Cape Cod is famous for its prolific hydrangeas. Summer visitors often comment on the exuberant abundance of the clear, cornflower blue mopheads. However, if you’re lucky enough to be here for longer, you notice how the blooms change from early summer to late. They’re still in their infancy, and the coloured tips show a white centre.
This stage coincides with the cluster roses’ peak and the peony season’s end. Eager to grasp all this beauty at its peak, I clipped the last peonies, including the yet-to-emerge buds. Next, I added branch roses and as many differently tinted early hydrangeas as possible.
Famille Rose linens had been clamouring to have an outing, yelling at me from the linen closet: “Now is the time!!” All right, already…hold your horses.
I carefully folded the napkins and placed the runner on the table. I liked the simplicity of the Vietro leaf charger with the napkin in the centre, so that was the next step. Now, what glassware?
The blue optic glasses are very…er…vibrant. They need a unique table to appreciate their electric charms. Ok, you can come out, too. But don’t be too noisy, ok? You’re a bit overwhelming at the best of times, and with all that floral excess, it might be over the top.
I debated adding the Famille Rose appetizer plates. Too much, I mused?
No, I think it works.
Plain pewter flatware from World Market added a steadying influence.
Tiny vintage open salts in a softer shade of blue fit in nicely.
You would almost think they came with the Famille Rose pattern, so well do they blend in!
I had some help setting the table. Our old girl, sixteen-year-old Taylor, doesn’t venture far these days, but she was happy to lend a paw.
I must say, Williams Sonoma did a lovely job reinterpreting a classic pattern, Famille Rose. The napkin’s border detail in shades of blue-green and fuchsia adds the final touch.
I like how it all pulled together for an exuberant summer table.
You really can’t have too many flowers, can you?
We are back from an early morning beach walk, and Soggy Spencer has found a patch of sun to dry off. As you can see, the pups are getting HUGE. Spencer, especially, is all legs and tail (and fuzzy topknot).
We are past the longest day now, and I’m conscious of enjoying every minute of summer. But, unfortunately, the days will be shortening before we know it.
One last look at the table, and I will wish everyone the best of a lovely, lazy Sunday.
What a beautiful summer table setting! Everything blends well and you were lucky to catch all the different flowers together. You can never have too many flowers of different colors and have them look so happy together. Taylor looks like she gave it her approval. Well done!
Thanks so much, Maura! It all smelled heavenly, as you can imagine. The peonies combined with the fragrant roses. The house smelled like a gangster’s wake afterwards. 🙂
So So beautiful Helen! I love everything about that gorgeous table, and that gorgeous puppy. Thanks for sharing all the summer goodness!
Thanks, Barbara! Always lovely to hear from you. 🙂
Dear Helen,
This is my most favourite of all your recent tables. I love the exuberance of it all, and the colours are dreamy. (WS/PB still doesn’t have its act together vis-a-vis the European privacy laws, so I can’t order; probably a good thing.) I too cut early hydrangeas for their delicate hues. I just uprooted an old one which, judging by its label, was 20+ years old–its outrageous price was still in Schillings! I gave The Bride its pride of place. And I don’t think the plates are too much–they are perfect–never enough flowers. That looks like one tuckered puppy; they grow so fast.
Hi Beatrice,
Exuberant is exactly how I thought of the table when I was finished. A bit OTT, but who cares? It’s time for some floral splash.
Right after I set the table, summer arrived with a bang on the Cape. Some of the delicate blossoms were actually scorched. But we’ve had a bit of rain since and all seems well. I’ll clip off the browned bits.
That tuckered puppy is our sixteen-year-old, Taylor. She’s had a bit of a tummy upset recently, which we had put down to old age. I started supplementing her diet with some of the puppy’s homemade food and she’s snapped back with astonishing vigour. I’m beginning to think she will live to 100.
Have a great day.
Stunningly gorgeous table setting Helen ❤️ The colours are exuberant and perfect for a summer meal. The beautiful napkins remind me of bird houses when I saw the overhead photo. The edging looks like the roof of a bird house. Your flower arrangements are breathtaking ❤️
Hard to believe the days are already getting* shorter. Summer always seems so fleeting, especially for those of us who live in a more northerly area.
You’re too kind, Rachelle!
Yes -those napkins do look like birdhouses. They’re a real winner from Williams Sonoma. Famille Rose is such a traditional pattern and they’ve given it a beautiful modern facelift.
Those flower arrangements put themselves together. I’m of the “grip and drop” school of flower management. LOL. With the hydrangea, all you’ve got to do is surround them with various other flowers, and secure the stems with an elastic band. then cut the lot to the height of the vase. Super easy.
And yes – I can sense the change in light already. ugh…