Spring and Summer Tables: Use What You Love

From the archive. Originally published May 24, 2014. Adapted for today by Cruisin Over Sixty; the original source is preserved in our archive.

Photographs are from the original post; product availability and prices are not current.

A welcoming table starts with the people around it. The settings in this archive offer plenty of inspiration—blue and white, lively red accents, patterned dishes, and little decorative surprises—but you can borrow an idea without recreating an entire room.

Begin with dishes you already enjoy using. A blue-and-white plate can set the direction for a relaxed lunch; a white plate can make a colorful napkin feel special. Repeat one color in two or three places to give mismatched pieces a sense of belonging.

Keep the center of the table low enough for conversation. A few small jars with garden cuttings can be easier to arrange than one large display. Leave generous space for serving bowls and glasses. If everyone has to move the centerpiece before eating, simplify it.

For outdoor meals, choose pieces that are easy to carry and suited to their intended use. Check the manufacturer's instructions before using any dish for hot food or in a microwave. A folded cloth napkin and a comfortable chair can do more for the occasion than another purchase.

Personal details give a table its warmth. Try a handwritten place card, a favorite small vase, or a bird-shaped ornament tucked beside the flowers. Keep the fragile treasures away from the busiest serving area.

These photographs preserve earlier decorating ideas, not a current shopping list. Use them to notice a color pairing or a shape you love, then make room for your own version—and for the guests.