Caught his eye over the tops of our computer screens...

You hungry yet?

Yup, you?  Where are the girls?  At a sleep over.

Want to go out, order in?

The summer breeze blowing gently thru the window & the sun just starting to slide to the other side.

No…let's stay in…give me a few minutes, then start the grill.

What's better than a relaxing dinner at home?

A relaxing dinner at home on a gorgeous summer evening with beautiful table decor of course!

That's what we enjoyed the other evening  ~ a respite from the everyday right in our own house.

Sharing some details so you can enjoy a elegant night out in your own house too!

Summer Table Decor

Setting a special table in the summer is more relaxed than other times of the year, but the basic principles apply.

First & foremost layer.

Layering on the table, like styling any space, adds depth and interest.

Combine textures.

Textures play off each other making each element stand out.

Use the special stuff.

Crystal, vintage pieces, an heirloom ~ doesn't have to be expensive just special.

Incorporate natural elements - flowers, branches, fruit.

I used one big hydrangea with tulips & two roses rescued from a fading arrangement tucked into it & some shells.

Candlelight - always candlelight.

We have not eaten a meal at home in 22 years without a candle. This type of lighting is becoming even more important as the years roll by - if you know what I mean!

We ate, laughed & talked as the sun slid all the way down & the moon came up.  

Even better than going out! 

What did we eat?  My go to summer dish ~ grilled chicken over greens with couscous.

And the wine you see, this is our "house white" in the summer.  

It is a crisp, steely sauvignon blanc from New Zealand ~ Starborough.  A bottle can be had for under $9.00 & believe me, it is perfect paired with summer heat.

So next time you find yourself at home, hungry with a lovely evening spread before you…

...grab a few layers, textures, something special, a flower, a candle & enjoy dining elegantly in the best place on earth ~ your own home!

LISTEN in to lots more summer dining and entertaining ideas on my PODCAST here:Enjoy!

** Kelly **