I love the Mediterranean for its warm, vibrant colors, cool waters and sun-kissed appeal. If I close my eyes I can almost feel the sun on my face and smell the Aegean sea! There’s nothing like traveling. When you can’t travel, hosting a destination party or tablescape creates the illusion of being in an exotic place or recreates a memorable trip. Wow your guests at your next dining experience with a Greek inspired tablescape.
The mix of natural textures, blues, whites, hints of gold, bright florals, lemons or olive topiaries are the quintessential Greek elements that one associates with Greece and the Greek isles. Recreating this look is fairly easy and one that is classic and simple.
Start with a nice tablecloth or table runner to anchor your design. If you wish to make your own, use a plain white runner and iron on Greek key trim. If your table cloth is solid white, contrast with blue or blue and white plates. A woven charger is perfect to add an earthy and natural layer. Here, my gold flatware complements the gold trim on the Grecian drinking glasses. Because of the stripe pattern on the woven blue and white table runner, I opted for a solid royal blue napkin with a hemstitch trim. Find the balance between solids, stripes and varying layers of blue.
Although Bougainvilleas are are commonly seen throughout Greece, they are actually native to south America and wasn’t introduced to Europe until the 19th century. Greece’s flora and fauna are rich and extensive so you could use a wide assortment of different flowers and plants. I have many bougainvilleas plants, but none in bloom at the moment so I picked up a bouquet of bright flowers and some dollar eucalyptus at my local florist. I placed the flowers in the vases and scattered the eucalyptus branches down the middle with some votive candles. The day was so breeze, I couldn’t keep the candles lit. It happens. To take your party from day to evening, place more candles on the table and add string bistro lights above. As the sun set, you’ll transition to more ambient lighting, reminiscent of outdoor dining in Greece.
I love vintage glasses. These Jeanette Grecian water glasses were a great Goodwill find. I paired them with my clear Cape Cod wine goblets. They add the right amount of sparkle without overpowering the table or looking too busy. The three vases are Rae Dunn candle holders I purchase last year on clearance. They had a beach bucket decal which I removed. I love their shape and the rope detail. It ties in nicely with the woven chargers.
This was my setting for my Greek inspired dinner party. If you wish to get ideas on some of the many delicious Greek dishes you can serve, click here. I hope this table inspires you.
Sourcing:
HomeGoods – Blue & White Woven Table Runner, Natural Woven Charges, Rae Dunn Vases with Rope accent
White Plates – Pier One Imports a few years back and discontinued
Amazon – Flatsay Gold Bamboo Flatware, Royal Blue Napkins
Vintage Finds – Jeanette Grecian Glasses, Cape Cod Pressed Glass Wine Goblets
