3 Simple Summer Tablescapes

It's been another stunning summer day here in Auckand, hot and cloudless...just the kind of day I dream of every other season of the year! Messing around in the garden with the dogs is such a pleasure when the sun's beating down on your shoulders!

I'm feeling all happy and relaxed and I'm already looking forward to next weekend since I'm going to put our Christmas tree up! I'm so excited this year...well, I'm excited every year, but this year I get to share our kiwi Christmas with you all so that makes it even better! :)

Now, as promised, I did some tablescaping today! My hubby was enjoying a day of male bonding watching the motorsport and I think it's so nice to have the house to yourself once in awhile to clean and do washing and potter about making things pretty, it's such a nice way to start the new week isn't it?

So now I need to show you the result of my pottering, my three simple summer tablescapes! I wanted to make use of things I could find around my house and come up with three distinct looks that could work for a variety of occasion's. And if you're anything like me you don't have drawers full of fancy tablecloths, napkins and dinner sets for every occasion so you have to get creative! :)

I had so much fun creating them so here we go with number one...let me know if you have a favourite!

1. Nautical Chic in Blue and White

This tablescape was so fast to pull together and nothing says coastal like a blue and white stripe! Do you remember the striped throw (now a 'tablecloth') that I found last week? I paired it with the $2.50 navy runner from Bed, Bath and Beyond to create a simple summery setting perfect for a weekend brunch or a casual BBQ...

I made a simple place setting with our everyday china and silverware...

The hurricane lamp was borrowed from another room and makes
a simple and cost effective centrepiece...

I used small jars to make pretty individual floral displays...

Doesn't it feel like summer! :)

The scattered seashells in neutral colours add texture...

As do the woven coasters...

There you have it! Fresh, nautical summer chic :) 

2. Celebratory Glamour
Glamour - on a budget of course! Using the same tablecloth and runner I created a whole new look in a flash by introducing a boldly coloured centrepiece of pink lillies (that were sitting on the coffee table!) paired with metallic accessories and my simple dinner set. This look would be perfect for a birthday dinner or even a New Year's Eve celebration...I love this look, so girly and fun!

The contrasting colour and height of the lillies really makes the table,
adding a touch of elegance...

I got the martini glasses out for this look! ;)

Gold and silver votives add some sparkle as do the gold beads...

Glittery gold Christmas ornaments lend a celebratory feel...

Using larger jars than before I popped slim tapered candles inside
and tied on some shiny gold ribbon I had lying around...

There you go! Elegant and glam on a budget!

3. Contemporary Coastal Christmas
This look is definitely less traditional than what I am used to at Christmas but I think it's a fun, modern take on things! Using the same tablecloth as before I switched the navy runner with the red stripe which lends itself to both a coastal and Christmas look! I plan on making a few more festive tablescapes between now and Christmas so I can decide which I like best for the big day!

The candelabra was sitting unused on a shelf and makes
the perfect festive centrepiece when strung with gold beads...

Christmas ornaments replace ordinary tapered candles on the candelabra
for a contemporary look...

Little gold ornaments add some shine to the champagne flutes...

Poinsettia flowers bring a touch of Christmas red...

I popped large red and gold metallic candles at each place setting for added sparkle...

There you go, a contemporary coastal Christmas! :)

I hope you guys enjoyed my first ever tablescapes and I can't wait to share more Christmas faire in the run up to the big day. It's getting close now!

Have a great week!

xo K


I'm linking up to:
Between Naps on the Porch
The Lettered Cottage
A Stroll Thru Life
The Charm of Home
No Minimalist Here
Savvy Southern Style
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Coastal Charm

A Little Inbox Shopping

I love that all the lovely Summer and Christmas campaigns from my favourite stores have been arriving in my inbox this past week!

I have been making notes of everything I love and can't wait to check everything out instore, because hey, you never know if Santa may need some more Christmas ideas! ;) 

Hot off the press today is some seasonal loveliness from Australasian home decor mecca Freedom...

I love all the colours! A multi-coloured Xmas tree looks so fun!

Coastal inspiration...

All the furniture here would definitely be at home in a beach house...

I love the coffee and dining tables and the blue accents on the shelving...

Such relaxing looking rooms, love them!

Next to hit my inbox today was Country Road's new Christmas campaign and it's another beauty! I wouldn't expect anything less from this classic store...

I'm dying over the pretty corals!

Cute cosmetic bags, they would make great stocking stuffers...

Chic and cheerful summer entertaining...

Country Road has the best nautical beach towels around!

Aren't there just way too many lovely things to choose from?!
 I think any girl would be thrilled to get something from either of these stores under the Christmas tree!

I'm actually heading off on a pre-Christmas shopping excursion to Freedom on Saturday, so fingers crossed I don't go too crazy in there! I find it so hard not to bring everything home with me!

Does anyone else suffer from a lack of will power in their favourite shops??

Ooh and what are your fave places for home wares and pretty fashion? Not that I need more places to go crazy in but I'd love to know what places you can't get enough of!

Happy Shopping! 'Tis the season after all!

xo K

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday has a wonderful day spent with loved ones! My older sister is currently spending her four month long summer break from University working and living in New York City (such a long way from home!) and will be experiencing her very first American Thanksgiving with her host family in Upper Manhattan. I am so excited for her and although we will really miss her at Christmas, I can't wait to hear all about her trip in February! 

Have a wonderful day whatever you have planned :) 

xo K

Images courtesy of Pinterest.

Tablescaping Coastal Style

After all the excitement over the new dining chairs that hubby got me for my birthday (oh my goodness, I am still giddy over them!) I have definitely had pretty beachy tablescapes on my mind!

There's just something about having all your pretty things nicely on display for a dinner party (or just for fun) that makes you feel happy! So when you add in the prospect of sharing some good food, fine wine and easy conversation it just makes the whole scenario irresistible!

Whether you are a low key kind of girl who is happy with a pretty table cloth or runner with a nice centerpiece of flowers or candles or whether you go all out with napkins, handmade name cards and chargers I have some beach-prettiness for you!

I'd love to hear which one strikes a chord with you!

I just love the romance of number 2 and wow, imagine having the view of number 10...but I think I would be more likely to pull together something like number 1 or 4 in my own home, more 'me' I think! :)

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And just for fun I thought I'd throw in some pictures of my dining room at night with all the pretty candles lit since I mentioned it last time...

I just love how the candlelight glows in the early evening, so cosy :)

This is how my dining table looks on an everyday basis but I'm definitely ready for the challenge of creating something new! Hopefully this weekend since I have the house to myself with hubby off to the motor sport! I'm definitely feeling all beachy and inspired! :)

xo K

Images courtesy of Pinterest.