Elegant Summer Table Settings

Linda Grasso - Whether you're planning an outdoor summer dinner or going to a wedding for a couple with a beach house, please take note: there are some really beautiful place settings and dishware available for these more casual summer settings.

One of my favorites is the hand-painted china by Anna Weatherley. You can get it at Neiman Marcus.  The detail on the leaves, dragonfly, and butterfly are works of art (see top photo).

The exquisite setting is paired with a festive, gold and white "pom pom" napkin ring by Kim Seybert - seen below - and a crisp, white embroidered napkin.

The patio furniture below, with blue, turtle-adorned cushions, really tees up this pretty place setting.  The charger is a fan-shaped piece of coral from the ocean. On top of that, the hostess placed two square, glass plates - one is translucent and other is light blue. Glassware is also light blue and a white orchid arrangement is in the center of the table.

An urn overflowing with sea shells and coral is the centerpiece to this lovely wooden table. The juxtaposition of the heavily-lacquered, bright kelly green dishes topped by a Margarita glass adorned with a floating magnolia is just smashing. The alabaster flatware handles are the perfect accompaniment. The colors and textures work together in a simple way that just really sings. And sitting down to the intoxicating fragrance of a freshly-cut magnolia? What's better than that? (I know what you're thinking: a margarita!)

 

Linda Grasso is the energetic engine that drives SheSez. Her site exemplifies great living, with a California flair, for women of style and substance. Its mission is to inform, inspire, and entertain. Linda says,

We love sharing the unique, interesting, cutting-edge things west coast women are doing. Women all over the world look at California for ideas and inspiration from beauty to health to style. They want to replicate our open-air lifestyle, amidst such breathtaking natural beauty: the ocean, sun, mountains, warm weather. Let's face it, west coast women lead the way for progressive living - whether it's practicing alternative medicine or the latest type of Yoga, we aren't afraid to try something new.