As we introduce the first feature in our “Be Our Guest" blog series, we’d like to welcome Mary Hollis Huddleston, aka Mrs. Southern Social, to our table. Mary is a talented (and very fun) table setting expert, and an all-around charming hostess who enjoys celebrating the everyday. Ease into Fall and get inspired with Mary’s Farm to Table tips for your own end-of-summer gatherings & celebrations!
Begin With Linen Selection
Whether I’m styling a table for a brand or for my own family, I almost always start a design with my linen selection. I garner so much inspiration from tablecloths, placemats, and napkins, which is why I loved working with Solino Home on a late summer tablescape. Linens serve as the foundation for a table, and since I was styling a more casual table on my porch, I wanted something that was neutral and approachable. I immediately fell in love with the Solino Home Buffalo Check collection in natural and white, which made it easy for me to layer the rest of the tabletop items.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
I always want to create beautiful tables, but I also try to work “smarter not harder.” Meaning, I try not to overcomplicate things or spend too much time, energy, or money to achieve the end result. One of the many reasons I gravitate toward Solino Home for linens, is that they offer pieces that are not only affordable, but that are versatile and timeless, so they can be used for years to come. I applied this concept to the centerpiece, which is essentially a collection of potted plants and herbs that I already owned. I added in some fresh heirloom tomatoes from a friend’s garden, as this time of year they not only taste great but look beautiful as décor.
Add Texture & Natural Elements
I wanted to build on the organic and earth-tone linens with my china, glassware, and flatware selections. I included woven wicker charger plates, wood-handled flatware and basketweave patterned dinner and salad plates to add texture and additional natural elements to the table. I love that the linens I selected from Solino Home coordinate with so many tabletop items I already own. I will be able to re-style this table countless ways for my family to enjoy from summer through the fall.
A Touch of Whimsy
The “cherries-on-top” of this table were custom cupcakes that looked like tomato plants. The potted cupcakes served double duty since they’re not only dessert, but place cards for each guest. I like to include a touch of whimsy or something unexpected when building a table, and these cupcakes were the perfect addition.
As Summer Entertaining Moves to Fall
I love summer entertaining, but as we move into the fall, I have no doubt I will continue to use my Solino Home linens when entertaining family and friends. I naturally gravitate toward items I can use again and again when hosting, and their linen collection allows me to do just that. Happy hosting friends!
We’d like to thank Mary for her fresh and inspiring Farm to Table setting as we say so long to summer!
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You can find us here: Solino Home and Mrs. Southern Social. You can also visit Mary here.
