Summer Tablescape: How to Create A Simple Smokin Hot Table

Summertime is here and let’s celebrate with a beautiful “Smokin Hot” summer tablescape. 

Today, I am joining the Supper Club girls, and the theme is Smoke It! I’m sure you’ll enjoy the fun and creativity we had with this one. 

Not only did all of the gals create beautiful tablescapes, but we will also be sharing the entire menu with you on Saturday. Check out all their links at the end of this post to see their “Smoke It” tables.

From unique and delicious smoked meats, sides dishes, unbelievable dessert and an amazing smoked cocktail, we have the best dinner planned. Be sure to stop by later in the week. 

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Summer Tablescape

I love to set a beautiful table with layers of details for my friends and family.  A thoughtfully arranged tablescape can elevate the dining experience by adding visual appeal, showcasing the theme, and making guests feel special. 

Additionally, it encourages conversation, creates photo-worthy moments, and ensures that every detail contributes to a cohesive and enjoyable gathering.

Setting the Scene For Summer Time Dining 

Location

• Backyard, Patio, or Garden: Choose a spacious area that comfortably accommodates guests. A backyard, patio, or garden with ample space for seating and movement will be the perfect backdrop for a backyard BBQ. Be sure to think about the time of the year you are entertaining since we are talking about a perfect summer tablescape, an outdoor space feels fitting. However, it may be too warm to be outside in some areas of the country. 
• Natural Shade: Trees or umbrellas can provide much-needed shade, protecting guests from the sun and keeping everyone cool.

Lighting

Create a “Smoking Hot” theme for your summer BBQ tablescape that sizzles with style and flavor.

Serve an array of smoked foods like brisket, chicken, smoked cheese, smoked cocktails and more.

Decorate the table with elements that evoke the essence of smoke: think vintage Coke bottles in a mini BBQ filled with dry ice for a dramatic centerpiece, lanterns and candles to create a warm glow, and rustic wood accents to tie everything together.

The vibe of your event will dictate your choice of linens. For my smokin’ hot BBQ, I aimed for a casual and comfortable atmosphere. I opted for a table runner, placemats, and linen napkins to set the perfect tone for my dinner party.

You could use a paper runner for an even more casual and fun BBQ dinner. You could hand-draw place settings and write guests’ names directly on the paper, adding a personalized and playful touch.

Here are a few other ideas to add a special touch:

Try a fun napkin fold, like this pinwheel design from Martha Stewart.

Alternatively, fold a bandana and place it in a mason jar along with some silverware.

Use burlap as a table runner, or create small pouches to hold your utensils and wrap them with twine.

Selecting the right plates, glasses, and cutlery is crucial for maintaining your theme. For my traditional red and white picnic colors, I chose a casual galvanized silver charger plate, a red dinner plate, and a white salad plate. I used red cutlery paired with silver accents to complement my color scheme and design.

Since my table had a lot going on, I opted not to use napkin rings. Instead, I laid the flatware on the napkins next to the plates. 

As you know, I love creating beautiful centerpieces, so deciding on the decor for this table was not easy. There are many options, such as fresh fruit, seasonal flowers, herbs, faux lemons, and more. However, since our theme was “smokin’ hot,” I wanted to avoid traditional floral centerpieces.

Instead, I used vintage Coke bottles arranged in a small BBQ with dry ice for a smoky effect, making it the star of the show. Additionally, I included an assortment of lettuce, tomatoes, olive topiaries, and various herb plants. This time of year is perfect for using small vegetable plants potted in mason jars or rustic terra cotta pots.

• Watermelon Vases
  • Hollow out watermelons as vases for fresh flowers or fruit skewers.
• BBQ Sauce Display
  • Arrange an assortment of BBQ sauces in different shapes and sizes, using small buckets or crates for height and interest.
• Mason Jar Candles
  • Fill mason jars with candles and surround them with pebbles, sand, or colorful beans for a rustic yet chic look.
• Corn on the Cob Bouquets
  • Stand ears of corn on end in a large vase or bucket, interspersed with surrounding greenery for a natural, farm-to-table feel.
• Skewered Vegetables
  • Create decorative skewers with colorful vegetables and fruits arranged in a tall vase or container.
• Glass Bottles
  • Use old wine bottles or glass Coke bottles as vases for simple floral arrangements.

There are countless creative items you can use as table decor. Start by looking around your home to see what you already have that matches your color palette and theme.

For my Smokin’ BBQ theme, I wanted to incorporate elements from the garden. I used clay pots with pepper plants, petunias, basil, radishes, and lettuce alongside my centerpiece.

Vary the height of the items on your table to create visual interest. This technique makes a beautiful statement and is pleasing to the eye.

For my place cards, I used small clay pots. Place a styrofoam ball inside each pot, inserted a fork into the ball, and attached a handwritten name card to the fork. I then hot-glued some moss on top of the pot.

I placed these place card holders into red and white checkered paper sandwich boxes and added marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate bars for guests to make S’mores for dessert.

Other Tablescapes from WM Design House

If you love this summer garden party tablescape, you might also enjoy some of my other tablescape posts.

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More About Me!

Hello, I’m Wendy – a dedicated homemaker with a deep passion for decorating, gardening, cooking, and crafting. I find joy in harmonizing beautiful elements to fashion a space that is both comfortable and inspiring. I will help you create a beautiful home, one project at a time.

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