How to Create a Yellow Summer Tablescape

Set a vibrant yellow summer tablescape with easy-to-find flowers from the grocery store. Create a long runner of flowers across the table using wet foam blocks in rectangular platters.

Yellow Summer Tablescape

There is something about a yellow table that says lemonade and sunshine. If you want to bring summer indoors, set a yellow table. It’s especially effective on a dreary day.

Even in winter, setting a yellow table can change a mood.

Table-Length Arrangement

With just a little effort, you can buy a few bouquets and turn them into a stunning table arrangement that will last for days. This arrangement works as a table runner and fills the center of the table. To create this look, follow these steps:

Use 3-4 shallow 8- to 15-inch rectangular platters. The size and how many will depend on the length of your table. I used 3 to create this centerpiece.
Buy wet foam (such as Oasis) online or from a craft store.
Use several bouquets of yellow and white flowers such as roses, daisies, tulips, mums, and alstroemerias.
Buy a bouquet of flowers in a contrasting color. (I chose pink spray roses)
Use stems of greenery as filler or cut and rinse long stems from bushes in your garden.
Attach the foam to the platters with green florist tape (optional).

Prepare the Wet Foam and Flowers for Arranging

After you gather the supplies you need, prepare the flowers and wet foam by following these steps:

Soak the wet foam for 2-3 hours in a water-filled sink.
Cut the ends off of the flowers to freshen them and place them in clean water.
Place a block of saturated foam on each platter. Cut blocks with a knife to fill in holes.
Tape the blocks to the platters with florist tape. This step is helpful if you plan to move the flowers after they are made. It also keeps the blocks in place when the flowers are added.

Add Flowers to the Yellow Summer Tablescape Arrangement

Start your arrangement by working on one platter at a time and following these steps:

Divide the flowers by the number of trays you are using. For example, if you have 3 platters and 24 roses, make 3 groups of 8 flowers. This will ensure that you spread the flowers among all the platters.
Start by estimating how short you need the stems cut. Make sure they are cut short enough so that people can see over them when talking across the table.
Cut and randomly insert the same type of flowers into the wet foam for one prepared platter. Make bookend arrangements (the ends of 3 or more platters pushed together) by adding flowers only in the middle and to one end. You do not have to add flowers to the ends of a middle platter because the arrangement should look like one long platter rather than individual ones. When all the platters are lined up end to end in a long row, the flowers will have a continuous flow.
Vary the height of the flowers to create depth. Have some flowers taller than others.
Add the contrasting-colored flowers after the others are arranged so you can space them appropriately.
Use greenery to fill holes between flowers and around the bottom to hide the platters.
Use a watering can with a long spout to add water to the finished arrangements. Keep your finger on the side of a platter to determine the water level as you add water. Be careful not to overfill.

Add Yellow Candies to Clear Containers

Add more color to the table by placing yellow candy in clear containers such as goblets. Then place the containers around the table. This will add color to the table and also give guests a treat to munch on.

Scatter Lemons on Your Yellow Summer Tablescape

Include lemons on your sunny yellow tablescape by tucking them around the flower arrangement. Fruit is a great way to add color and is easy to find at the market. Furthermore, it can be used later, so it is not wasted.

Use Colorful Paper Straws

Paper straws are easy to find in different colors. They are also biodegradable and compostable and come in more patterns than plastic straws. Place them at each place setting or have several in a glass container for guests to choose if they want one.

Use Unexpected Napkins

I love to use unusual fabrics for napkins. You can purchase fabric online from Spoonflower and make your own by cutting and sewing them or using adhesive hem tape and an iron to hem them. These napkins were made with whimsical fabric designed by Tamara Kate as shown below. The napkins introduced a pink color, which prompted me to use pink in the centerpiece arrangement.

Mix in Paper Products on a Yellow Summer Tablescape

Mix in paper plates to get the look you want for your table. While white plates will work with most colors, consider using paper plates when you need extra color. They work well for desserts but aren’t as suitable for heavy entrees.