Southern Table Setting Ideas

Entertaining expert and Editor-at-Large Kimberly Schlegel Whitman puts a stylish spin on a summer garden party in her own Dallas backyard with this alfresco table setting.

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Inspired by her mom's favorite china pattern, Charlottesville, Virginia, event designer Jennifer Carroll creates a blue-and-white table setting.

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To create this table setting, Senior Photo Stylist Buffy Hargett used a collection of pitchers as vases, filling them with hydrangea and viburnum blooms for a fresh look.

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Inspired by the garden, Editor-at-Large Kimberly Schlegel Whitman planned a vibrant bridal luncheon bursting with spring blooms and clever ideas for her sister, Kari Schlegel Kloewer.

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Even when the mood is casual, the setting can still be elegant and pretty. Lifestyle expert Eddie Ross shopped Atlanta’s Scott Antique Market and local stores for a mix of old and new components to create this inviting table setting.

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A red, white, and blue palette gets an elegant upgrade in this festive table setting by Alabama interior designer Beverly Farrington.

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For this table setting, Charleston event designer Tara Guérard looked to a family china pattern for inspiration. The result is a pretty color palette of Champagne and gold with subtle touches of pink.

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Designer Tobi Fairley created a light and airy table setting inspired by a classic Southern icon—seersucker.

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Interior designer Lindsey Harper gives a nod to the punchy hues and seaside motifs of Palm Beach, Florida, with her preppy and posh table setting.

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Charleston wedding designer Calder Clark warmed up a rustic table with a romantic golden glow.

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The key to a fun, casual party is in the no-fuss details. Steal these simple decorating ideas to create a setting that doesn’t look simple at all.

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Birmingham tabletop guru Patricia Murray shares simple ways to elevate any table setting from expected to extraordinary.

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Hostess Christy Ford shares her secrets for setting a stylish and festive table. She gets her table inspiration from old-master still life vignettes.

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Host Darryl Carter shares his secrets for creating a pretty, but casual table. He loves casual entertaining because it puts his guests at ease.

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Hostess Melissa Rufty shares her secrets for setting a gracious table. Start off by never being afraid to mix your patterns.

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From strolling mariachis to tortilla soup, the baby shower for Editor-at-Large Jenna Bush Hager was a true Texas fiesta.

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Nashville designer Gen Sohr combines vivid hues of yellow, pink, and red with ample floral prints to create a cheery birthday brunch with a retro vibe.

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A simple centerpiece provides the drama for a book-themed dinner that speaks volumes. Lindsay Gibson personalized store-bought bookplates to mark each place setting and topped off the look with specially chosen vintage books that double as party favors for guests.

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