Lierde (@college_housewife). Try varying other elements, too: She served corn muffins on a pizza peel and used beer bottles as vases.

Farmhouse Style Summer Table

Rustic Summer Table Settings

This rustic summer table features cast iron pots at each place setting and recycled bottles as vases.

Photo by: Abagail Halstead

Abagail Halstead

More Inspiring Outdoor Entertaining Ideas

Next Up

Create a Holiday Tablescape With Everyday Dishes

You don’t need special china to set a festive table! Here’s how to dress up your dinnerware all season long.

28 Must-Have Products for Outdoor Entertaining This Summer

From coolers for your drinks to fun games, these are all of the products you'll need for the best outdoor parties ever.

How to Set a Table: 3 Ways

Learn how to properly set a table for a basic, casual and formal dinner party.

The Ultimate Tea Party Guide: The Best Ideas and Buys for Hosting a Grown-Up Tea Party

Why should dolls and stuffed animals have all the fun? Consider these ways to ring in the spring with a golden afternoon.

The Best Serveware Essentials You Need for Entertaining

Shop the best charcuterie boards, serving bowls, dinnerware sets and more to gear up for your next big party.

Pro Tips: A Guide to Tricky Grilling

It all started as a love for classic Southern food and grew into a catering business, then the Soul House and now the Downtown Dive. Sweet P's Barbeque in Knoxville, Tennessee is a cornerstone of the southern soul food scene. The restaurant's owner, Chris Ford, agreed to share some of the tricks of the trade.

HGTV Magazine Super Bowl Party Printouts

Host a unique Super Bowl party with fun stickers, pennants, and signs exclusively from HGTV Magazine. Be mindful of the printing and paper instructions for each.

Chocolate Truffles

HGTV Magazine shares this recipe for a festive holiday treat that makes an adorably delicious gift.

Dish Up an Easy Summer Place Setting

Paper and plastic can truly set a summer table in style.

2 Simple Holiday Table Settings

We’ve dreamed up two fun ways to deck out your table this season: One vintage, one modern.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Good Bones

7am | 6c

Good Bones

8am | 7c

Good Bones

9am | 8c

Good Bones

10am | 9c

Good Bones

11am | 10c

House Hunters

6:30pm | 5:30c

House Hunters

7:30pm | 6:30c
On Tonight
On Tonight

House Hunters

8pm | 7c

House Hunters

8:30pm | 7:30c

House Hunters

9:30pm | 8:30c

House Hunters

10pm | 9c

House Hunters

10:30pm | 9:30c

House Hunters

11pm | 10c

House Hunters

11:30pm | 10:30c

House Hunters

12am | 11c

House Hunters

12:30am | 11:30c

House Hunters

1am | 12c

House Hunters

1:30am | 12:30c

House Hunters

2:30am | 1:30c

House Hunters

3:30am | 2:30c

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.