An “Ode to Summer & Strawberries” Tablescape
The Beginnings of the “Ode to Summer & Strawberries” Tablescape
A few years ago, I found adorable strawberry napkin rings, and they inspired my to keep my eyes open for other strawberry items. However, sometime during my gathering of strawberry items, I put my strawberry napkin rings away in my dishes cabinet, and later noticed they were likely to get knocked off the shelf when I was putting plates away, so I carefully moved them to a safer place – but unfortunately I can’t remember where that “safer place” is located. I think this is called “Murphy’s Law of Tablescapes“. This leads me to wonder, if it’s just me who loses tablescape items, holiday decorations, etc. I’d love it if you would share your experiences, and anything you have found that helps you keep track of your special things in the Comment Section at the very bottom of this post. .
But back to the tablescape…This year, I finally found some of the other things I wanted for my Strawberry Tablescape.
Rather than wait until I found the napkin rings, and because all my other strawberry items were ready and the weather was good – I decided to go ahead and do my outdoor table. Later, when I find the Strawberry Napkin Rings, I plan to do another version of this tablescape – with all my strawberry things together.
Catalysts for this Tablescape
Aside from my MIA Strawberry Napkin Rings, my catalysts for this tablescape were the Strawberry Appetizer/Dessert melamine plates by Primrose Vintage that I found at Homegoods and the adorable faux chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate/strawberry cupcakes that I found on Etsy. I originally planned to use the chocolate covered strawberries for a Valentine’s Tablescape (which is why I ordered some in a Valentine’s Day box) but later I decided they would be perfect for this summer tablescape too!
I felt that I really needed a strawberry plate to pull the whole tablescape together, and I was very happy to find these. Being melamine they were a perfect plate for outdoors. I love the “garden” feel of these with the strawberries still on the vine. I was also happy to see that the other plates I would need for my plate stack were plates I already had.
This is one of the two sets of faux chocolate strawberries I purchased from the SinCityStickersstore on Etsy. I did not use the heart shaped box, or the conversation heart candies on this table, but I did use the rest of the candies in this set as well as some from another set of chocolate strawberries with white piping.
These chocolate cupcakes with a strawberry on top are also from Etsy. They are from FairchildsCreations. Don’t they look real?
I chose to use faux chocolate for my tablescape, as well as faux cupcakes for a variety of reasons.
- Faux food does not melt in the sun.
- Faux food does not tempt Simba (my pup) to climb on the table, and eat the dessert.
- Faux food does not get stale as it sits on the table to be photographed, nor does it get stale if I chose to leave my tablescape set for a week or so.
- Last but not least, when I do a tablescape ahead, if I used real desserts, I’m afraid I would eat them all before having company for dinner. Making or purchasing the real desserts closer to the “party” day, gives me less time to keep myself from eating them all.
The Plate Stack and Place Setting
Before the first plate in the stack was placed, I put my Strawberry Tablecloth on the table. This was a last minute find for my table, and I was a little nervous about placing a square tablecloth on the round table, but I love the way it looks, and the way the crocheted border shows up so well. This tablecloth is by April Cornell (one of my favorite designers) and I found it at Homegoods.
The second picture above shows my Kate Spade Rutherford Circle Plate, that I use in many of my tablescapes. As it is 11″ in diameter, so I use is sometimes as a charger and sometimes as a dinner plate. For this tablescape, I used it as a charger and used my Bordallo Pinheiro “Geranium” Dinner Plate for my second plate in the stack.
The top plate is my appetizer/dessert strawberry plate by Primrose Vintage. I displayed the plate stack with a faux cupcake on top.
Also, in the place setting, I used my Oneida Golden Affection flatware, and a red cloth napkin I already had. In lieu of the Strawberry Napkin Rings that are MIA, I used some Red “Anthurium” Pia Napkin Rings from the Philippines. These napkin rings were made around 1990 and I purchased them on eBay in around 2020.
The final item in each place setting is an Acrylic Strawberry Goblet which was a “find” at Homegoods, and was very reasonably priced.
The Sunset
One of my favorite parts of doing a tablescape outside, is watching the sun set all around me as I photograph the table. I never get over the beauty of it all – the sky, the movement of the water, and the colors changing in the sky and on the water as the sky is reflected. I love the moments as the boaters and tubers get their last turns in before sunset, and watching the boats as they head home, or out to dinner on the lake. I love the view from the dock and from the yard – both of the lake, and of the windows on the house, reflecting the sunset on the lake. Welcome to the lake we call “home”, I hope you have a minute to enjoy the sunset with me.
And Last, but Not Least… The Centerpieces
I often use “Centerpieces” on both my table and on my “server” which in this case was a tea cart. I sometimes move the centerpieces around as I photograph the areas. This lets me see it the items in various places and let’s me consider where to move things during different parts of the meal (appetizer, main course, dessert).
I used many items from “The Strawberry Collection by Quarter Ruby” as centerpieces. On the table above, you can see the cookie jar, sugar bowl and creamer, and the strawberry tray with the chocolate covered strawberries. There are closeups of these items below.
On the server below I displayed the jam jar, and salt & pepper shakers which were from this same Strawberry Collection from Quarter Ruby. Also, displayed is a cake stand from Homegoods, two ruby candle holders from Hobby Lobby (1990’s) and a ruby depression glass covered dish.
Some close ups are below.
It is great to have you join us at the lake, for our “Ode to Summer Tablescape” I hope you can come back and visit soon!
We will be keeping a lookout for you!!!
Table Details and Origins
Strawberry Plates by Primrose Vintage – Homegoods 2024
Kate Spade “Rutherford Circle” Plates – Homegoods approx. 2017
Bordallo Pinheiro “Geranium” Dinner Plates
Strawberry Tablecloth by April Cornell – Homegoods 2024
The Strawberry Collection by Quarter Ruby – Homegoods 2024 – pieces include jam jar, Salt & Pepper Skakers, Cookie Jar, Sugar Bowl, Creamer, small tray
Acryllic Strawberry Goblets – Homegoods 2024
Seat Cushions – Chair King 2008
Red Cloth Napkins – Homegoods – approximately 2020
Red “Anthurium” Pia Napkin Rings – made in about 1990 – often for sale on eBay – search “Pia Napkin Rings” or Philippines Napkin Rings”
Faux Chocolate Cupcakes with frosting and a strawberry on top – Etsy 2024- Etsy Shop – FairchildsCreations
3 Faux chocolate covered strawberries in heart shaped box and chocolate covered strawberries with white piping – Etsy 2024 – Etsy shop – Sincitystickersstore
White Cake Stand – Homegoods around 2017 – similar items often available at Homegoods
Ruby Depression Glass Covered Dish – eBay, Etsy, or Vintage store
Red Glass Candle Holders – Hobby Lobby – 2012 approximately
Oneida “Golden Affection” flatware – now a discontinued pattern – this and other golden flatware is available often on eBay, and at antique/vintage stores and fairs
Moving Wick type battery operated Pillar Candles – Amazon – current item
Other Posts I Think You Will Like
Comments
Thank you so much for stopping by!! I treasure your comments! If you have time I would love it if you would scroll all the way down to the bottom of this post. I’d love to hear your comments about this post and I’d love it if you would share your own “Ode to Summer” – what is your favorite summer memory, activity, vacation or other favorite time with friends of family?
Link Parties
Following is a list of websites I really like! They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Parties” aka “Blog Hops”.
If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas. I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well! Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!!
You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for.
Sunday
Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly), Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda), Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea), Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie) host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party. I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party !
Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”. I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!
The House on Silverado hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!
Ridge Haven Homestead – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop. In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building.
April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!
Monday
Life Tales Books Blogspot hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!
Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.
Between Naps on the Porch hosts “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!!
The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!
Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!
Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations!
Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes.
Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life hosts the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects.
Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly) and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list.
Jenerally Informed hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods.
Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities.
Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas!
Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well.
My Wee Abode (Julie) hosts the “Tuesday Turn About” Link Party. Julie is turning her small home into a charming coastal farmhouse home. Her website and link party include great home decorating, DIY, craft projects and recipes.
Wednesday
Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”. I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects.
French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style” link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared.
Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!
Creatively Beth hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor.
Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop. I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building.
Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family!
Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!
Lydia at Pandora and Max hosts the “All Seasons” Link Party. Lydia’s recent blog entry was all about her trip – and the sunsets are a “must see” – fabulous!
Thursdays
I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party!
Katherine’s corner hosts the “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop. I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here.
Southern Sunflowers hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday. I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party.
Penny’s Passion hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters” and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!
Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week. The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph!
Good Random Fun hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas.
Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links).
Friday
Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group.
Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts.
Cindy at County Road 407 hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc.
Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations.
Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions.
At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas!
Carol at Answer is Choco hosts BFF Link Party. Carol’s website contains lots of ideas about crafts, scrapbooking, recipes and many other things!
Saturday
Pieced Pastimes Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party” which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!
Pam’s Party and Practical Tips hosts the “Dare to Share Saturday” Link party – which includes some great party ideas, recipes and crafts!
Wishing you a very happy fall – full of great
adventures and happy times with
family and friends!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by!!!
About The Author
Patty
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Darlene Gardner | 19th Sep 24
Love your strawberry table Patty! I have always loved strawberries and in my very first apartment my kitchen was decorated with strawberry items. I had a gorgeous strawberry cookie jar that I still use in the spring. And yes, I have put things away and then couldn’t locate them. Most recently I bought a drying pad with apples on it to use this month in July. When I started putting out my apples for September, I couldn’t find it anywhere. At last I located it in a bag with some other items from another store. Enjoyed your beautiful sunset photos too.
Patty | 19th Sep 24
Darlene, Thanks so much for such a lovely comment! Your first apartment’s strawberry kitchen sound so pretty!! Thanks so much for sharing your lost drying pad story. It makes me feel so much better that I’m not the only one who misplaces my decorations – so glad you found it!. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I’m so glad you liked our table and sunset! Have a wonderful week! – Patty
Carol c | 19th Sep 24
Love the strawberry table. Your strawberry 🍓 collection is cute and fresh and the tablecloth is crisp and cheerie. I thought the choc. Covered strawberries and cupcakes were a nice touch but I thought they were real :(.
I’ll be over soon.
Patty | 19th Sep 24
Carol, Thanks so much for you special comment about my strawberry table! Just so you know – whenever you can come visit again, we would love to have you, and I promise – we will have REAL chocolate covered strawberries and cupcakes for the occasion!!! – Patty
Sarah | 19th Sep 24
Beautiful strawberry table! Yes, life must be wonderful lakeside. Your setting is gorgeous. Where do you live?
Patty | 19th Sep 24
Sarah, thanks so much for such a nice comment about our strawberry table, and about our scenery. We live in on a manmade lake in Texas. I just left a comment on your website but not sure if it went thru, I will stop by again to check. loved your website! Have a great week! – Patty
Erin @ Cracker Crumb Life | 20th Sep 24
This is so pretty!! And the lake view – oh my gosh. How beautiful!!
Patty | 20th Sep 24
Erin, Thanks so much for such a sweet comment on my “strawberry” table. I’m so glad you like it! and thanks for such a nice comment on our view. We are always amazed with the variety of the sunsets! Thanks so much for “stopping by!” Patty
mireille | 20th Sep 24
That is such a pretty tablescape. I love strawberries and the table is delightful! And the views of the lake… one day, when my husband retires and the boys are all grown, and we move , I would love to have a place by water whether lake or river.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Patty | 20th Sep 24
Mireille, Thank you so much for such a nice comment on my “strawberry” table and on our view. I hope you find your lake or river home. I keep telling my husband – all I need is a swing and the sunsets to keep me happily entertained thru retirement!! Have a great week! – Patty
Mary | 20th Sep 24
Your lake views and sunsets are beautiful Patty! You have a wonderful spacious area on your dock for dining and entertaining. Love your pretty strawberry items and table, especially your Bordallo Pinheiro Geranium plates. It seems like I’m always searching for a set of napkin rings or table accessory that I ‘tucked away’ and forgot where I put it! At the end of the season, I finally decided to leave myself reminders on my phone for the next season…’oak leaf platter on top of cabinet’ 😊 Happy Friday!
Patty | 20th Sep 24
Mary, Thanks so much for such a special comment on my strawberry table. I’m glad you enjoyed the views and sunsets, and our dock area. We love it too, but when we first bought the house we were surprised that the previous owners had a dining area on the dock, as the house has a back porch right off the kitchen. It only took us the first two weeks to realize that the dock is about 10 degrees cooler with the breeze moving across it, and it was so fun to be right at the water when boats, jet skis, and wakeboards went by. We eat there often in all seasons. I love your lake view and gardens too, and the beautiful spot to eat on the dock, and the one at the water’s edge is gorgeous too. I must admit, I’m relieved that I am not the only one who misplaces some items. I think it’s a wonderful idea to leave notes at the end of each season on where things have been placed. I definitely need to do that too!! Have a wonderful week!! – Patty
Sue from Women Living Well After 50 | 21st Sep 24
Oh what a gorgeous setting and I love the ‘strawberries’ theme including the plates. So pretty! I could see myself sitting there and enjoying the view. I’ve selected your post as one of my favourites which I will share in my #WeekendTrafficJamReboot post next week. x
Patty | 21st Sep 24
Sue, Thank you so much for your sweet comment about my strawberry tablescape, and about the setting. We feel so blessed seeing a different sunset each night on the lake. Thanks so much for choosing this post for one of your favorites for next week, that is such great news, and such a honor! Thanks so much for all you do to host Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot each week. I really love getting to gather ideas and getting to share my latest post at your link party. Thanks so much! Have a great week! Patty
Jennifer Wise | 25th Sep 24
Love-love-love the strawberry theme for summer. This is a wonderful tablescape. And, yes, those fakes look so real! Good enough to eat. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #47 linkup. Hope to see you sharing more next time at #48, which opens Monday.
Patty | 25th Sep 24
Jennifer, I’m so glad you enjoyed the strawberry themed tablescape! It was so much fun to do!! Have a wonderful week, and thanks so much for hosting your “Will Blog for Comments” link up each week! It is such a great place for getting ideas as well as sharing posts. And thanks too for taking the time to comment on each post. I so appreciate it! – Patty
Steph@Crazylittlelovebirds | 25th Sep 24
Patty, this theme is absolutely lovely! It’s perfect for summer, and you always manage to make everything look so cozy. The tablescape and the view are beautiful! Thank you for sharing with us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #56. We love having you at the party! I hope you are having a beautiful week.
Patty | 25th Sep 24
Steph, I’m so glad you liked my Strawberries Tablescape, and the view from the dock!! Thank you so much for hosting the Crazy Little Lovebirds link party each week. I love checking out the great ideas each week and I also love having such a nice place to share my posts. Thanks too for taking the time to comment – it means so much! Have a great fall! – Patty
Lisa | 26th Sep 24
Strawberries are my favorite fruit so I loved this one. I chose it as a highlight for the Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot this week!
Patty | 26th Sep 24
Lisa, I’m so glad you liked my Strawberry Tablescape. Thank you so much for choosing it as a highlight for the Weekend Traffic Jam party this week! I really appreciate it!!!! Thank you also for taking the time to host the party each week! Wishing you a very happy fall!! – Patty
Joanne | 27th Sep 24
While I don’t misplace tablescape pieces (since I don’t have many!) I have often put something “in a safe place” only to forget WHERE that is!! The table you created is adorable.
Patty | 27th Sep 24
Joanne, Thank so much for your nice comment on my Strawberry Table. I’m so glad you liked it. Thanks for sharing your “safe place” story, it makes me feel so much better that I’m not the only one who forgets where the “safe place” is! Hope you are having a great weekend!! – Patty
Linda Primmer | 29th Sep 24
Patty your strawberry table is so cute. I love all of your accessories. You have such an amazing view. I am happy to feature your pretty table at Love Your Creativity.
Patty | 29th Sep 24
Linda, Thanks so much for such a nice comment about my strawberry tablescape on the lake!! And thanks so much for featuring my tablescape on your wonderful “love your creativity” Sunday link party at LifeandLinda.com. It made my day!! Hope you have a fantastic week! – Patty
Julie Briones | 30th Sep 24
So fun… and I love the view, of course! So happy to be featuring your post at Tuesday Turn About this week!
Patty | 1st Oct 24
Julie, Thank you so much for featuring my Strawberry Tablescape at Myweeabode.com this week! It is an honor!! and I was so excited to see it when I visited your site today. Thanks also for all the work you do to host the “Tuesday Turnabout” Link Party! I love to stop by and check out all the ideas! Wishing you a wonderful week! – Patty
Pam | 3rd Oct 24
How absolutely stunning! Such a lovely tablescape, and the setting is like a dream. I’m happy to tell you I’ll be featuring this post at Thursday Favorite Things today. 🙂
Patty | 3rd Oct 24
Pam, Thank you so much for such a sweet comment on my Strawberry post and on the setting! Thanks for featuring my tablescape this week on your Thursday Favorite Things Like party! Love your “anartfulmom.com” website. Your art projects and photography posts are my favorites so far! Have a great week! – Patty