Summer is the perfect season for relaxed entertaining. Try these easy summer dinner party ideas for your next gathering.
Who’s ready for summer?
We sure are!
It’s already starting to feel like summer here in North Carolina with temperatures in the high 80s, and we couldn’t be happier.
With the season comes entertaining, and we’re excited to welcome guests again this year.
Ready to host a summer dinner party?
This month we’ve teamed up with our blogging friends to share a collection of simple, stylish summer dinner party ideas you’ll love.
We’ve enjoyed these virtual dinner parties with friends across the country—North Carolina, Texas, New Jersey, and Nebraska. Have you been following along?
Here’s a list of past tablescape ideas we’ve created with friends for inspiration:
- Galentine’s Day Brunch
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Neutral Spring Table
- Colorful Outdoor Fiesta
We also put together a delicious summer menu with recipes that cover drinks, appetizers, side dishes, mains, and desserts—everything you need for a memorable meal.
If you’re visiting from our friend Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse or if you’re new here, welcome!
We’re so glad you stopped by.
We’re AnnMarie (wearing black) and Anne (wearing green and black), the two moms behind this blog. We share simple, budget-friendly ideas for decorating, recipes, DIY projects, and tips for life with older teens and beyond.
You can read more about us on our About page.
Now, let’s talk about this month’s theme—SUMMER dinner party.
Lemon-Inspired Summer Dinner Party Tablescape
After styling an outdoor tablescape last month for Cinco de Mayo, this month we brought the scene indoors. Even in summer, indoor entertaining is a great option—air conditioning and no bugs are definite perks.
This simple tablescape came together with minimal cost: just two bags of lemons from the grocery store. For under $10 you can create a fresh, pretty centerpiece that feels summery and bright.
The lemon-inspired look uses items you likely already have at home and is easy to assemble.
How to Style a Simple Centerpiece
I always start a tablescape by creating a centerpiece. I used a narrow, long wood tray I found years ago and a few grocery-store flowers leftover from Mother’s Day. Old bouquets can be repurposed into charming centerpieces.
The flowers I used are fluffy and delicate—either a Chinese aster or a common daisy—either way, they’re gorgeous. I removed the leaves and placed a single bloom in each mason jar. Mason jars make great vases; four larger jars arranged on the tray create a pretty focal point.
No centerpiece is complete without candles. I tucked smaller mason jars with votive candles between the flower jars and scattered a few lemons around the tray for color. The result is a simple, fresh centerpiece ready for guests.
How to Set a Table for a Summer Dinner Party
After finishing the centerpiece, I set the table. For a casual summer dinner, everyday plates and bowls are perfect—no need to bring out china. I used a versatile stoneware set I’ve had for years.
Have everything you plan to use at hand: serving bowl filled with lemons, wine and water glasses, seagrass chargers, and striped cloth napkins.
Start each place setting with a neutral seagrass charger, then layer a white plate, a blue-and-white pinstriped linen napkin, and a bowl. I placed two lemons in each bowl for a bright pop of color. The combination of classic stripes and yellow lemons feels unmistakably summery.
I set a glass of water with a lemon wedge and a wine glass at each place. Small details like fresh citrus and coordinating linens elevate a casual table.
What to Serve at Your Gathering
Pair a crisp white wine with a fresh appetizer and light mains for a classic summer menu. We’ll be sharing our favorite recipes soon—one appetizer from Anne pairs especially well with a new favorite white wine (its yellow label even matches the tablescape!).
The table is set and ready. What time will you arrive?
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Shop the Post
Click on any of the images in the original post to shop items used in our tablescape.
Our tablescape tour continues with our friend Michele from Vintage Home Designs—her peachy summer tablescape is full of vintage finds and inspiration.
More Summer Dinner Party Table Ideas from Our Friends
If you have questions or suggestions, contact us or leave a comment below.
Don’t miss any of our tips and stories—follow us on social media for more inspiration.
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