To me, summer means sunshine, salty air, and any excuse to be outside. I’m talking beach days, weekend getaways, and those dreamy outdoor dinners that feel like they could go on forever. My hubbie and I have a soft spot for the Mediterranean (basically anywhere with turquoise water and great food!), so when I had a few friends over recently, I thought—why not bring a little bit of that coastal charm to our own backyard?
Living near the beach in Southern California definitely helps—we’re spoiled with amazing weather and try to eat outside as much as possible. So I put together a Mediterranean summer tablescape full of sun-washed blues, white and citrusy pops of yellow that felt like a mini vacation…no passport required.
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Here’s How I Created This Mediterranean Summer Tablescape:
For the tablescape:
- Tablecloth: I started with a lemon-printed tablecloth that instantly set the tone—it feels like an Italian summer getaway in fabric form. Bonus: it’s waterproof, which makes it super practical for outdoor soirées.
- Napkins: I used light yellow linen napkins. The soft yellow didn’t compete with the citrus décor and added just the right touch of warmth.
- Placemats: Round navy placemats helped anchor each place setting and gave a nice break in the overall design. I loved how they added contrast without overwhelming the table.
Dishware:
- Plates & Silverware: White Wedgewood Strawberry & Vine plates and our everyday silverware kept things classic and clean—nothing too fussy.
- Glassware: The blue glasses added a fun pop and tied into the Mediterranean palette. I actually used them for the Fourth of July (see that post here), and it’s always fun to find new ways to use things I already own. I grabbed mine from the Target dollar bin, but I found similar options [linked here].
The Flowers:
I love flowers, and for this tablescape, they were an essential finishing touch. These days, I almost always DIY my arrangements using market flowers—Trader Joe’s is my go-to.
Want to learn how I turn simple market finds into beautiful centerpieces? [Click here for a how-to!]
Here is what I used:
- Blue and white hydrangeas (a must for this motif)
- Yellow dragon (or aster – I love this textured filler)
- White stock
- Eucalyptus
- Butterfly ranunculus (my new fav!)
I arranged them in a clear bubble vase and lined it with 4” waterproof aspidistra ribbon to give it a more finished look. The pop of yellow in the arrangement helped tie everything back to the lemons and brought the whole Mediterranean summer tablescape to life.
Additional Décor:
- Votive candles are a staple on all my tables—they add that soft, flickering ambiance that instantly makes a gathering feel special.
- Fresh lemons were scattered along the table for bright pops of color and a playful nod to our citrus theme.
- Clear Glass bottles were another simple but thoughtful touch. I filled them with filtered water and placed a few down the center of the table. They made it easy for guests to refill their own glasses and added a clean, minimal element to the overall look.
The Menu:
Before we sat down to eat, guests mingled and snacked on a variety of appetizers everyone brought to share—there was plenty to nosh on while we sipped drinks and relaxed in our outdoor seating area. It was the perfect way to ease into the evening and soak up the warm summer air before dinner.
This wasn’t a formal dinner—just a relaxed potluck with a Mediterranean twist (my favorite kind!). Lucky for us, a few of our friends really know their way around a kitchen, especially when it comes to this type of food. Here’s what ended up on the table:
- Homemade hummus with warm pita
- Fasolia – a delicious dish of green beans, meat, and tomatoes, served with rice
- Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta
- Grilled chicken with lemon and herbs
- Fresh bread for dipping, scooping, and soaking up every last bit
It was simple, flavorful, and perfect for a summer night outdoors. Everyone brought something, which made it even more fun (and low-stress!).
Dessert:
For dessert, I kept it light and refreshing with individual 4 oz. mason jars of lemon sorbet. Each jar had a lid with a different playful lemon-themed saying (think: “Squeeze the Day” and “I juice can’t concentrate”).
📌 Freebie Alert: Fun with Fun-Size subscribers can grab these FREE printable tags [right here]!
I printed the tags on white cardstock and used a 2.5″ scallop circle punch to cut them out—it gave them a fun, finished look that felt playful and polished.
Hot tip: Decorate the lids before freezing the jars—otherwise, nothing will stick. I used a small dot of hot glue and it worked perfectly.
Ta Da!
To serve, I wheeled them out in my new favorite entertaining find—a portable rolling ice chest (hello, dramatic dessert entrance!). I added a little felt lemon garland for a festive touch.
As each guest grabbed a jar, we went around the table reading the sayings aloud. It turned into such a fun moment—full of laughter and lightness.
Favors:
To send everyone home with a little something, I attached lemon tea bags with a homemade tag that read: “Friends are the zest when life gives you lemons.”
Just like the dessert tags, I printed them on white cardstock and used the 2.5″ scallop circle punch for that cute, custom look.
These tags are also a FREE printable for all Fun with Fun-Size subscribers!
Get yours [here].
That’s a Wrap:
This little backyard get-together was nothing fancy—just good food, great friends, and a table that felt like summer. I had so much fun pulling together this Mediterranean-inspired vibe with lemons, blues, fresh flowers, and a few fun DIY touches. It all came together in a way that felt special without being fussy—which is pretty much my favorite kind of gathering.
If you want to bring a little of this look to your own table, I’ve got you covered with the printable tags I used for the dessert jars and tea favors. They’re FREE for all Fun with Fun-Size subscribers, and they add just the right personal touch without a ton of effort.
🍋 Click here to grab them!
Loved this tablescape or planning something similar? I’d love to see it! Drop a comment below with your favorite summer hosting tip. And don’t forget to subscribe below so you never miss a FUN idea, free printable, or seasonal DIY!
Hope this gives you a few easy ideas to bring a little summer charm to your own gatherings—whether you’re hosting a full dinner or just sharing a casual meal with friends. A few fresh ingredients, some simple décor, and a little personal touch go a long way.
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I love the color scheme. Looks so inviting!
Thank you! It definitely reminded me of our travels to Greece. Glad you liked the vibe 🙂