Summer Tablescaping
I had the pleasure of attending the Anthropologie Tablescaping event a few of weeks ago at their Financial District location. Some of you may be wondering what “Tablescaping” is, it is the overall presentation of your dining table, coffee table or summer picnic blanket.
As someone who grew up rotating dish ware, tablecloths and silverware seasonally in my house.. I really enjoyed the presentation.
I have to say I LOVE their summer melamine. From the floral to the beach-scapes. I was entranced. I will say that sometimes melamine designs can feel a bit kitsch and you might think “Will I want this dish ware for the rest of my life?” The answer is no. If you look for some super fun, cheap pieces… you can do have a “Summer 2018” print.
This summer, I’m lusting after the Anthropologie beach scenes, so all my summer accoutrements will be beach-themed. I know Miranda Priestley is in my head saying “Beach for summer? How inspired.” So sue me. It’s summer!
I especially love these Tupperware containers and they will be a lovely addition to your picnic or beach gathering. (As, I’m sure you know, I love any excuse to dress up an ordinary object.)
I leave to you to buy the dish ware pieces you need for your entertaining. Like, yes, canapé plates are lovely, but not everyone will find them useful. Maybe, instead of canapé plates, you could use some really fun paper napkins for your canapés. Like these.. (less mess for you to clean up and you don’t have to have a thousand summer plates). I also, suggest if you feel so inspired maybe buy a few different designs.
They also discussed ways to fold your cloth napkins. Just a simple triangle, or a knot were their suggestions. I love these knotted napkins, for the fact that they are really easy and pretty. Just hold your napkin on the diagonal and make a knot at the center.
Definitely make sure to have some fun with some funky tea towels! LOVE their selection, but Marshall's or TJ Maxx are another great place to find some beautiful, fun and whimsical tea towels (a must for summer!)!!
The last piece of the presentation was about plants, I always love roses in my home year round (right now I’m rotating them out for peonies) but their plants gave me some serious inspiration to check out the flower markets in the city. I especially loved these “ginger” flowers, definitely looked like plastic plants. Something to keep in mind when buying fresh flowers: keep them out of the heat, refresh the flowers by changing the water with cold water, try to make sure only stems and no leaves are in the water. (The leaves in the water will mold quickly and lead to that terrible smell you get when your flowers have been in your apartment a few days.)
I would also suggest investing in some nice summer plastic glassware. No one wants to be picking up glass outside after a few too many Aperol Spritzes. I have found a pretty good selection of plastic ones at Party City that are disposable but pretty sturdy so can be reusable, too.
I can’t wait to see your summer Tablescapes and will be posting some of my own now that the summer has officially begun! I’ll be posting later this week a couple of my favorite summer appetizer recipes, so check back soon!
x Ana Maria
