EDITOR’S NOTE: It’s a fun day on the blog today: we are debuting not one, but two brand new series! When I first met Callie Jenschke, the dynamic Texan who recently moved back to Austin from NYC, I knew a creative collaboration was destined to happen. She worked for the likes of Metropolitan Home, Lonny, Domino, O at Home, Martha Stewart Weddings and Blueprint magazine before starting her own interior design firm with a friend called Scout Designs NYC. As a designer she was chosen as one of Traditional Home’s 2011 Top 20 “New Traditionals,” so there is no denying this girl knows her design…especially tabletop! So, when we first dreamt up the concept for a new series devoted to tabletop inspiration, we knew she was the right gal for the job. Each month, she’ll share tabletop ideas inspired by the seasons. At the Table kicks off with this fresh, modern take on the classic combo of blue and white.

1. Go tropical with the centerpieceI love making tropical arrangements for a summer table because hearty fronds last forever! My all-time favorite tropical leaf for arrangements is the Split Leaf Philodendron. Make sure you select the greenest leaves without any tears or missing leaf sections. An arrangement of nice green leaves can last for weeks if the water is changed every couple of days. To arrange a variety of tropical leaves together, make sure to select varying shapes, heights and textures to add visual interest to the arrangement. 

2. Modernize a classic pairing — Since temperatures are quickly rising, I wanted to create a table setting that exudes cool, and nothing is fresher than the combo of blue and white. Instead of traditional Spode or chinoiserie, I chose bold solids and hand painted, clean-lined patterned small plates and bowls to mix effortlessly with any standard set of white plates. Everyone should have a set of solid white plates that can be matched with fun patterned plates (of varying sizes and shapes) for visual interest in a table setting.

3. Don’t worry too much about matching — Summer tables should be break all the rules since it’s all about easy, fun get togethers. To keep the table unfussy, pair simple glassware with casual tie dyed indigo linens and tropical fronds that give off beachy vibes.

   

 credits // photography by melanie grizzel // palms & tropical fonds by bricolage // como white flat plates // como tile flat dessert plate // rika appetizer plate // white tumbler // promenade 20 piece place setting // marta double old-fashioned // shibori blue napkins // beaker glass pitcher // vintage burkina faso denim african shawl (similar option here) // slate place cards // baltic bowl

 

 

 

 

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Comments (13)
  1. 1
    Nan // Simply Elegant Blog June 19, 2014 at 7:22 am

    What a fun new series! I love this table set up, so perfect for summer! I love how light and refreshing it all feels. All those blue and white plates are right up my alley, going to have to go check them out!

    Reply
  2. 2
    Kelly Jo June 19, 2014 at 8:25 am

    I might be biased because blue is my favorite color but this is gorgeous! Fun new series ladies!

    Reply
  3. 3
    kristin June 19, 2014 at 8:37 am

    those napkins are killer!

    Reply
  4. 4
    Krayl Funch June 19, 2014 at 8:43 am

    Love everything and anything tabletop so this is a win win! Looks great.

    Reply
  5. 5
    Nessa @ Living in Steil June 19, 2014 at 9:49 am

    Great new series! I love matching plates with different patterns, and totally agree that a summer table should be all about fun.

    http://www.livinginsteil.com

    Reply
  6. 6
    204Park June 19, 2014 at 10:40 am

    I am so loving this look! And can we just take a moment to admire that light fixture above the table…swoon! I’m loving this new series, can’t wait for the next one XO, D

    Reply
  7. 7
    Jessica Mischner June 19, 2014 at 2:47 pm

    Callie! Such an inspiration. Can’t wait to read every installment. xx

    Reply
  8. 8
    agrubbs June 19, 2014 at 8:24 pm

    loving that dining table! Where is it from?

    Reply
  9. 9
    arielle June 19, 2014 at 10:14 pm

    loving this table set. and that pie looks delicious! so summer-y!

    love, arielle
    a simple elegance

    Reply
  10. 10
    unpofucsia June 20, 2014 at 8:39 am

    great table and chairs! nice simple setting – looking fwd to more table setting posts!

    Reply
  11. 11
    Lindsay {Everistta} June 24, 2014 at 12:57 pm

    I love this series and the linens are amazing! Love them!

    Reply
  12. 12
    Peggy Sherlin August 20, 2014 at 9:27 pm

    Have loved all of the tables as I am reading the series backwards!!! Just beautiful, fun and amazing!

    Reply