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Tropical Tablescapes For A Dream Summer Garden Party
Molly Moore / 13 June 2024
As summer hits its stride and the days stretch luxuriously long, it's the perfect time to throw a garden party. A tropical-themed tablescape brings vibrant colors into your backyard, making your garden party an unforgettable escape to paradise.
Here’s how to create a sizzling summer tablescape that will transport your guests straight to the tropics!
Step 1: Set the Color Palette
When you think of the tropics, lush greens, sunny yellows, ocean blues, and fiery oranges and reds come to mind. These colors will form the backbone of your tablescape. Opt for a brightly colored tablecloth or runner as the foundation—think leafy green or bold hibiscus patterns. This sets a lively backdrop for the rest of your setup.
Step 2: Choose Tropical Tableware
For dishes and utensils, stick with themes that complement your tropical vibe. Go for plates with palm prints or exotic fruit designs. Bamboo flatware is a great choice to add a natural, rustic touch, while clear glassware or tiki mugs can be perfect for serving drinks.
8-1/2 Palm Tree Plate
$4.90 Chesapeake Ceramics
Perfect Palm Set
$23 Joe Browns
Bamboo Party Plates
$17 Bhreez
Step 3: Create a Lush Centerpiece
No tropical tablescape is complete without a striking centerpiece! A simple idea is to use a large pineapple as the centerpiece. Hollow it out and use it as a vase for tropical flowers like hibiscus, birds of paradise, and orchids. Alternatively, create a runner down the center of the table with a mix of smaller tropical fruits like coconuts, mangoes, and bananas mixed with more flowers and scattered palm leaves.
Step 4: Add Ambient Lighting
To keep the party going as the sun sets, add some ambient lighting. String lights hung above the table or placed around the garden can mimic the starlit skies. Lanterns or candles in hurricane vases can also provide soft, flickering light that enhances the exotic atmosphere without overpowering it.
Step 5: Tropical Touches and Accents
Don’t forget the small details that make the theme come alive. Scatter some seashells around the table, or place a small succulent or a tiny sand-filled jar at each guest's place setting as a party favor. Use brightly colored napkins or napkin rings featuring tropical motifs like flamingos or fish.
Step 6: Set the Mood with Music
Finally, create the perfect auditory backdrop with a playlist of beachy tunes or tropical music. Whether it's the sound of the ukulele, steel drums, or just some chilled summer hits, the right music will complete the atmosphere and have your guests feeling like they’ve stepped onto a sunlit beach in no time.
It’s all about embracing the bright, playful elements of the tropics while enjoying good food and great company in your beautifully decorated outdoor space. So, send out those invites and let the island-inspired fun begin!
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