The Southern Table: Wake Up Your Table

Just in time for our tabletop debut with Ballard Designs, their creative director and stylist, Jill Sharp Brinson, puts her own spin on the collection for this fresh summer table.

Let Bold Colors Pop

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Let Bold Colors Pop

A mix of natural materials – sturdy antique breadboards layered with shallow marble bowls and bamboo-handled flatware paired with smoke colored glassware – provides the perfect backdrop to let nearly neon pink borscht (a chilled, summer beet soup) stand out. Coral monogrammed napkins and fuchsia anemones make a strong and simple color statement.

Love It? Get It! Source Guide

Suspend Your Centerpiece

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Suspend Your Centerpiece

Draw eyes up with a hanging arrangement rather than a large centerpiece on the table. Here an assortment of pink and orange Ikea baskets filled with summery green hellebores hangs lengthwise over the table. Tack different lengths of twine into the ceiling to vary the basket heights.

Love It? Get It! Source Guide

Pay Attention to Presentation

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Pay Attention to Presentation

A letterpress menu with a beet on it from Yee-Haw Industries plays off the borscht theme and outlines the meal. Create a striking spot for finger foods on a large breadboard. Edge the cheeses with galax leaves (available at local florists) and cover with a cake topper for drama.

Love It? Get It! Source Guide

Make a Mocktail Option

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Make a Mocktail Option

In the heat of the summer, give guests a tasty nonalcoholic beverage to drink. Float slices of fresh fruit such as limes and kumquats for extra color and flavor. Set out assorted liquors on the side for guests to add as they please.

Love It? Get It! Source Guide

Meet Jill Sharp Brinson

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Meet Jill Sharp Brinson

What's your entertaining signature? You will never see the same thing twice! There’s no reason for it – I own and collect amazing things so that I can use them in interesting ways for my work and my dinner parties.
Favorite party staple: Great music – I love to dance at a party!
What's your go-to cocktail? Prosecco with Cipriani’s Bellini Mix. It’s even better than actual white peach nectar.
Tea: Sweet or unsweet? I prefer mine half and half with a lime slice.
Mailed invitations: Yes or No? Yes, I love to start the mood early.
What entertaining detail do most people overlook, but shouldn't? The scent of a room, it’s so important to set the mood. I burn Diptyque candles in the Figuier scent.
How do you know when a party is a success? Tons of laughter, contented smiles, and dancing after supper.
Go-to hostess gift? A small, unframed black and white photo by my brilliant husband, Rob Brinson, we keep stacks of our favorite images to bring to friends. Because of them we get invited to lots of parties.
Bartender or serve yourself? It depends on the size of the gathering. In general, I ask a guest in advance to play bar with me!

Love It? Get It!
Designer: Jill Sharp Style; jillsharpstyle.com or 404-872-0232.

Printed from:
http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/decorating/fresh-summer-table-00417000078982/

Copyright © 2013 Time Inc. Lifestyle Group. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy ( Your California Privacy Rights). Ad Choices