Hello and welcome to a summer pink tablescape! I’m honored to be part of the Summer Tablescape Blog Hop hosted by the lovely Rita at Panoply. If you’ve come over from Jennifer at Celebrating Everyday Life, I’m so happy you’ve joined us!
Summer to me means roses! My home city of Portland Oregon is called the City of Roses, and there are roses all over town – in the Portland International Rose Test Garden of course, but also in parks, downtown, along freeways, and in people’s yards. I’m lucky enough to have lots of beautiful roses in my own yard. And one of my favorite places in the world, my grandmother’s garden, was full of roses too.
We visited my grandmother every summer, and I loved to go out into her beautiful garden and surround myself with flowers – my own personal bower! So to channel that Grandma’s Garden vibe, my blog hop offering is this summer pink tablescape out in the yard with roses from my own garden.
The Indulgence of a Table for One
We all know how wonderful it is to host friends around the table and give them a special experience. But we shouldn’t forget to give ourselves special experiences once in a while too! I love setting a lovely table just for myself, and this summer pink tablescape is the first of the outdoor season.
I chose my favorite roses and my favorite tableware, and set this table just off the patio where I could relax in the morning sun and enjoy a quiet breakfast. Just me and the birds!
The Summer Pink Tablescape Centerpiece
I’d originally thought to use this copper pitcher full of roses that I borrowed from the mantel. I’d picked these the previous weekend and we’d been enjoying them in the living room all week. But as I lifted it off the mantel, a few petals fluttered to the floor, and when I stepped outside with it, a little gust of wind blew a whole bunch of petals off!
By the time I’d gotten it to the table, there was a carpet of petals in my wake! And when I set it down as gently as I could, a cascade of petals rained down on the table.
So maybe I needed to go grab some fresh roses for my centerpiece. A slight delay, but well worth it!
I chose this silver bowl for a bright morning look. We had some mock orange blooming, so I put a couple branches in the arrangement too. That gave it some shape, and made it a little more relaxed.
So with the flowers in place, let’s move on to the rest of the table!
The Linens
The shades of pink roses inspired the color palette, starting with the pink tablecloth. It came to me from my mother and it’s ancient! It’s starting to fray, and I really should retire it, but I love it and thought it would be ok out here in the yard. (I’ve linked a much nicer one in the shopping section!)
The napkin is from a beautiful vintage set that a generous friend gave me years ago, and the silver napkin ring was a wedding shower gift. I couldn’t find any exactly like this, but as always, I’ve linked some similar ones below.
The Summer Pink Tablescape Plate Stack
I love the plate stack on this table! Especially the salad plate – but let’s go in order from the bottom up.
The pretty silver charger is a Mantel and Table reader favorite. Lightweight, easy to clean, and beautiful.
The main plate is that old standby, our everyday white ones! LOVE those. They go with everything and are tough as nails.
Then the salad plate! I DIY’d this using one of the miracle substances of the world – Aleene’s Tack it Over & Over! I did a video a while back about how great this stuff is, and how easy it is to customize a plate in literally just a few minutes. The process involves a clear glass plate, some patterned tissue paper, scissors, a brush, and the glue – that’s it!
This paper is reasonably heavy for tissue, and was originally packing material in a shipping box, surrounding a very important violin! My wonderful husband used to work at a high-end violin shop and snagged the paper as the violin was being unpacked. We moved it to Portland with us all those years ago, and here’s the perfect use for it!
I made four of them, but because I used the Tack it Over & Over, the tissue’s only on the plates temporarily. As soon as I wash them, it’ll come off. But we love these plates so much, that I think I’m going to go over them with Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge, and put them into the tableware collection! If so, you’ll be seeing this little plate again!
The Silver & Glassware
If you’ve been around M&T for even a little bit, you’ll have seen my favorite silveware before. It started life as 4 place settings in my hope chest almost 50 years ago. It’s now 8+ settings in a silver chest in my dining room!
The water glass is my usual too. But what I love about using my favorites all the time, is that then I love every table! If I could only have one set of glassware on that desert island people always ask about, it would be this one!
I don’t think you’ve seen these little cordial glasses before though! They belonged to my mother, via my grandmother, and they live in a separate cabinet of pieces we don’t use very often. I love them though, and I was really surprised to find a whole bunch of what look like the exact same pattern at Replacements. I’ve linked them for you below.
They’re dainty and delicate, and feel so indulgent – especially at breakfast! Perfect for my own personal summer pink tablescape!
Setting Your Own Summer Table
So, here are the CliffsNotes for setting your own indulgent summer table:
- Choose a nice spot, just for you!
- Use a favorite color or flower to set the theme.
- Choose pieces that you particularly like and that make you feel special when you use them.
- Make yourself a lovely and unique (and temporary if you want!) plate to freshen up your tablescape.
- Prepare yourself something you really like to eat and drink!
Thanks so much for sharing this table with me! And remember to keep going to find the boutique selections, a little menu suggestion, and the rest of the beautiful summer tables on the hop!
Barbara’s Boutique Recommendations
Click on the pictures below for links to the pieces I mentioned in this post. If something’s not available, I chose a similar replacement.
* This post includes affiliate links for your shopping convenience. If you click on a link and buy anything from that site during your visit, I get a small commission and there’s no extra charge for you! It really helps toward the cost of publishing Mantel and Table, and I seriously appreciate it. (You can read the whole disclosure policy here.) Thanks so much for shopping with me!
And remember, a portion of anything you buy from MANTELandTABLE.com goes to Habitat for Humanity and Proud Ground. With our purchases, we get to help people build homes for their own mantels and tables!
Something Delicious to Serve on the Summer Pink Tablescape
And if you want something great to serve on your summer pink tablescape, it might be this summery pink soup! I made it up several years ago, and it turned out so delicious! And just the right color! Hop over to the Chilled Raspberry Soup post for the recipe.
And Now, On With The Hop!
The next lovely table is from my friend Kari at Me and My Captain. Click on over or scroll below for the entire tour. Thanks so much for joining us, and Happy Summer!
- Panoply – Summer Meadow Bistro Tablescape
- Hyacinths for the Soul – Summer Whimsy Tablescape
- Home is Where the Boat Is – Stars and Stripes Alfresco Tablescape
- Everyday Living – Say Hello To Summer With a Garden Tablescape
- The Bookish Dilettante – Red, White and Blue Summertime Tablescape
- My Thrift Store Addiction – Flower Fairies in the Garden Summer Tablescape
- Life and Linda – A Margaritaville Party
- The Cat’s Whiskerz – A Tropical Tablescape for Summer
- The Little Yellow Corner Store – A Fourth of July Tablescape – A Star Performance
- Pandora’s Box – Pineapple Delight
- Thrifting Wonderland – Morning Tea in the Garden
- Corner of Plaid and Paisley – Summer Road Trip
- The Painted Apron – Summer Sea Shells
- Red Cottage Chronicles – Summer Afternoon Tea Party Ideas
- Dinner at Eight – Summertime Gardens for the Table
- Belle Bleu Interiors – An Early Summer Tablescape in the Garden
- Celebrating Everyday Life – Simple Homespun Patriotic Table Decor
- Mantel and Table – A Summer Pink Tablescape – Beautiful Indulgence for One
- Me and My Captain – Small Backyard Space? Come Sit By Me
Pin the Summer Pink Tablescape for Later
Barbara! I love your little table for one! I often set myself a pretty table to enjoy a quiet breakfast in the screen porch on the weekends when my husband is off early golfing! I have similar memories of roses, with my nana having a huge rose garden when I was younger. I sadly have not grown any roses due to my 2 crazy golden retrievers who would not hesitate to make them their next chew toy! I can imagine the heavenly fragrance of your pretty silver bowl of roses and mock orange. I love to pair roses with silver. It just elevates a simple bouquet to something extra special! What pretty plates who have created. I have never heard of that product you have used before. I will have to be on the lookout!
Hi Maureen! You’ll love the Tack It glue – it’s the best! And so fun to play with! Oh I would love to have dogs! I imagine it’s a trade off, but I bet they’re so fun. I had pets my whole life up until 20 years ago – I’m still going through withdrawal. Hope you’re having a great summer and enjoying your lovely tables – with or without canine companions! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Barbara, the garden setting is perfect for such a lovely table! It is an indulgence, but one which is sorely needed. I love that you used your favorite table things and shared their history with us. I’ve never tried to create my own plates, but I’m afraid if I liked the results that I would add an astonishing number to the cupboard. Your roses are stunning and their vibrancy superbly complements the soft colors of the linens. The silver shines and grounds the tablescape. Beautifully done! If you ever want to know the pattern name/manufacturer of china, crystal or silverware, submit a photo to Replacements and they’ll identify it for you. How-to’s are on their site. I so enjoyed hopping with you — have a great weekend!
HA! I know – I feel exactly the same way about wanting to add them to my collection! 🤣 Thanks for the tip on pattern identification! Don’t you love Replacements? They are a fabulous resource for a dishaholic like me! I so appreciate you stopping by Sandra – always love to see you here, hop or not! Happy Summer!
Barbara, your table is so beautiful and feminine, just lovely. I was surprised to read that you made the flowered plate, kudos!! It come out great!! You have created such a charming spot with your beautiful roses. I hope you have a nice summer☀️
Thanks so much Ann! I’m really loving that tissue paper technique! I hope you have a nice summer too – so fun hopping with you!
Barbara, your roses are lovely, and the table set in the garden inviting. Having just spent a week in the Seattle area, I came home refreshed and enchanted with all the beautiful gardens and lovely weather. I suspect you experience the same. I smiled at the pink rose petals that spilled onto the beautiful white linen cloth. Thanks for having us into your lovely garden. Happy Summer!
Hi Sarah! I’m glad you got good weather for your Seattle trip – it’s a wonderful place. If you ever get to Portland with time to spare, give me a call and I’ll take you on a tour of some of our beautiful roses too! 😊 Hope you have a great summer back home, and thanks so much for stopping over – it’s great to share Rita’s lovely hop!
You would love my rosebud tea set, a gift from a dear aunt that I now use for tea parties with my grandkids!
Oooh I bet I would Michele – and I bet your grandkids do too! So fun to be making memories with them! 💗
Beautiful indulgence, Barbara, and much praise for the glorious roses and mock orange you have growing in your garden! I think the silver makes for a beautiful accent all the way around on this table. The Godinger glassware is beautiful, and I think I mention that each time I see it used. The salad plate looks so pretty, and if you do use the dishwasher safe modge podge, please let us know how it works or not. I would still only hand wash, though. That raspberry soup looks so good! I jumped over the recipe, and would love that, I know. I buy raspberries regularly and can eat a half pint in a sitting, easily.
Barbara, thank you for bringing the Oregon coast to the summer blog with your seasonal style, I love seeing all the variety and am happy you’ve shared yours.
Happy summer!
Ha! I’m right there with you on the raspberries Rita – LOVE those! And I agree – I still will probably only wash by hand – it seems so much safer. But I’ll definitely report back and let you know how it goes. (I may experiment in the dishwasher with a different tissue plate that I don’t love quite so much!) 😊 Thanks as always for organizing another excellent hop – you know I get so much inspiration from your generosity and hosting prowess! Take care and have a lovely summer!
Lovely! I truly love the little salad plate.
Hi Edmee! I know – I’m so excited about the tissue paper technique! Just think of all the different patterns …!! Thanks for popping in – it’s always great to see you!
Oh my goodness Barbara, this is such a beautiful table! I love the shimmer from your charger plates and beautiful flatware, and your white dinner plate is perfect to showcase that lovely salad plate. I remember your video and I agree that these beauties should be keepers – at least for awhile. I’m loving that pretty cordial glass too, and especially that it makes you feel special. But those roses, oh my. Such a pretty color and I can only imagine their fragrance – and from your own backyard too. Indulge away, my friend because you deserve it and wishing you a most glorious summer!
Kim you are so sweet – thank you so much! And yes those plates are so fun. It gives me an extra reason to keep my eyes open for pretty paper now! I was happy to finally use the cordial glasses – you know how you have things tucked away that you hardly even remember are there? Well, you probably remember everything now that you’ve had to pack it all up! 🤣 Thanks so much for stopping over, and here’s to a wonderful exciting summer my friend!
Barbara, I adore pink, and your table makes my heart sing. The pink roses in the silver bowl makes a stunning centerpiece accented with the heavenly fragrance of mock orange. My grandmother had a mock orange, and I loved it so. Your post reminded me of this wonderful memory. I remember us creating bouquets together of the fragrant blossoms. Your rose plates make such a pretty accent to your lovely table. It is always a joy to join you on these hops! Happy summer!
Oh I love the mock orange! And what a wonderful memory Shannon – isn’t that the best part of beautiful things?! Thanks so much for your sweet comment! I love sharing Rita’s wonderful hops with you – I’m always so inspired. Hope you have a lovely summer my friend!
What a lovely tablesetting in a serene setting. I am convinced that this lovely table could be for a wedding. So elegant and I would never guessed that the salad plate was a covered over clear plate. I really thought I was at a wedding reception. Even the raspberry soup is a perfect match to this stunning and elegant table of celebration. Have a wonderful summer.
Oh thank you Marsha – that’s so sweet of you! If I ever get to decorate for a wedding, I’ll remember that! Isn’t that tissue paper plate the best? I just can’t get enough of the technique, and it’s so easy! All my paper hoarding is finally paying off! 🤣 Hope you have a wonderful summer too – so fun sharing the hop with you!
Beautiful roses Barbara! Such a creative and economical way to create plates! I’ve seen clear glass plates made with Mod Podge but am not familiar with Tack it Over & Over. I’ll have to check out your tutorial! Your chilled raspberry soup sounds so refreshing too with our 90 degree weather. As always, it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you again, Happy Summer!
Oh boy – you’re a lot warmer than we are. I bet a chilled soup would be great! You’ll love the plates with tissue paper Mary – so easy, and a practically unlimited well of designs! Thanks so much for stopping over – it’s always so fun to hop with you!
Such a pretty table set in your signature elegant style Barbara! Your roses are gorgeous, it must be wonderful to have a garden full at your fingertips! Love the pink, white and silver color palette and the clear plastic plates you dressed with tissue are so clever, I’ve got to try that! Such a beautiful spot to enjoy a relaxing summer meal, the chilled raspberry soup sounds perfect!
You’ll totally love the tissue paper plate deal Jenna – it’s amazing how well it works and how wonderful it is to just wash the pattern off at the end of the night! Now instead of storing plates, I’ll be storing tissue paper! 🤣 (Ok, plates too, but who’s counting … !?) Hope you have a lovely weekend – see you next time!
Barbara, I love your table for one and it is so special to treat yourself. The roses are beautiful and the addition of the mock orange is perfect. I agree with Ricki Jill, the salad plate is stunning and I am fascinated by the process that you used. The petals on the ground are lovely and it must smell heavenly with the fragrance of mock orange and the roses. Your table for one is charming!
Thank you so much Pam! I do love those roses and I’m grateful that I have so many. Some years aren’t as prolific, but this year they’re going crazy so I can pick armloads if I want. And I do! 😊 The mock orange looks like a bridal veil hanging over the yard. Always fun to share the hops with you! Hope you have a lovely week!
What a lovely tablescape, Barbara! The florals are stunning- and you made that beautiful plate…..wow. It is a show-stopper to be sure.
Well done – love beautiful pink girlie lovely outdoor dining. And your soup is so perfect too!
Yaay Pink!! I’ve loved it since I was a tiny girl! And the plate was so easy – I love when I find something that works so well, is inexpensive, and I don’t even have to store it! 😊 Thanks so much for popping over – hope things are going well for you back there!
A lovely elegant table to pamper oneself. Love the finery that shows in the silver and gorgeous flowers. the chilled raspberry soup sounds delightful. The salad plates are so pretty and creative.
Thank you Linda – that plate and tissue paper technique has changed my life! So many wonderful designs I don’t have to store! 😊 I hope you get a chance to try the soup – it’s really yummy on hot days, and I imagine you’re getting warm enough now to like something chilled more often! Take care, and hope you have a great summer!
You set a table after my own heart with this one. I love using beautiful tableware in a lovely setting with gorgeous flowers and would do it every day, of I could. the Wallace Rose Point silverware is my favorite. Roses and gardens just seem to go together and add a lovely table…it;s perfect. thanks for sharing.
Lynne
Thanks so much Lynne! I know you love the sterling too, and love to use it as much as I do! Plus then we don’t have to clean it so much, right? 😊 Hope you’re having a lovely summer and enjoying your own beautiful tables!
Barb I love your table for one. Since the Captain flys for a living, there are many times I am all alone for a meal and I try to make it special. There was a movie a long time ago about a wedding planner and she always set a pretty table for herself even if it was on a tv tray and so I have done that many times. That is not to say I haven’t popped out a paper plate or two for my breakfast, lunch or dinner but it is nice to treat oneself too. I adore the pink rose petals and agree you could have left them on the table…that would have been enchanting. Of course my eye went immediately to the roses on the salad plate…simply beautiful and magical. I am always the romantic and your lovely pieces for one are perfect for a warm summer day. Thanks for hopping as it is always fun. Happy June.
I remember that movie – one of my favorites, since I’m an event planner too! 😊It’s so fun to be fancy just for ourselves! Always nice hopping with you, and hope you have a lovely summer too!
I could get used to pampering myself like that. Your table is stunning! One of the prettiest things is the lovely plate, and I need to learn more about this miracle substance because your plate looks great! I like how you share the story about the paper. Your roses are so pretty, and I bet they smell even better than they look! Happy summer!
Hi Ricki Jill – they do smell great, and it’s so blissful to be surrounded by them. I’m glad you like the plate paper too! I’m sure glad I saved it all those years. 😊 Happy Summer to you too – so nice to share Rita’s wonderful hop!
This is so pretty and I love the idea of making your salad plates with napkins or tissue paper! The silver just glistens in the sunlight and you roses are lovely……..(and I actually liked all the fallen petals ). Happy Summer
Aren’t those plates fun?! I’m so glad I found that Tack it Over & Over – it’s great stuff! Another vote for the fallen petals – I’m going to remember that techinque! 😊 Happy Summer to you too – thanks for stopping over!
Hi Barbara. I love the pink table setting with the silver and glass. It looks so calm and peaceful. Thanks for including the photo showing the rose petals on the grass. You could even have left a few of the dropped petals on the table. Such a delicate scene. So beautiful.
Hi Karen! Thanks so much! It was really peaceful, even including the rose petals. I always forget that I can scatter decor on the table, but that’s a great idea. It would have been even more romantic. I’ll give it a shot next time. Thanks for the suggestion!
Oh my goodness, Barbara–I love every detail from the elegant setting for one to the gorgeous flowers and chilled raspberry soup! I’ve made chilled strawberry soup but now I want to try your raspberry recipe. Thanks for the absolutely beautiful inspiration! Pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
Hi Cecilia – ooh I’d love to try a strawberry version – that would be great too! Thanks so much for stopping over – always so fun hopping with you!
What a beautiful tablescape and a wonderful way to pamper oneself! I don’t think I would want to leave.
Enjoy your week!
Thanks so much Tina! It WAS hard to leave the table, but I promised myself a treat back there once I did my chores! 🤣 Thanks so much for stopping over – hope you had a great week too!