High Street Market: Make Your Own: Tea Time Tablescape

I love the idea of bringing your dining table outdoors to serve mid-afternoon drinks with friends... If you have the outdoor space this summer, why not try this? Bring your dining table and chairs outside, set your table with beautiful linens and actually use your grandmother's china! Even if you are serving cheese and crackers instead of caviar, make it special! Your guests will love it.

Make your own tablescape by mixing fancy traditional pieces (like silver serving sets) with eclectic accents (like a vintage table runner and mismatched tea cups). Here are some of my favorites...

Start by draping your table with a beautiful tablecloth. I like this one from Linen Me on Etsy... It makes a terrific backdrop.

Then, layer your white linen tablecloth with an interesting runner down the center of your table. Try an eclectic piece like this. It's actually a vintage scarf. How chic is that?

And, how about this art deco vintage tea set?

Martha Stewart's white porcelain cake stands (available at Macy's) will bring some height to your table. I love the low, square shapes... they're even better when stacked with treats.