Although we want to spend as much time outdoors as possible in the summer, we gather for dinners with friends and relatives, even in the warm season. Whether you organize a gathering in the dining room or move the table to the yard or terrace, we want summer dining room table decor to radiate summer playfulness. We share tips on how to develop such an atmosphere.

Add more lightness

Summer lightness usually includes our thoughts and clothes – it should also be reflected on the dining table. Here are a few accents that will add additional lightness to it:

• Light shades. Soft, pastel colors are always associated with lightness, so you can safely choose them when decorating a summer table. White, cream, beige, or even light gray tones are perfect – the colors mustn’t burden the overall composition.
•  Linen table runners. In the warm season, you don’t want to burden the table with additional layers so tablecloths can be replaced with linen table runners – they can be used both outdoors and indoors. Such accessories will add a bit of chic to the overall decor, but they won’t overload it at all.
• Minimalism. To maintain a sense of lightness, avoid too many details—it’s better to limit yourself to a few essential accents and leave more space. As we’ll find out below, this is just one of many possible scenarios.

Choose summery decor elements

The dining table decor usually doesn’t do without additional decorations – they are typically combined according to the theme and seasonality. In the summer, it is recommended to try the following accents:

•  Citrus fruits and vegetables. As simple as it may seem, a bowl of citrus fruits or seasonal vegetables can work wonders – the overall decor will look brighter and more summery. True, you should choose the colors of these delicacies responsibly: they should complement or contrast with your chosen table color palette.
•  Flowers. Nothing creates a more romantic and inviting atmosphere than flowers or potted plants. Consider placing a large bouquet of seasonal flowers in the center of the table or arranging several smaller vases with fresh flowers along the length. In this case, you will have plenty of space for visual experiments.
• Natural materials are popular all year round, so you can develop a table decor that breathes nature even in the summer. Linen table runners and napkins of the same material, wooden trays, and other details, or furniture made of rattan, bamboo, and other natural materials will help to create it.

Don’t forget the candles

Warm weather is not an obstacle to candles – they and candlesticks significantly contribute to the overall atmosphere of the dining table. Such accessories will be handy for a late dinner – their soothing mood will create a cozy, perfect environment for personal conversations. The most important thing is that you match the design of the candles to the other elements of the table decor in one way or another.

You can also consider additional lighting solutions—they may be needed when dining outdoors. Candles can then be replaced with more elaborate lamps or, for example, garlands of lights hung above the table—they still do not lose their popularity. Also, think about what you will do if the evening is incredible—in this case, soft linen rugs can warm you and your guests. Such details can sometimes be more important than carefully thought-out table decor.

Don’t be afraid of brighter colors

Although we mentioned that minimalism is perfect for summer table decor, maximalism is also often cited among the possible options – this perfectly proves that there are no strict rules in this case. If you like a bolder, more sophisticated style, decorate the table brightly and colorfully. You can choose kitschy, chic decorations – in this case, you should not spare them.

Colored glasses, plates, and bowls that match them in color are essential to creating this playful look, which is perfect for summer lunches. This will not be the most appropriate choice when preparing for an important celebration. Still, such playful decor will suit colorful everyday life—after all, in the summer, you want to enjoy life more than ever. Try to ensure that your dining table reflects this joy!

Use high-quality products

Although you may want to use colorful disposable napkins to create a cheerful summer table decor, choosing fabric models for them will take the overall composition to a new level. Linen napkins are especially suitable for this, as they are distinguished by their elegant appearance, high-quality, and sustainability. You can easily match them with the linen table runners recommended above, thus creating a unified table style.

Such table accessories are usually in neutral colors, so you can easily match them to any theme. You can get colorfully weaving fruits, flowers, and other mentioned accents – these napkins will be like a contrasting counterweight, further highlighting the main table decorations. And if you want more playfulness from them, you can think about original ways of unfolding napkins – this aspect will depend only on your creativity.

Think about additional comfort

If you plan to move lunch or dinner outdoors, this aspect will be essential – you should ensure that guests will not want to leave after the last course. Although this is not directly related to table setting, friends will only enjoy it if they feel comfortable. First, you should start with comfortable chairs – cushions can increase the comfort level of the seat and backrest. During the day, you may also need an umbrella to protect guests from the hot sun. Ideally, all these additional elements should also match the table decor in some way – this way, you will create a cozy, comfortable, and harmonious environment. This should be the primary goal.

Among all these ideas, you should find at least a few that you could apply to your dining table in the summer. This season is associated with lightness, life, and playfulness – ensure the table is full of decor elements that reflect this.