A Summer Table + Outdoor Ideas Party!
May 19, 2011
Greetings everyone, welcome to the link par-tay celebrating the great outdoors!
May means the kids will soon be out of school and the days are getting longer. The sun sets later, the weather is warmer, and that means we will be dining outdoors most evenings, so why not spruce up our mini outdoor dining space? Yes indeedy, that’s what I did!
Just last week I popped into Anthropologie in NYC and spied the Tahitian Vine tablecloth with a fabulous ruffle detail, but it was $98 dollars, ouchy. I was so inspired I decided I neeeeeeeded to create my own version of a bold and bright floral tablecloth with ruffled trim, but with an outdoor fabric that would resist fading. I picked this vibrant pattern in a playful floral, than I stitched up a quick tablecloth, and added a flirty striped pleat along the bottom.
The floral is an outdoor fabric called ‘Richloom Wizard’ found at Joanns, and the stripe is an outdoor fabric by Dwell Studio. If you want to add a fun pleated trim to any of your tablecloths, indoors or out, here are the simple steps:
1) Cut strips of fabric 2 ½ times the total height you desire, flip the fabric inside out and hem it closed. 2) Attach a large safety pin to one edge then insert it into the ‘tube’ you’ve created with the strips of fabric inside out. 3) Work the safety pin through to the other side. 4) Pull through to reveal fabric, pattern side out. 5) Press strip with iron for flat edge hiding seam along the back. 5) Attach to tablecloth with sewing machine, pinching pleat every inch or so.
A flirty pleated trim is a thing of joy . . .
I also bought some inexpensive terra cotta pots with plans to paint them ~ those Moroccan style citronella candleholders I found on sale at Kmart. Bronze is just fine, but I wanted them to be bright colors, so they were all given a coat of spray paint in either RustOleum’s ‘Green Apple’ or ‘Night Tide’ (not the ‘Deep Blue’ shown, I changed my mind cause I’m fickle like that).
I love bright colored ceramic pots but they are pricier than terra cotta, so I simply added a dose of spray paint in two colors to the inexpensive terra cotta for personality. You’ll also spy that little cement planter I made a long time ago . . .
I’m so loving the citronella candle holder in deep glossy blue! The cobalt goblets I’ve had for-evah, they were a wedding present. These melamine plates are from Tar-jay, aren’t they fantastic? How cool is that geometric pattern especially in the several shades of blue? And they were $2 ½ buckaroos each, score I say. You can’t find them online anymore, so if you love them too, hunt them down at your local store!
With the DIY tablecloth and melamine plates, we’re all set for summer nights spent lingering outside . . .
How about you?
Have you planted anything new? Completed any outdoor improvements? Got plans for a new garden, potting bench, path or pergola?
Anything goes, as long as it’s related to outdoor sprucing, so link up a post on your latest outdoor project, or an oldie from the past, I can’t wait to be inspired!
Here’s a handy button if you want to add it to your post!
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Tags: home may'd, link party, outdoor ideas
Gorgeous table Kate!!!! Love it- and what beautiful pictures!
Okay, that tablecloth you made is inspiring! I wish I knew how to sew. I have great ideas, but I have to pay to have them implemented! You have a great eye! Now, here’s to al fresco dining.
I love the table cloth pattern – and the colors are my favorites!
Gorgeous fabric! This makes a lovely table for alfresco dining. Fun idea for a party. Thanks for hosting. ~ Sarah
Just lovely, you really do have great taste!
Perfection, Kate! Very, very pretty. I think I’d be dining out there every evening.
FYI just bought some cobalt blue goblets at the 99 cent store for – 99 cents! And, as an added bonus they were made in the good ol’ US of A by Libby.
Thanks for the fun party!!! Oh, how I love your place setting!! There’s just SOMETHING wonderful about blue and white!!! :)
You’ve inspired me! It has to warm up soon and I want to be ready and have our dining area ready to go. Off to see what I can find.
Simple ideas…love them. I am off to the fabric store for tablecloth materials.
Kate! I love the colors in your Summer table. They are fresh, inviting, and delicious all at the same time. I share your post and ideas on my blog today. Thanks for all the inspiration! http://www.ourlittlegems.com/2011/05/blog-fav-ushering-in-summer/
I love the colors you chose. I’m a sucker for anything green and blue. Don’t you love Joann’s outdoor fabric choices!?
Kate, I LOVE your outdoor table setting! So fresh and pretty!
what can you tell me about your outdoor fireplace? did you guys do it yourself? hire someone?? we’ve been considering something like that for a while now….
Hi Rachel, we built the outdoor fireplace years ago, but it was completed by a subcontractor. We framed it, inserted the firebox. then covered it with stucco. Such an amazing focal point, and especially nice on crisp cool summer evenings, we get a lot of those in Northern Cali.
OMG I really really can’t wait for summer. I’m excited to go to different beaches, have an outdoor party, and redecorate my house with summer-themed accessories.
Your bright floral tablecloth is perfect Kate. You’re a great and practical DIY maker.
I purchased several planters, pots, and garden decors just last week. I’m planning to improve the looks and aesthetics of my front lawn. I hope it will work just in time for summer.
Was the fabric wide enough that you didn’t have to sew two pieces together? or did you do two halves? I haven’t made a big round cloth before but I think I know what to do (pencil and chalk). Your outdoor set is gorgeous!
Oh boy, those pots are wonderful — love the color combo! Your eye for adding charming details is perfect.
Thank you for hosting Kate. I love your tablecloth – I think it’s prettier than the original. :)
Beautiful table scape….love the colors! Thanks for hosting the link party, the traffic coming from your site has been amazing!!
Hey there~ Your table looks so pretty- I love the tablecloth~ such great colors! I am soo late to your party- but joined in! Thanks for hosting! :)
Fun! I love the table cloth and the painted pots look great.
That table cloth (and the entire table) is gorgeous! Great job! Found you via CSI Project.
it looks beautiful! the little pleated skirt is a great detail.
Hi Kate! Thanks for sharing this gorgeous outdoor tablescape. I love all the patterns and how they work together to create something fun and festive, but not too overwhelming. I just put together my first outdoor tablescape (okay, my first tablescape period!) and used your post as a reference. You can check it out here, if you want: http://heartmainehome.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-patio-set-and-memorial-day-bbq.html
Thanks again for sharing your ideas!
Mindy
I think I’m gonna try to make an outdoor tablecloth w/trim. You are an inspiration. I love the gorgeous hurricane in the center, also. Very pulled together, as always :)
Hi Kate,
Thanks for sharing just amazing ideas to organize wonderful party at home with some simple and yet amazing home made ideas. The patterns are just great!!
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