Floral Styling Tips for Your End-of-Summer Dinner Party
Late summer in Havre de Grace is a beautiful time to gather with friends and family—warm evenings, golden hour light, and the last bursts of seasonal blooms set the stage for truly memorable outdoor entertaining. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard cookout or an elegant garden soirée, the right floral styling can elevate your dinner party from ordinary to unforgettable.
At Blooms at the Boutique, we believe flowers are more than decoration—they’re the atmosphere. Here are our favorite floral styling tips to help you bring your table to life this season.
1. Keep Centerpieces Low and Lush
When hosting a dinner party, eye contact matters—so keep your centerpieces low enough to encourage conversation. Go for one or two small arrangements instead of one tall one. Think short, wide vessels filled with vibrant blooms like zinnias, dahlias, or black-eyed Susans. Add trailing greenery like ivy or ferns to soften the edges.
Pro Tip: Use multiple smaller vases or jars lined down the center of a long table. This creates visual interest without overwhelming the space or blocking your guests’ view.
2. Incorporate Flowers Into Place Settings
For an elegant, Instagram-worthy touch, tuck a single flower or small bundle of blooms into each place setting. A sprig of lavender, a single sunflower petal, or a mini zinnia tied with ribbon onto a napkin adds thoughtful detail without extra fuss.
DIY Idea: Write each guest’s name on a small card and attach it to a stem—your floral place card doubles as a keepsake.
3. Use Seasonal Color Palettes
Embrace the rich, warm tones of late summer. August florals naturally lean into bold hues—coral, marigold, raspberry, and copper. Pair them with muted neutrals or greens to create a balanced, natural look.
Color Combos We Love:
- Golden yellow + plum + dusty rose
- Terracotta + ivory + sage green
- Coral + pale blue + deep green
Not sure where to start? Our floral designers can create custom arrangements to match your tableware, linens, or theme.
4. Add Unexpected Touches
Don’t be afraid to mix in non-floral elements that reflect the season. Mini pumpkins, bowls of fresh berries, taper candles, or even cut herbs (like rosemary or mint) can add dimension and fragrance to your table.
Design Tip: Try adding height with candlesticks or small lanterns, but keep everything in proportion so guests can still see each other across the table.
5. Let Nature Be Your Backdrop
If you’re dining outdoors, remember that nature is part of your décor. Don’t over-style—let your floral arrangements enhance the setting rather than compete with it. Loose, organic shapes and wildflower-inspired blooms often feel more natural and inviting than structured, formal bouquets.
Make It a Night to Remember
End-of-summer entertaining should feel easy, joyful, and beautiful. Let Blooms at the Boutique help you set the tone with thoughtfully styled floral pieces made just for your gathering.
Order your custom dinner party florals online or call us at 443-502-2446. From full tablescapes to petite vase bundles, we’ll make sure your night blooms with beauty.
