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4 Essentials Every Colorful Summer Table Needs, According to an A-List Stylist

Summer entertaining, according to stylist Kimberly Power, should embody ease, vibrancy, and joy for both hosts and guests. Power, whose clientele includes A-list brands, emphasizes that the preparation process itself should be enjoyable. She encourages embracing color, texture, and pattern, asserting that a host's enjoyment translates to the guests' experience. Her guidance focuses on creating an easy and breezy summer table setting, highlighting a crucial detail for colorful arrangements. Power suggests getting creative with centerpieces, sourcing fresh flowers from flower markets for unique varieties not typically found in supermarkets. She advises an open-minded approach to flower selection, allowing for unexpected discoveries. Key tips for creating stunning summer centerpieces include mixing and matching various blooms, especially local, in-season varieties like wildflowers and sunflowers, while also incorporating bold tropical options like proteas or birds of paradise for added drama. Varying vessel types, such as glass jars, ceramic pitchers, and even old teapots, adds visual interest through different shapes, sizes, and textures. Incorporating bud vases can distribute color and shape across the table. Power also suggests thinking beyond traditional flowers, recommending potted perennials, fruit, or herbs, noting that lavender and mint not only look appealing but also provide an intoxicating scent. When it comes to playing with patterns, Power challenges the traditional rule that napkins must match the tablecloth. She encourages mixing different napkins with each setting, asserting that nearly anything goes when layering patterns. She provides an example of blending gingham and floral patterns with plates featuring an olive motif. For harmonious pattern mixing, she suggests a cohesive element, such as colors with the same intensity, even if the prints vary. Alternatively, 'color drenching' with a monochromatic palette, like a full pink scheme with a contrasting floral arrangement, can create depth, especially when varying the tones and adding a layer of white for contrast. Power emphasizes that sticking to a general color palette can build confidence for experimentation. Layering in texture is another essential step. Power's secret for a vibrant table is natural rattan chargers, which she considers a must-have for elevating dinner and salad plates while adding texture. She illustrates this with rattan chargers grounding pink hues in linens, glassware, and plates. Adding a placemat beneath the charger can further enhance depth and visual interest. Other complementary elements include bread baskets and faux bamboo flatware. Finally, setting the mood is crucial for outdoor dining. Power recommends curating a playlist that complements the setting, such as a breezy summer mix for a garden. For daytime, she suggests utilizing shade from umbrellas, canopies, tents, or even trees. In the evening, candlelight or lanterns are recommended to create mood lighting, using votives, pillars, or floating candles, with a note on elegant citronella pillar candles in hurricanes. #SummerEntertaining #TableSetting #CenterpieceIdeas #HomeDecor #OutdoorDining #StylingTips #FloralArrangements #PatternMixing #TextureLayering #SummerEntertaining #TableSetting #CenterpieceIdeas #HomeDecor #OutdoorDining #StylingTips #FloralArrangements #PatternMixing #TextureLayering

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