Welcome friends to the Summer Tablescape Blog Hop. Summer is a short time away and I am gearing up for some wonderful pool time. For my summer tablescape I chose to embrace hot air balloons. Many thanks to our gracious host, Rita from Panoply. You will finds 16 other lovely summer tablescapes links toward the bottom of this post.
There’s something undeniably magical about a hot air balloon. The gentle ascent, the silent glide over landscapes, the sheer whimsy of it all – it speaks to adventure and dreams. And what better way to capture that enchanting spirit than right here at home?
Recently, I was inspired to bring a touch of that airborne wonder to our outdoor dining space, creating a hot air balloon tablescape that's as charming as it is inviting. The star of this show? My beautiful Williams-Sonoma Montgolfiere Hot Air Balloon Plates.
The true era of hot air ballooning began in France in the late 18th century. Some history below. Montgolfier Brothers (Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier -These French paper manufacturers were the pioneers of hot air ballooning.
1782: They observed that heated air made paper or fabric bags rise.October 15, 1783: Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier made a tethered flight in a Montgolfier balloon, becoming the first human to ascend into the air.
Each place setting, I added these adorable hot air balloons with napkins that matched the dinner plates. The mini hot air balloons came in blue and green. I wanted them to be more colorful, so I grabbed Paul's electrical tape from the garage. They came in all different colors and were the right width to create stripes.Our palapa, with its natural, airy structure, provided the ideal backdrop for this theme. The open-air setting naturally lends itself to a feeling of lightness and freedom, perfectly complementing the hot air balloon motif.
I used a table rod hung upside down from the palapa, so I can decorate it. The solar hot air balloons were added to the rod along with two blue pool noodles, along with my fluffy clouds.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a casual dinner, or just enjoying a quiet meal with loved ones, this hot air balloon tablescape brings a sense of wonder and whimsy to any gathering.
To mimic the baskets of hot air balloons, I used wicker baskets filled with colorful flowers, both from my yard and local grocery store. Sunflowers, Asiatic Lilies, roses, etc were used.
I opted for simple bamboo flatware, clear tumblers and wicker square placemats.
TABLE SOURCE
Dinner plates - Ross
Salad plates - Ebay - Williams-Sonoma Montgolfiere Hot Air Balloon Plates.
Tumblers - Ross
Wicker baskets - Ross
Hot air balloon centerpiece - Temu
Mini hot air balloon cake topper - Temu
Solar hot air balloon lanterns - Amazon
Flatware- Horchow
Fluffy hanging clouds - Amazon
Wicker square chargers - Pottery Barn - years ago
*This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase an item, I may make a small commission at no extra cost t you.
To evoke fluffy clouds, in the sky, I hung hanging clouds. They were surrounded by my lovely colorful Regal Art & Gift Hot Air Balloon Solar Lanterns. This photo shows the "blue hour". The pool looks magical at night along with the vivid colors of the solar hot air balloons.
This tablescape was an absolute joy to put together, and it made our outdoor meal feel like a special occasion. It’s a wonderful reminder that you don't need a grand event to create a memorable dining experience. Sometimes, all it takes is a little imagination and a fun set of plates!
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a casual dinner, or just enjoying a quiet meal with loved ones, this hot air balloon tablescape brings a sense of wonder and whimsy to any gathering.
Here's a video of the tablescape.
Home is Where the Boat Is - Lakeside Table with Thistle and Bees
Hyacinths for the Soul - Marching Into Summer
Everyday Living - A Garden Table to Welcome Summer
Pandora's Box - A Berry Good Brunch
Celebrating Everyday Life - Poolside Patriotic Party
Life and Linda - Adventure in the Skies
The Cat's Whizkerz - Come Sail Away
My Thrift Store Addiction - Heavenly Honeysuckle Picnic in the Garden
The Little Yellow Corner Store - What is Growing in the Garden Tablescape
Belle Bleu Interiors - A Quiet Summer's Afternoon
Dinner at Eight - Summertime Blues on a Carefree Table
Thrifting Wonderland - Summertime...Living is Easy
Olla-Podrida - A Patriotic Tablescape
Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Summer With a Cherry on Top
Mantel and Table - A Beautiful Red Table Setting - Roses Make It Easy
The Bookish Dilettante - Americana Tablescape for Summer
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Good morning Linda, What a brilliant idea to use electrical tape to add color your hot air balloons/napkin holders! Your table is so colorful and festive from your plates and baskets of flowers. Your solar hot air balloon lanterns and clouds are such a fun touch hanging under your palapa…your pool area is so inviting and perfect for summer entertaining! I love the shots at night with the glow and twinkle from the lights and lanterns. As always, it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you. Happy Tuesday ♥
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fun and happy table, Linda, and perfect for your al fresco dining. Love the levels -- overhanging balloons and all the fun colors. The tape was a brilliant idea. Using the small ones for napkin holders was clever. A party favor as well? Could be! The photos, as always, set things off so well but I have to say I actually swooned a bit over the last one with the evening glow. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteThat's very over the top, reminds me of the set of the old Pee-Wee Herman shows.
ReplyDeleteHow fun is this table? Temu is a perfect place to shop for fun and inexpensive accessories, isnt it? The theme is perfect for outdoors and the view from under your palapa is one that draws me in. Wish I lived near you to enjoy your backyard oasis! I always enjoy seeing the ideas your come up with! Enjoy the summer in your lovely yard!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Linda. What a fun and creative table. I love the hot air balloon theme and how you carried it through so beautifully. The explosion of color is fabulous and the rod above your table with the solar hot air balloon lanterns and clouds is magical. My first hot air balloon ride was in Napa at sunrise. It was amazing to see the sun rise over the vineyards and then to be treated to a delightful breakfast in a vineyard after the ride. Your post brought back those wonderful memories. It is always a treat to have a seat at one of your tables. Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteOMG Linda where to start. Just when I think your tables capes cannot get any better you surprise us with a beautiful and whimsy table. This is amazing. The hot air balloons are so cute and those clouds are just adorable. The fact you found plates to match your theme is pretty cool. The colors are so bright and pretty. Amazing and beautiful Linda. Love it all. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteHi Linda! Absolutely beautiful! So pretty! xo laura in Colorado
ReplyDeleteLinda, your whimsical table setting is just darling--so colorful and fun!
ReplyDeleteLinda, as always you have created a beautiful fantasy table. What a wonderful way to welcome summer. Love your hot air balloon theme. I've never been up in a hot air balloon, have you? I don't think I'm brave enough. Love your beautiful pool side setting and all the wonderful color. This setting sends happy vibes into the universe. Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteLinda! Another perfect themed table. Your attention to detail always amazes me. I love it all. When we lived in Albuquerque, we attended the Balloon Fiesta every October and my favorite part was the "Moon Glow" event held each evening. The dark skies and lit up balloons were indeed magical...as is your evening photos. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteLinda, how I would love to be a guest at this happy, fun, and colorful table! The hot air balloon theme is perfect. I enjoyed reading the history that you shared. The hot air ballon plates are so pretty, and your floral arrangements are gorgeous. All of your touches make this table so special. It is always a treat to hop with you. I hope you have a wonderful summer! Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors
ReplyDeleteOh Linda – balloons!! I love them! What a darling and fun table! And your hanging clouds and balloons – on pool noodles no less – are absolutely fabulous!! The night photos – be still my heart! Love the history too! You’ve really outdone yourself this time. Your creativity and class are incredible! SO honored to be hopping with you again, and hope you have a lovely summer!
ReplyDeleteHello Linda,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun, colorful and so creative table. Your balloons up high and low are wonderful. The details are incredible! The hot air balloon accessories are so fun!
I went for a hot air balloon ride in AZ. It was wonderful to view the mountains from a different perspective. It was also so quiet and the sunrise was spectacular! Thank you for the memories.
I am off to sing Up, Up and Away!🥰
xxoo Nancy
Wow! WOW!!!! This is fabulous!! The colors are bold and perfect for summer, the hot air balloons just take my breath away. This is a work of art. I think this is the most unique table I have seen among all those that I have visited today. Not only is the table fabulous and creative, but the setting is just gorgeous! Prior to reading this post, I had no idea what a Palapa was, but now I want one. I have no place for one, mind you, but that doesn’t stop the longing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute and whimsical theme...So colorful.. You did it again!
ReplyDeleteLinda, this is magical!! From the IG post you created to the night vision of it all out by the pool under the palapa - just magical. I am totally impressed with your creative power of using Paul's electrical tapes to make those individual balloons as napkin holders, so cool. Of course, I love the salads. Our city used to host a hot air balloon race, with the lighting of the balloons the night before being just as magical as your table is at night. I would love to take a hot air balloon ride, but not around here, lol. They stopped the races due to so many getting off-track and steered into the hilltops. I'll take Santa Fe. Thanks so much for bringing this unique tablescape to life in this summer hop. It's fabulous!
ReplyDeleteHow whimsical and darling, Linda! I love your theme, and I love your over the table decor with the balloons and the clouds. Your use of the pool noodle is so smart. Your plates are so colorful and pretty. I also enjoyed seeing the table at night. Your centerpieces are pretty, too. Pool season is upon us, and you are all ready to go! Happy summer!
ReplyDeleteLinda, your hot air balloon tablescape has my imagination soaring! I was taken in by all of the fantasy. I love your solar hot air balloon lanterns and your air balloon napking holders. Not to mention your inspiration piece, your gorgeous air balloon plates. So incredibly playful and full of fancy. It struck me that I have an even more liking to balloons because of the hot air balloon in the Wizard of Oz that I watched relgiously every time it was on. I was drawn into the story and I was drawn to the story of your air balloon tablescape. Your floral centerpiece with the bright and colorful flowers are the perfect choice. Your entire pool area is the perfect setting to display this fun and whimsical tablescape. So much creativity. Enjoy your beautiful balloon "oz" land and have a great summer.
ReplyDeleteOh my Linda - this is fabulous! It's big, bold, and beautiful and says "summer" with an exclamation mark. Your hot air balloon theme was so unique and fun, and you carried it out brilliantly. Love the plate stack and all the creative balloon features - the solar lights are gorgeous. So many creative touches. The night shots are absolutely magical and I'm betting that you and your guests shared a fantastic evening here. So beautiful. It was a pleasure hopping with you and wishing you a very happy summer!
ReplyDelete