Summer Table Setting Ideas…Lots of Color, Little Mon

I love entertaining and part of that enjoyment comes from setting a table that fits the mood I want to create. And now that the sun is shining and we’re outdoors again, I thought it would be fun to toss out some ideas of how you can create a colorful table without spending a lot of money. (Which also makes it more affordable to entertain for those of you on a budget.) I did my main shopping at Target (I’ve had some requests from readers to feature some Target “good buys” since they don’t shop at thrift stores.) But of course I did have to pop in to our local Dollar Tree too because they have great prices and choices for table settings. And I did add a Goodwill item or two that I already owned.

No matter where you shop, you can use some of the ideas pictured below and create your own looks. I also have some really cute ideas for little gifts your guests can take home if entertaining.

Most of the time I like to use “real” dishes when entertaining but with large crowds, guest with small kids, or rowdy outdoor events, I like to use paper or plastic that I can recycle. Makes for an easier clean-up, no broken dishes, and a more relaxed feeling afterwards since I don’t have a lot of dishes to wash.

Tablecloths can set the whole theme to your table setting. So many colors, materials, patterns…When we have kids over I typically use a plastic (throw-away) one I get at the dollar store or a vinyl coated one that can be easily wiped off. This particular blue/green swirl one is from Target and made of fabric which is machine washable and can be tossed in the dryer. Square 60″ x 60″ for $5.00. Thrift stores are great places to find tablecloths too (ones that you can wash and dry.) I’ve been known to throw 2 different sizes and colors together.

I thought these wood utensils were cute and I like that they are recyclable. Set of 6 (2 of each) for $1.00. Straws come in so many different colors now and though not big, they are an inexpensive way to add some color and fun to the table. These paper straws are $3.00 for a count of 25 and wouldd look great in a tall glass of lemonade or limeade (or water) with sliced limes or lemons. And I always load up on plastic cups for the summer because accidents do happen ($3.00 for 4.) – All from Target.

Candles are so pretty at night on the deck or patio but I’m always afraid of fire, especially here where it can get dry and very windy. Now I pretty much just use battery operated candles but they can be expensive. I found these LED Pillar ones at the Dollar Tree…4 for only a buck.

They put out some good light too. This is them turned on during the day with the sun shining in the windows. Looks really good at night.

Now that I’m using battery operated candles, we’ve added a lot more candle holders and lanterns to our deck. These tealight holders are from the Dollar Tree, costing a dollar each. (Make your own with empty and cleaned tin cans that you punch holes in.)

And with no fear of fire and a hook, these look fabulous hanging (and glowing) from the trees.

I think the Dollar Tree has some of the best prices and choices on paper products. (20 plates/napkins $1.00, 12 cups $1.00)

Plastic plates are not only perfect for the backyard but also great for picnics, camping trips, and motorhomes. I just liked all the colors Target had to choose from, not to mention patterns, all of which I can mix and match with other things I already own. Two-count 9″ plates $3.00 and 4-count 6″ plates $3.00. (Food safe – hand wash only.)

Have fun with colors!

Of course there’s nothing wrong with using just one color…or paper.

Found this plate at the Dollar Tree for a buck and the napkins I actually found by accident at our grocery store, Safeway, on clearance for 75 cents (pack of 30, regularly $3.99.) I put one package of the napkins in our cart and then went back and bought a package of every sale color in addition to two packs of white…only 75 cents each and they will be used. Goes great with my Target finds.

Just fun and can be hung or placed anywhere…one of my favorite Target purchases…$5.00

I think most people know shopping at Goodwill is one of my favorite things. Whenever I pop in I check out the dishes. I like to mix my dishes up and it’s a great way to “disguise” if you don’t have enough matching plates for the amount of company you have over. Found this robin egg blue plate for 79 cents (I bought the 4 they had,) which looks great with all the spring time meals I’ve been making. Goes great too with my Target, Safeway, and Dollar Tree items.

These Garden Stakes (4 for a dollar at Dollar Tree,) would of course look great in the garden but I actually bought them to use as place settings, writing each guest’s name on one. I can wrap a flower or herb around it, put it in a small potted herb, or attach a package of seeds, which would be nice as little take home goodies for your guests. You could also use these in dips or alongside other dishes with the recipe name written on it for potlucks. (Wash first of course if putting in food.)

Goodwill plate 79 cents, the green Dollar Tree plate $1.00, and Target platter $3.00…all were bought at different times but look great together. The shades don’t all have to match.

I think these little Sunflower Grow kits ($1.00 at Dollar Tree) would also make fun take-home gifts for guests or in goodie bags for a child’s birthday party. (Someone told me they saw these at Target too but I don’t know that for sure.) Or if you were throwing a baby or wedding shower, fun little take-homes or game prize idea. (Especially if you were decorating with sunflowers!)

I thought this ribbon (Dollar Tree $1.00) would make for fun napkin rings. Wire-edged so it’s easy to work with and then I just taped the back. Lots of different uses you could find for this.

I absolutely love this! Great for friends to take home, have at parties, whatever. You can use herbs from your own garden, which I do cause the mint is rampant and smells so good, or buy some. I used a twig and wrote the herb name on a brown paper bag. Your guest can take it home, plant it, and whenever they add it to a recipe, they’ll think of you. I like to have fresh mint on hand for drinks/salads when we have company over and then send one of these home with them.

I think these colorful glass bottles are gorgeous and they were only a dollar at the Dollar Tree. They look pretty just as they are, especially when the sun hits on them. You could also fill them with water as a “fancy but fun” water pitcher. They would also make for pretty vases for a long-stemmed flower or branch of leaves. They had several different colors.

I was taking most of these pictures in my backyard and had company the whole time. I think she was hoping I’d put food on the plates!

I already had these glasses from the Dollar Tree and added with the blue glitter votive holders I own, I can create an even more “festive” look to my table. Look around your house, you might be surprised at what you already have that even though it doesn’t “match,” will look fabulous together.