Frosty place setting ideas for summer parties

Cool Summer Table IdeasSummer parties bring images of outdoor settings, chilled foods and icy drinks and desserts. Why not let your table setting reflect this easy, breezy feeling with brightly colored and frosty-toned place settings? Here are some fresh ideas on how to set a summer party table that is sure to reflect that summery feeling.

Cool cobalt blue

Nothing says cool and frosty like rich glass cobalt blue dishes accented with clear glass or white dishes. Place a larger cobalt plate or charger down first and a smaller clear plate on top of that with a cobalt cloth napkin folded in the center of the plate. Place your table settings on a snow-white tablecloth and arrange your best silverware. Cobalt blue stemware for wine or drinks alongside clear glasses for water or soda will be the perfect combination. Line the middle of the table with small, clear glass votive holders and see how the candles' glow reflects off the cobalt and clear glass for a deliciously frosty look.

Brighten with yellow and white

Yellow is the color of the summer sun, lemons and sunflowers, so why not bring those themes together for a cool summer table setting? Heavy, bright yellow Fiestaware paired with bright white dishes will certainly add pop to any summer get-together. Set the dishes on top of a soft yellow tablecloth and use same-color napkins. White enamel-handled silverware will complete the look. Place glass vases of sunflowers down the center of the table along with fresh lemons in bowls or simply placed on the table. Clear stemware and glasses will reflect the colors for a crisp and cool summer table.

Chill things down with white

We all wait for the summer temps to arrive so we can toss away our dark colors and replace them with crisp, cool white. Why not do the same with your summer party table setting? Bring out the shiny, white china, good silverware and clear glass stemware and drinking glasses. Serve foods in white or clear glass to keep the table setting light and airy. Cover the table with a silky white tablecloth and, for a pop of color, place a yellow, deep blue or green table runner down the middle and match napkins to the runner. Decorate the center by alternating white candles with clear vases holding white summer flowers. Your guests will feel ten degrees cooler, just looking at your table!

Ocean blue and white

Everyone heads to the ocean on a hot summer day for those cool breezes and blue waters, and you can give your guests the same feeling by decorating your party table in the cooling colors of the ocean. Start with a soft blue tablecloth and top with ocean-blue and white plates. Add white napkins under your silverware and use clear stemware and drinking glasses. Decorate the center of the table with starfish, seashells and hurricane lamps holding light blue or white candles. The table will feel cool and serene, perfect for an intimate summer dinner party with friends.

More summer party ideas

How to host the ultimate summer patio party
Best foods for outdoor parties
Creative ways to keep things cool outdoors