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*This post is sponsored by Chesapeake Bay Candle but all opinions and comments are my own.*

I feel so “adult”, you guys! I finally invested in some matching dishes and chargers for a pretty tablescape for all of the dinner parties we plan to have in our new home!

pretty dinner party, summer tablescape, summer cocktails, summer menu, summer recipes, dinner party recipes, dinner party menu, girl's night

I love having people over and especially love cooking and baking, but I haven’t ever set a proper table (despite my mom having taught me for my entire life!)

This past year, Jesse and I haven’t had as many people in our home as we would have liked. We allowed busyness to get in the way and, of course, having a new baby hasn’t helped with our hectic schedules.

But as we sat and talked together, we realized how much we missed having people in our house to consistently share life with. We had nearly forgotten how desperately we needed community. Joy and isolation don’t co-exist; real relationships and community are the beginning of genuine freedom.

In preparation for a busy + people filled summer, I had so much fun styling this and wish that I would have created something pretty just like this much sooner! It was so much easier and more affordable than I thought it would be and turned out better than I expected.

 

For the ‘Centerpiece’:

I wanted to do something a little less traditional for a centerpiece. I personally don’t like to have anything tall which blocks the view of my guest while others are trying to talk with them. I loved that these leaves had a pop of color and a ton of texture while remaining flat and allowing easy communication between all guests.

You can get these Monsterra leaves at Hobby Lobby (make sure to go during the week that they’re 50% off or use one of their 40% off coupons.)

They have a wide variety of floral to choose from so grab a couple of different styles or trim some leaves around your neighborhood and bring them back to play around with.

I left the stems on a few of my leaves, cut others in random places and just messed with them until they came together in the way that I envisioned.

For the Kitchenware:

Home Goods is my all-time favorite store for kitchenware so I stopped there next. I grabbed these cute circular chargers (they have so many good ones to choose from!), gorgeous round plates, their Kate Spade napkins and these lovely lavender bowls.

 


Lastly, I set out some gold plasticware that we had in our pantry – because less dishes = a happier Lindsey. 😉

For the colors, I chose these strawberry napkins because they added a pop of color and just screamed ‘summertime.’

The green on the strawberry leaf matched the color of the Monsterra leaves and kept the flow of the table consistent. The bowls were slightly translucent and stood out against the white without clashing with the other colors.


For the Decor:

I didn’t want to put too much to the table because it can become overwhelming quickly, especially once I add the food.

I placed a large “Sea Salt Coconut” candle from Chesapeake Bay Candle on the table (it looks as pretty as it smells) which matched the summer theme! I also added a small tin candle on the opposite side of the table (which looks great in an outdoor space too!)

 

I do take candles away once the food is served, but I love to have them burning while guests are arriving and visiting.

I have always been a big candle person; the flickering lights are welcoming and the smell creates a cozy, vacation-like environment when people arrive. The scent is one of coconut shavings, orange, sea salt & driftwood and includes pink grapefruit and orange essential oils.

The look of the candles matched my vision with its minimal design and frosted clear glass, reflecting the beauty of a summertime lifestyle.

I also added a few mini mason jars and trimmed plants to incorporate some height to the table.


I placed the Milk & Honey candles next to the drinks which smell of White Freesia, Honey, Almond and Vanilla Creme. The combination of the Coconut candle + the Honey candle made the house smell sweet and welcoming.

It was also such an easy way to incorporate some additional design to the otherwise simple table.

 

I really do love the Heritage Collection from Chesapeake Bay Candle (like I said guys, I’m a candle-holic which I’m sure you know if you’ve been following me for a while!) This line of candles celebrates Maryland’s idyllic shoreline with nature-inspired scents and clean, minimalistic design that has a rustic charm.

Each fragrance creation is embellished with many layers to add complexity and depth and all scents are balanced and rounded with natural essential oils.


The Perfect Summer Dinner Party Menu:

 

Snacks:

Mascarpone, Basil + Honey Bruschetta

Grilled Zucchini

Pomegranate Seeds with Pineapple

Cheese Platter

 

Dinner:

Cucumber Greek Salad

Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce

Grilled Corn-on-the-Cob

Asparagus + Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

 

Dessert:

Strawberries + Blueberries with Whipped Cream

Coconut Macaroons

Toasted Raisin Challah Bread with Raspberry Jam

 

Drinks:

Sparkling Lavender Lemonade

Frozen Coconut Mojitos

Peach Blueberry Moscow Mule

 

Purchase these candles for your own summer party:

Milk & Honey:

Large Jar Candle

Coffee Table Jar Candle

Double Wick Tin Candle


Sea Salt Coconut:

Large Jar Candle

Coffee Table Jar Candle

Double Wick Tin Candle

 


I hope this post has helped to get you excited about designing your own summer dinner party or get together!

 

Comment below and let me know what item you loved the most from this tablescape!

 

With Grace,

Lindsey

Click here to receive my FREE Recipe eBook with Sugar Cookie Blueberry Cobbler, Pecan Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze, Creamy Spinach + Artichoke Dip with Garlic Cheese Toast + more!

Lindsey Maestas is a Christian based out of Albuquerque, NM. She is a wife to a loving husband and a stay-at-home-mom to two sweet little boys. She received her degree in Journalism and is a writer for the faith-based lifestyle blog, sparrowsandlily.com. She loves Jesus, event planning, baking and binge-watching Netflix with her husband. Find her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.