Summer Poolside Whimsy Under the Palapa
There is something magical about dining outdoors in the summer. The gentle breeze, the sparkle of pool water, and the relaxed atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for gathering with family and friends. For this year's Summer Tablescape Blog Hop on June 9th, I'm bringing a touch of storybook whimsy to our palapa by the pool with a table inspired by the delightful floral and animal-themed pieces from Certified International Menagerie line.
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The inspiration began with these charming hand-painted animal servers and colorful floral dishes. Their soft pastel palette of peach, lavender, blush pink, and buttery yellow immediately reminded me of an English garden in full bloom. Rather than creating a formal summer setting, I wanted the table to feel playful, welcoming, and just a little unexpected.
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The true conversation pieces are the whimsical animal serving pieces. The floral cat pitcher, and elephant teapots bring personality and charm to the table while maintaining the sophisticated artistry that makes these pieces so special.
Our palapa provides the perfect tropical retreat, and I love how its natural texture contrasts with the delicate floral patterns of the tableware. The thatched roof creates dappled shade throughout the afternoon, making it an inviting place to linger over lunch, iced tea, and conversation.
I draped a lavender table runner on the rod with a lush flower garland bursting with pink, lavender, yellow and rich greenery. It creates the illusion of a living, blooming canopy overhead, letting the soft summer breeze catch the fabric while keeping the actual table surface clear for dinner. I hung mini white lanterns from the table rod for some added ambiance.
Tablescape Sources
Blush Hobnail Glasses: Ross Dress for Less
Fresh Floral Arrangement: Safeway Floral Department
Round Woven Placemats: Target
Lavender Napkins: Amazon
Blush Tablecloth: Amazon
Lavender Table Runner/Gauze Drape: Amazon
Overhead Floral Garland: Michaels
Table Rod Support: Temu
Solar light Spheres- Amazon
Mini lanterns - Michaels
Paired with striped mugs, floral plates, and silver flatware, the collection feels cheerful yet refined. Guests can't help but smile when they notice the playful details hidden throughout the setting.
Here's a night shot of the table. I love the dramatic look of lighting. The lighted spheres are pretty awesome. I do move them around.
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Linda how playful and whimsical your table is. It is a delight to look for (and find) an exciting element nestled here and there. Of course the darling cat pitcher caught my eye...as well as the cute little elephants. I love your new rug...it is not only colorful but fitting your tropical paradise. We, who live in tropical places appreciate touches like that. Your table lit up at night is magical and as usual you think of everything to make your guests feel welcomed. I have always loved your palapa but the closest I have come is a huge umbrella made of the palms. LOL Always a delight to see your inspirational table. Have a great summer!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of hanging the table rod from the ceiling so you can better see each other. It's always frustrating to be stuck behind tall flowers or something that obstructs the view so this is a wonderful solution.Those lanterns rock. And I am just wild about your small striped bowls. It's such a fun, pretty, summery table, Linda. I love it.
ReplyDeleteOMG, the teapot made me chuckle - it is adorable!! I adore the colors of your table and the rug and chair cushions are so pretty and summery! Isn't Paul a great guy to help install the table rod for you? Your pool area and palapa give off such a relaxing atmosphere and i would love to spend an afternoon there! Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda. What a cute and whimsical table. Love that elephant tea pot. The lavender and floral spray is gorgeous. What a great place to entertain and have lunch by the pool. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteWell, this is absolutely stunning! It looks like some expensive resort. I had never heard of a palapa before, but how cool is this? I absolutely love it, as well as the ceiling fan, the rug, and the surroundings. I don’t think I would ever want to leave if I came to visit. The table is lovely and whimsical. I love all of the pastels and all of the interesting pieces that you have. I imagine your guests absolutely delight in visiting you. I know that I would.
ReplyDeleteLinda, this table makes my heart sing. I absolutely adore those darling, whimsical dishes. The stripes, the florals, the colors ~ they all make me smile. Love this summer table, Linda. Perfect pool side. Your property is so inviting. Lucky guests who join you at this summer table. Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I'm a big fan of whimsical elegance and you nailed it with your pretty pastel table setting! Wishing you a wonderful summer!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done Linda! Love the way you suspended the lanterns and the purple wrap with the florals on the center area! The dishes are so cute and festive! Love the night view, that really enhances everything and the new rug, it's perfect!
ReplyDeleteI want to sit here all day at your gorgeous and whimsical table. It's elegant yet fun. The floral centerpiece is an eyecatcher. All so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe night view is spectacular.
Happy Summer!
What a tropical paradise, Linda! I love the soft hues of lavender throughout your design and the soft tones pop so beautifully under the cover of the gorgeous palapa! Such a cozy, elegant setup - as always!!!
ReplyDeleteLinda, the colorway and whimsy of this Menagerie china is adorable! I love all the animals. Blowing up the picture, I see a cat, elephant, lion, giraffe, peacock (?). I love how you had Paul turn the bar upside down to make for six place settings. And the garland with runner scarf (is that from your purple tablescape indoors last week?) and those lights are just magical, especially in the nighttime glow. Seriously, your dwelling is like a 5 star resort. Why even feel the need to travel (esp with lines like your encountered in Atlanta earlier this year)? Truly, there's no place like home, and your home is luxurious. The new rug works so great with all this color. The peek of the pool and gardens surrounding are just outstanding. Enjoy that Cali weather and outdoor living, and thank you for sharing it with us in this summer tablescape blog hop. Alfresco dining at its best!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I am smitten by your whimsical and magical table. I love the CI dishware, my granddaughters would love it! How lovely are the pastel colors and are so perfect poolside. The animal serving pieces are so very charming. A charming lavender table runner with the lush flower garland on the rod is the crowning touch for your table. Guests will love this! Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteOh how fun and whimsical, Linda!! You create the best tablescapes. I always wish I could be a guest and to see that overhead display and the solar lanterns. Your dishes are too cute and yes the centerpiece looks so cottage-y. You truly are so creative and should gave a book of all your beautiful tables. Oh to be there in person!
ReplyDeleteLinda, Your table is absolutely enchanting! The soft pastel palette creates such a dreamy summer setting, and I love how you've blended whimsy with elegance. Your new rug is a perfect foundation for your table. Every detail feels light, fresh, and welcoming, from the lovely florals to the carefully layered place settings. As always, it’s treat to join you at the table and hop with you. 💜
ReplyDeleteLinda, this is such a beautiful table setting and I love the color scheme. I like your new rug and everything about that table. I hope you have a wonderful summer Linda.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing your outdoor table settings, Linda. You always have such wonderful colors that fit so well with your outdoor setting. What a charming place to have a relaxed summer meal. Your lovely purples and yellows are perfect for summer celebrations by the pool. Alfresco dining in such a beautiful setting with gardens close at hand...it couldn't be more summery. Hope you have a terrific summer.
ReplyDeleteLynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Beautiful Linda! Whimsical, playful and magical are the perfect words to describe your gorgeous setting. I just love your palapa, I wish we had room for one by our pool. It looks like a delightful place to spend an afternoon or evening!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a burst of HOT SUMMER air reached my face as the first picture came into view---the small Southern Town child of so long ago, as the first posters were hung a few weeks before the CARNIVAL came to town. That elephant parade, and the huge Tallcat on his stilts, with all the stripes and whirligigs and COLOURS of magical things to come.
ReplyDeleteThe scene, so artfully set, with small peeks of whimsy amongst the dishes---even in that Tech-filled, Machine and Math mind of yours, such fabulous imagination lurks and springs out unfurled into a magical array---the tiny touch of a cushion-camo-coloured scallymander peeking from a perch on a pole---genius.
We saved our nickels from then til TIME, for the ring-toss and the duck pond, leaving our usual friends Johnny Mack Brown and Rocky Lane in the dusty-mote black-and-white of our little THEE-ater for at least two Saturdays without us, just to save up for cotton candy and a shot at that Pink Teddybear. And that carnival was worthwhile---into the lights every night of the week, for it was set up RIGHT THERE on the field by the empty school, and those rickety tunes and gaudy gems called to us elementary-schoolers with a magnetism like the Pied Piper. This is simply a marvelous memory---I think I could wish like Mary Jane and Sniffles, and walk right into that parade, small as small, and be a part of it.
Linda! I adore the fun elephant teapot and cat pitcher!! This whole line is amazing! Your table looks like it is out of a fairytale storybook circus as the stripes in the plates , bowls and cups spark circus tent stripes to me! I am curious, are you going to look for the lion that is shown in the series thumbnail? Your palapa looks like the place to be this summer!!! How nice to have that bar hung up there to be able to suspend your lanterns and what ever else you find to coordinate with your tables . Such a fabulous setting!! How could you not enjoy your summer around your gorgeous pool!!! Have fun!!☀️💦❤️
ReplyDeleteLinda, this is absolutely charming! You have set such a pretty table with those gorgeous dishes under your beautiful palapa. I love the soft pastel colors in the dishware on the blush pink tablecloth and the lavender napkins. The woven placemats and rattan napkin rings add a wonderful texture and the serving pieces are just darling. Your guests will be thrilled to have a seat at this wonderful table with the beautiful flowers overhead. The night shot is so pretty and what a gorgeous yard you have. I hope you have a glorious summer!
ReplyDeleteLinda, there is so much to love about your pretty table. First of all, I love the setting by your pool. Your "over the top" floral arrangement is elegant and dynamic, and the colors match your tableware. The tableware's combination of stripes and florals is fun, colorful, and full of whimsy. The elephant teapot is so cute! You always host fun parties, and you go all out with the decor. I know your guests always enjoy coming over for your style of hospitality! Happy summer!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I love how you've channeled the whimsy of the dinnerware to style a delightful table that captures summer's carefree attitude! The repetition of the colors used in the inspiration plates throughout -- and above! -- the table creates an entrancing spot to enjoy the long days of summer. The blush tablecloth is a lovely pastel counterpoint to the vibrant aquas and turquoises of your pool area. A fun table and a refreshing pool -- it can't get more wonderfully summery than that! I'm sure you'll enjoy it all season long.
ReplyDeleteI love what you've done with the rod..It's lovely..The perfect addition to an already beautiful and elegant setting..Just fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteSorry..that last comment was from missy!!
ReplyDeleteWow! I love it! The colors are so fun. My favorite part is the flowers on the runner dropped from above. Brillant!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, this table is a perfect definition of whimsical! I love the elephant teapots and the colors and stripes along with the flowers! What a lovely combination! Especially with the lavender colored flowers in the background! I could look at your first picture for hours and imagine sitting there with a cup of tea and looking out at your beautiful view! I love your whole setup out there; every time I see it, I’m inspired to figure out a way to do something similar in my own tiny yard. How nice to have a husband who can help with your decorating! Thank you for the vacation moment. Hope you have a lovely summer!
ReplyDeleteThis tablescape brought a smile to my face. The castle stripes, the cute animals, it is delightful. Karen (Back Road Journal)
ReplyDelete