A Sunny Garden Luncheon: Setting the Perfect Summer Table with Melissa

There’s nothing quite like summertime entertaining. The fresh blooms, warm sunshine, and easy elegance of the outdoors create the perfect backdrop for memorable gatherings. Founder of The Well Appointed House, Melissa Hawks, recently hosted a charming garden luncheon with her daughters helping to set the table—and the resulting tablescape was everything a summer celebration should be: joyful, elevated, and bursting with golden light.

Surrounded by fragrant peonies and the timeless backdrop of her home, Melissa styled a radiant yellow-themed table that captures the essence of effortless entertaining. Here’s how to recreate the look with some of her favorite entertaining pieces.

Well Appointed House Summer 2025 Entertaining

A Foundation of Sunshine: The Cabana Tablecloth

The scene begins with the Cabana Tablecloth in Tuscan Sun, a joyful yellow print that radiates warmth and sets the tone for the entire tablescape. Melissa paired it with the matching Cabana Napkins for a cohesive, sun-drenched palette that reflects the season beautifully.

Cabana Tablecloth, Tuscan Sun - The Well Appointed House

Cabana Napkin, Tuscan Sun - The Well Appointed House

Layered Natural Texture: Seagrass & Geranium

To add texture and a relaxed garden vibe, Melissa layered in our Set of 4 Round Natural Seagrass Placemats, a summer entertaining essential. On top, she used the sculptural White Geranium Dinner Plates, which add charm with their petal-like edges—perfect for showcasing seasonal fare.

Round Natural Seagrass Placemats - Placemats & Napkin Rings - The Well Appointed House

Geranium Dinner Plate, White - The Well Appointed House

Each setting was finished with the sleek White and Stainless Steel Flatware Set, offering a crisp, modern contrast to the organic elements.

Five Piece White and Stainless Steel Flatware Set - Flatware - The Well Appointed House

A Floral Focus: Blossoms & Hurricanes

The centerpiece of the table was as fresh as the setting: lush yellow roses and white hydrangeas arranged in our sculptural Matte White Blossom Vases. Their floral-inspired form mirrored the garden surroundings while keeping the look polished and refined.

She loves the Set of 2 Honey Woven Rattan Hurricane Candle Holders, which add warmth and texture to the table, and add an ambient touch to the table as the sun begins to dip for nighttime entertaining.

Matte White Blossom Vases - The Well Appointed House

Rattan Hurricane Candle Holders - The Well Appointed House

Summer Entertaining, The Well Appointed Way

“When entertaining outdoors, I always lean into what’s blooming and bring the colors of the garden to your table,” Melissa says. “Keep it fresh, layered, and joyful. That’s what summer is all about.”

From the sunny color palette to the thoughtful mix of textures and florals, this table is a love letter to garden entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, a bridal shower, or a midsummer soirée, these curated pieces help transform any setting into something magical.