Looking for indoor summer table setting ideas?
If you live in an apartment without outdoor space, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered!
This time, I’m bringing the outdoors indoors with a fun, vibrant, tropical theme.
Even though it’s not set outside, I promise this tropical vibe will make you feel like you’re dining in a lush garden.
Keep reading to learn how to put together an indoor tropical summer table setting.
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Related: Simple & Casual Blue And White Tablescapes
An Indoor Summer Table Setting
This inspiration comes straight from my late mother’s vintage tableware, which holds a special place in my heart.
Carefully handcrafted from ceramic, each piece has the most beautiful, vibrant yellow and orange poppy flower print on it.
As soon as I saw them, I immediately thought of summer.
I knew they’d be the perfect foundation for an indoor tropical summer table setting.
You know what else reminds me of summer? Fresh flowers!
Honestly, I’m no pro when it comes to floral arrangements.
And, let’s be real. Buying those fancy, professionally made centerpieces can be pricey and a bit OTT for simple, casual gatherings at home!
But, don’t worry – I’ve got a go-to trick I use all the time to display flowers beautifully without breaking the bank.
Keep reading to find out my secret!
Use Your Precious Tableware
Ah, these beautiful tableware pieces – they’re probably as old as me (yes, proud millennial here!)
The funny thing is, I never saw my mom use them.
I only found them after she passed, and it makes me a little sad knowing how much she must have treasured them.
But, if there’s one thing her passing taught me, it’s that time doesn’t wait for anyone.
So, take out that gorgeous china, use it, and enjoy it. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion!
Life is too short to keep the good stuff hidden away.
These are the Dolly dinner and dessert plates by Mikasa.
Besides the beautiful poppy print, the duo of brown tones around the rim makes these plates extra special.
That little detail adds so much depth and character.
I also love how solid and sturdy the plates feel, and I honestly can’t believe they’re still in excellent condition after more than three decades!
Of course, I had to include my trusty gold flatware for this dining setup.
I’m sure some of you can recognise them, I use them in almost all of my table settings!
With the table looking so bright and cheerful, I felt it needed a little contrast to balance things out.
It was the perfect opportunity for me to use this gorgeous tortoiseshell handblown glass water jug and matching drinking glasses!
I love adding tortoiseshell details to my table settings.
It’s such a fresh, interesting print, yet it pairs beautifully with just about anything.
Plus, it’s timeless – a true classic that never goes out of style.
Related: A Simple & Bright Indoor Summer Table Setting
Mix And Match Your Table Linens
The tableware set the tone, but it’s really the table linens that brought this tablescape to life!
This burnt orange tablecloth isn’t something I’d normally go for, but I was drawn to the subtle texture and design.
It’s so different from anything else I have at home, and I’m so glad I chose it!
The only downside to it is that it is a bit sheer, so I had to layer a beige tablecloth underneath to hide the glass table peeking through.
I didn’t have to use placemats, but I felt like the table needed a little something to brighten things up and to let the the tableware really shine.
With the burnt orange tablecloth, I knew it had to be something subtle that wouldn’t steal the spotlight.
These beige and cream striped placemats were perfect!
They not only complement the tablecloth beautifully, but they also anchor the whole setup and make the tableware pop in the best way.
Be Creative with Your Centerpieces
What’s an indoor tropical summer table setting without fresh greenery and flowers?
I know a lot of people think centerpieces have to be expensive, but I’m all about using what you already have at home!
And if you do need to buy something, I say spend wisely and make sure it’s something you’ll use again.
For this setup, I used my potted ZZ plant (which has been sitting in my home forever) and paired it with my gold candlesticks to create a simple yet stunning centerpiece.
The centerpiece on its own is already lovely, but I couldn’t resist adding a little more color with fresh flowers!
I wanted something simple and budget-friendly, so I decided to arrange the flowers in small bottles I had at home (bud vases work great for this too!)
This way of displaying flowers is so easy because you only need 2-3 stalks to make it work. No fancy arranging needed.
Just pop the flowers into the bottles or vases, and ta-da ~ you’re done!
Fun fact: these bottles were actually my old kombucha bottles.
I gave them a good clean, removed the labels, and repurposed them as vases. Easy, affordable, and so cute!
You can use any flowers you like, but for this tropical look, I went with mokara orchids.
Their vibrant colors and gorgeous, showy blossoms just scream tropical and exotic!
I love how they bring that lush outdoors vibe indoors.
If orchids aren’t your thing, try using gerberas, sunflowers, or anthuriums.
The key to getting this look is to choose bold, cheerful blooms that make a statement!
Get The Look
The dinner and dessert plates are vintage, I can’t find them anywhere – even on eBay!
But, here’s a round-up of my current favorite items you can buy to set up an indoor tropical summer table setting in your home. Enjoy!
1. Lilypad side plates // 2. Portolo 20-piece gold flatware set // 3. Ribbed cotton placemat // 4. Tortoise recycled stemless wine glasses // 5. Lilypad dinner plate // 6. Amber handblown glass pitcher // 7. Gardenia ruffle border table cloth // 8. Faux green hydrangea in glass vase // 9. Tortoise leopard brown print drinking glasses // 10. Marino shell napkin rings