Create a Uniquely Simple Late Summer Tablescape

When Fall is around the corner, but you’re not ready to embrace Fall table decor, you need to create a uniquely simple late Summer tablescape.

A table setting that sets the stage to go from Summer to Fall.

A table setting that feels like Summer and skims the surface of a Fall style.

One that’ll ease you into Fall.

I’ve created such a tablescape using blue and white, and integrating a salmon color.

View from plates to vase in the background.

Because I’m not ready to embrace Fall decor.

I’m not ready for pumpkins, gourds, and hay bales.

I decided to make this tablescape unique. I did something a little different with placemats.

View of a simple late Summer table setting from the side

It’s truly a unique tablescape that’s perfect for a late Summer table setting.

And it’s SO EASY for you to copy!

How to Create a Uniquely Simple Late Summer Tablescape

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1. Use placemats for the foundation of your late Summer table setting

To create this unique Summer to Fall tablescape, start with your placemats.

Instead of the traditional way of placing them with the long edge along the edge of your table, turn them slightly.

So they’re at an angle, with just the corner hanging over the table’s edge.

Placemats on a simple late Summer tablescape

When you lay all of the placemats at the same angle, it creates a wonderful geometric design on your tabletop.

Doesn’t that look SO COOL!

2. Add the place settings

What makes this simple late Summer tablescape work, is the combination of colors and patterns.

I started with placemats that have a design with three different colors: blue, salmon, and white. So I wanted to incorporate dishes that have those colors.

I started with pretty white and blue plates.

Unfortunately, I don’t have six of the same style dinner plate, so I used plates with two different patterns. Both have the same color blue.

Simple late Summer tablescape with white and blue plates

(I bet you didn’t notice until I pointed it out.)

Then I placed salmon colored bowls on top of the plates.

Doesn’t the combination look fabulous together!

Next, I added the flatware and dark blue glasses.

Flatware and glasses added to the simple late Summer tablescape.

Then to complete the late Summer into Fall place settings, I added salmon colored napkins. Each with a simple white and blue napkin ring around the top corner.

Simple late summer tablescape place setting

I set the napkins at the same angle as the placemats. That way your eye follows the line of the placemats and they don’t detract from the overall look.

Notice how I repeated the colors of the dishes in the napkin combination, but with a different pattern?

3. Create a simple late Summer centerpiece

At this point, the table has a Summertime vibe. So I need to integrate a little Fall into it.

I figured the best way to have it go from Summer to Fall tablescape was with a simple centerpiece.

One that incorporates the colors from the place settings, yet makes you feel as if Fall is around the corner.

Because that’s what late Summer is ~ the onset of Fall.

Since there wasn’t much bare space for a centerpiece, I laid down a dark blue round placemat.

Simple late Summer tablescape with round placemat in the middle.

I love the round shape because it sets itself apart from the rectangular placemats. Using a matching placemat would have been too much match-matchy, and would have made the table feel out of balance.

Then I placed a round white vase in the middle of the placemat.

This really works with the round placemat, because they both have a circular shape.

White vase with dried arrangement added to table.

I picked a vase that has a pumpkin-ish shape because it delivers a hint of Fall. And because I wanted this tablescape to feel as if Fall was on its way.

Then, instead of fresh flowers, I opted for pretty dried stems.

A simple salmon colored dried arrangement.