Summer is that time of year when much of your entertaining is out-of-doors.
It’s also that time of year when many celebrations take place.
Weddings, wedding receptions, bridal showers, birthday parties, holidays, and special get-togethers with family and friends.
This week’s design ideas are some product examples that add fun, elegance, in some a little whimsy, and all around make your celebrations even more special. And don’t you just love it when guests remark how beautiful everything looks and wonder how you did it all?
Most of these products can be ordered directly from Houzz or, if not, the source is listed on the photo. You may see an item or two that is just what you’re looking for when planning your parties this summer.
Bliss Home & Design
Set of 4 Mint Julep Cups in Gift Box – $137
Keep these silver mint julep cups at the table, ready to hold the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets during the meal — or use them to arrange garden flowers for an elegant bridal shower. The cups come as a set of four, packaged in a gift box.
Bliss Home & Design
Bee Highball – $15
A substantial foot with turned details gives a pleasing old-world look to the Bee Highball glass, a gorgeous tapered tumbler with classic bee motifs neatly spaced around the rim.
Bliss Home & Design
Bee Carafe- Small – $35
Set out several of these glass carafes for guests to help themselves to water or wine.
Buy on Houzz
Silver-plated Hammered Copper Pitcher – $343
This hand-hammered, silver-plated copper pitcher would make a stunning addition to the table — and a treasured wedding gift.
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Clear Kastehelmi Cake Stand – $95
Vintage-style beading adorns this footed glass plate — use it to serve up a homemade cake or bakery confections.
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Cafe Menu Chalk Board – $250
Use this sturdy, double-sided chalkboard easel to welcome guests, showcase the menu or point the way to the ladies’ and gents’ rooms.
Great Deal Furniture
Manchester Outdoor Wrought Iron Gazebo Canopy, Tan Cover – $544.99
When you want something more luxurious than tenting on poles, how about this decorative wrought iron gazebo? It’s easy to assemble and comes with all the tools you need.
Great Deal Furniture
Chanelle Outdoor Gazebo Canopy – $582.99
For a private moment or just to block the sun, this posh gazebo has net draperies you can pull shut a little or a lot. The frame is made of durable steel.
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Chalk Board Thought Bubble – $30
Set up a fun yet simple photo booth by sticking one of these chalkboard thought bubbles on a blank wall; guests can fill it in with their wishes for the couple before snapping pictures. The vinyl decal adheres to most hard, nonporous surfaces and can be easily removed when the festivities are over.
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HERCULES Series 880 lb. Capacity Heavy Duty White Plastic Folding Chair – $45
The lightweight design of this white folding chair makes your set-up easy, and its curvaceous back and seat will keep guests comfy.
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Sweet Glass Cake Plate with Dome – $49.99
Classic with a hint of romance, this cake plate has a scalloped edge for sweetness and a dome for practicality. It’s almost 13 inches in diameter.
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Coyuchi Grand Lace Tablecloth – $250
The gorgeous lace border surrounding this organic cotton tablecloth upgrades it to heirloom status.
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National Public Seating 48 Inch Round Blow Molded Folding Table in Gray – $123.30
Buying rather than renting an extra folding table or two for your shindig can be worth the cost if you love to entertain.
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Indoor/Outdoor Courtyard 6’7″x9’6″ Rectangle Blue – Natural Area Rug – $164
Cover up a less-than-perfect patio floor or gussy up a plain deck with this pretty indoor-outdoor rug.
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Spiral Tree In Urn Flower Arrangement – $270
Bring a sense of grandeur to your shower or reception by placing a pair of these elegant spiral-shaped faux topiaries near the entrance.
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Linen Cocktail Napkins, Ecru (roll of 50) – $33
These cotton-linen-blend cocktail napkins are more elegant than paper, come in a roll of 50 and can be washed and reused up to six times.
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Bouchon French Industrial White Cafe Bar Stool – Backless – $197
This French bar stool looks chic indoors or out.
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Gray & Yellow Giant Ikat Custom Napkin Set – $44
These ikat print napkins would make a pretty addition to the table. Splurge on a set to add a luxurious touch to a small gathering.
Bliss Home & Design
Sea Grass Glass – $7
The sea grass cover on this simple glass gives it a summery vibe, and it’s perfect for keeping iced drinks from sweating on a hot day.
Bliss Home & Design
Moroccan Glass Azure – Large – $15
A set of these Moroccan tea glasses would be a versatile investment for the table — use them as bud vases for a quick and creative display, place tea lights inside or, of course, drink from them.
Bliss Home & Design
Louis Tumbler- Smoke – $8.50
The smoky hue of this tumbler is sophisticated, and the crown motif is fitting for a wedding celebration.
Bliss Home & Design
“L’amour C’est la Vie” Glass – $10
The couple can use these keepsake glasses after the wedding as his-and-her bedside water tumblers.
Bliss Home & Design
Louis Footed Glass- Turquoise – $10
This footed glass looks far more expensive than it is and would add a dash of bohemian elegance to the table.
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Kartio Carafe/Pitcher, Sea Blue – $78
Clear as a midsummer sky, with clean, modern lines, this carafe would look crisp set on tables dressed all in white.
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Ascaso Dream UP 2 Versatile Espresso Machine, Cloud White – $638.95
End your event on a memorable note by whipping up frothy espresso drinks with this sleek retro-style espresso machine. It takes ground coffee or pods.
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Berghoff Straight Coffee Cup 0.2 qt. – $19.99
Bring a shine to the dessert table by serving coffee and tea in gleaming stainless steel cups and saucers. The cups are double walled to keep hot drinks insulated.
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Le Creuset Enamel on Steel 1.8-Quart Whistling Tea Kettle – $89.95
When you are making hot drinks for a crowd, it can be useful to have a second teakettle on hand — this Le Creuset model works hard and looks good doing it.
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Rattan 3-Tier Basket – $79.50
Display baked goods or fresh fruit on this three-tiered rattan tray.
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Rattan Bottle & Silver Caddy, Honey-Brown – $24.50
Honey-hued rattan would bring warmth and texture to a buffet table. Fill this caddy with silverware so guests can grab their own.
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Alfi Achat Albergo Carafe With Integrated Tea Filter, Wicker – $160
A summery update on the classic hotel-style coffee carafe, this boasts a chic wicker cover. An integrated tea filter means you can use it for coffee or tea.
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Ultima Thule Pitcher 1.5 Quart Clear – $125
Gussy up ice water by adding fresh mint leaves, berries or lemon slices and serving it from this beautifully textured glass pitcher.
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Ultima Thule Goblet, Set of 2, 11.5 Oz. Clear – $65
This goblet can handle water or wine with ease. Spring for a full set for the table or just a pair for the lucky couple.
Bliss Home & Design
Bird on Pitcher – $45
Tweet, tweet! A sweet bird is perched on this milk-white pitcher, which is perfect for serving juice at brunch or holding a bouquet of flowers.
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Bamboo Studio Kraft Bag Utensil Set – $3.74
Looking for something in between plasticware and real cutlery? Try bamboo utensils instead — they are good looking and reusable, and the price is right.
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Acrylic Cold Bowl on Ice with Serving Spoon Fork – $34.99
Keep salads and sides crisp and cold by filling the base of this bowl with ice.
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Teak Wood Salad Servers with Bamboo Shape Handles – $27.50
Make sure you have enough servers to dish up everything on the menu — this teak pair has an elegant shape.
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Lovebirds Linen Napkin (Set of Eight) – $185
For an intimate gathering at home, these Italian linen dinner napkins illustrated with lovebirds will add an elegant touch to the table.
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Norfolk Double Glass Beverage Dispenser – $39.99
Give guests a choice of two cold beverages with this double glass beverage dispenser — hang chalkboard labels over the spouts to label what’s what.
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Suntea Beverage Dispenser, Blue – $24.99
For an old-fashioned affair, fill this mason-jar-style dispenser with sweet tea.
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Key To My Heart Turquoise Reclaimed Wood Wall Art – $170
“To my heart you hold the key” reads this wall hanging, made with a vintage lock and key. It would make a sweet gift from one partner to the other.
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Concepts Life Sumptuous Clarity Double Butter Dish with Butter Knife – $28
For a summer brunch, accompany those bagels with butter and cream cheese served from this double butter dish.
Bliss Home & Design
Rustic Terra Cotta Rose Pot – 5 x 6 – $10
Fill a few of these rustic terra-cotta pots with rosemary plants and line them up at the center of the table for garden-inspired decor.
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Dropcloth, Off-white Cotton Canvas, 6′x9′ – $59.26
Basic white drop cloths are tough, versatile and inexpensive — use one as an aisle runner or whip up outdoor curtains or tablecloths on a budget.
Bliss Home & Design
Post & Quill Nest Matches – $5
These beautifully illustrated oversize match boxes would make a lovely favor, especially when paired with a personal note.
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Linen Luncheon Napkin, Natural – $38
Bringing out fresh napkins before the cake is served is a nice touch, and this luncheon-size set of 25 (7.9 inches square) is just right for the dessert course.
Until next time…
Blessings from my home to yours,
Nancy
Dedicated to helping you live your rooms—not the other way around