This table design is a bit difficult to write about. It was honestly something I threw togetherΒ after Liz found these gorgeous greenΒ Belmont Plates from Target.Β Apparently, she had this whole design scheme in her head and I just couldn’t resist putting my spin on it.

It’s not that we are necessarily competitive with each other, but my brain doesn’t allow me to look at something without thinking about how I might do it differently.Β Hell, I evenΒ find myself redesigningΒ my own designs.

My ex used to call it β€œthe stare.” The stare meant something was going to get rearranged, repainted or replaced.Β In the end, I guess I had started staring him down too, but for the record I would have settled for a redo instead of a replacement.

GREENΒ ASΒ A NEUTRALΒ 

So, back to these plates. After watching Liz pull together some ideas, I started hashing out my own plan.Β I often think of green as a neutral. It goes with everything. Just ask Mother Nature.

I started with a layer of earth in the form of aΒ NaturalΒ LinenΒ Tablecloth from Sur La Table.Β 

Then, I added some trees literally and figuratively with some Acacia Wood Chargers from Target and a great piece of driftwood. Even my vintage flatware is a combination of teak and silver.Β 

I added in my β€œgreenery” with the plates and topped them with a fun pinstriped napkin. To really dress things up IΒ designedΒ a fun watercolor menu that you can actuallyΒ edit andΒ download from ourΒ printables,Β and finallyΒ IΒ topped everything off with a sprig of actual greenery.Β 

NATURAL DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN RUSTICΒ 

This table certainly has a lot of rustic elements. Wood chargers, brass patina vases and let’s not forget that big hunk of driftwood. However, I never like my tables to be exactly one thing or another.Β Kind of like wearing jeans with strappy high heels or a sequined skirt with anΒ old bandΒ tee.Β Eclectic is the name of my style game.

To give things a little sparkle, I added these beautiful crystal wine glasses and a few traditional brass candlesticks. Here’s the thing – I believe in using your crystal and china if you have it.Β There is zero point keeping it stored away for special occasions. I think dinner with friends is always a special occasion. Sometimes, even dining solo on leftovers and a cheapΒ bottleΒ of beer can be a special occasion. Treat yourself. Use the damn crystal! After all, Miller Highlife is the champaign of beers.Β 

DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL WITH YOUR FLOWERSΒ 

Sometimes things call for stand-out floral arrangements, but often flowers that blend in with a design can have a nice impactΒ too. For instance, the flowers used in these arrangements are just an extension of the table design – greens, earthy tones, and a little pop of brass.

They also incorporate a little bit of that high/low style. Eucalyptus and ranunculus make up a fairly traditional base, but the pop of dried pampas grass, which always reminds me of feathers, adds a little funky glam to the mix.Β Β 

TO DINE IN OR OUT, THAT IS THE QUESTION

Obviously, it’s summer, and dining al fresco is always an option. Even with the fancy crystal, I don’t see why you couldn’t set this table up in your backyard for an intimateΒ soirΓ©e.Β  And, I’d treat my menu just like my table – a bit of casual and fancy.

Maybe start the evening off with a unique cocktail. The Two Cents is a nice combination of sweet and smokey because it features maple syrup and mezcal. Delicious.

Speaking of smokey, Kielbasa might sound like a strange main, but I promise this Summer Squash and Kielbasa combo is fabulous – especially on a warm night. Add No Knead Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread to the mix, and you have simple, but savory meal.

I’d end things with the ultimate in high/low combos – Browned Butter Rice KrispiesΒ Treats. Yes, you read that right, Rice KrispiesΒ Treats. Those, sometimes dry, little sticky squares you ate at every homeroom party fromΒ 1stΒ to 5thΒ grade.

I cannot emphasize enough how the browned butter changesΒ the standard dessertΒ game completely. I thought after the age of 11,Β I’d neverΒ have toΒ eat another Rice KrispiesΒ Treat again. But thisΒ recipe is so good, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it on a Michelin menuΒ someday.Β I’m totally NOT exaggerating.

Cheers!Β 

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