Now that it’s finally gotten warm outside, it’s time for some alfresco dinning on the covered back porch. So, to kick off the summer season, I’ve styled a whimsical flamingo tropical table.

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It’s one of 17 settings in the Summer Tablescape blog hop. There’s something sure to please everyone — from nautical to patriotic to an intimate tea party — and more in between!

After many seasons organizing the year-round hop, Chloe has passed the mantle to Rita of Panoply, who graciously agreed to take over the task. Thank you Rita!

I filled in during March, hosting St. Patrick’s Day Table Ideas. And again in May, with a smaller group, for a theme hop to celebrate World Bee Day. A French Royal Bee Theme Table was inspired by my ancestry and name — Debbee. That was followed up with an Easy Fleur-de-Lis, Bee Shape Napkin Fold Tutorial.

Today’s alfresco tablescape mixes inexpensive melamine plates and decor from Dollar Tree, with tropical and other elements from my existing tableware collection.

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Dining Alfresco on the Porch

If you’re coming from my friend Bonnie’s patriotic setting by the pond, thanks for stopping by! Bee sure to check out all 17 tables and links at the end of this post.

Dollar-Tree-melamine-flamingo-dinner-plate

After over a year of pandemic restrictions — I stopped by Dollar Tree to see what was new for the summer season. Inspiration for the flamingo tropical table were these adorable melamine plates.

Two years ago, I searched high and low for flamingo motif luncheon or dessert dishes to no avail. I wanted them to layer in a stack with palm print dinner plates (Pottery Barn clearance) for a previous tablescape blog hop.

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Instead, I used clear glass, fish-shaped dishes for what eventually evolved into the Palms, Parrots & Paradise Tropical Table.

Although it looked great in person, photographing the tablescape was a real challenge, because it was set on a glass table.

Not wanting to repeat that mistake, I picked up the matching flamingo and tropical motif plastic tablecloth too. I was skeptical it would be too flimsy and might need an underlying liner. But priced at only a buck, I tossed one in my basket.

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Much to my surprise, the round tablecloth has a nice finish to it and isn’t see-through. The only downside was that I couldn’t press out the creases.

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Now, I’m trying to decide between one of two round cloth tablecloths for future tropical table settings using the fun flamingo plates.

I’m leaning towards one with wide black and white stripes. Although I love the colorful print of the other, it probably would compete with the plate pattern. Check out both of them below. Which one do you think I should purchase?

Next, I placed a palm shaped placemat at each of the four place settings. I picked them up cheap several years ago in a package of six (Hobby Lobby).

You might recognize them from both the Summer Jungle Table & Palm Leaf Napkin Fold, and Palms, Parrots & Paradise Tropical Tablescape?

Twigs, Fish & Birds of Paradise Decorate Tropical Table

I also incorporated the same copper twig handled flatware (Pier 1) into this flamingo tropical table.

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Since the flamingo and palm leaf print plates are nearly the same size, I kept the summer setting simple with no dish stack.

Instead, I positioned the clear, fish-shaped salad plate to the upper left on the flamingo tropical table.

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On top, is a fabric napkin folded into the shape of a Bird of Paradise. It’s made using the bright pink napkins used recently to create the Fleur-de-Lis, Bee Shape Fold for the French Inspired, Royal Bee Table.

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It’s the same fold on the Palms, Parrots & Paradise Table, but with a different color napkin.

Tip: I’ve learned that the Bird of Paradise fold works best with a very stiff fabric so that it holds the shape. Ironing the fabric at each fold step also helps.

An easy fold that also works well for a tropical summer table is a palm leaf. To the right is a large napkin in bright turquoise on the Summer Jungle Table.

As regular readers know, I frequently incorporate interesting napkin folds when styling a tablescape. It’s a cheap and easy way to embellish any setting. There are so many to choose from! See the 17 I’ve already included in Napkin Folds for All Seasons, Holidays & Occasions.

Whatever Floats Your Boat Drink

The fish dish and folded napkin to the left of each flamingo tropical table setting, counterbalance the two large glasses on the right.

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First, is this green plastic, parrot-stem glass (Home Goods several years ago). Isn’t it fun?

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Hubby will be making frozen watermelon margaritas all summer long to drink out of them.

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While at Dollar Tree, I couldn’t resist these adorable flamingo pool float cup holders and matching straws. I placed a mason jar into each.

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Don’t you think they’re perfect for holding a refreshing glass of pink, raspberry-flavor lemonade? They’d also make a darling take-home party favor for a flamingo theme party.

Easy Flamingo Centerpiece

Of course, I also had to incorporate flamingos into the centerpiece! After all, next Wednesday (June 23) is National Pink Flamingo Day!

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To start, I placed a large palm leaf placemat (Pier 1) in the center of the table. To create a little contrast, one of my palm print melamine plates sits under a large, water-filled bowl. Originally, the vase had been filled with a stunning fall arrangement of flowers — a lovely gift after I had my foot surgery last October.

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Inside the bowl is a heavy wire base for flower arrangements. At first, I had thought it would hold the metal stick legs of the plastic flamingos (Dollar Tree) in place.

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But, that didn’t work out so well. After some trial and error, I used clear packing tape to hold the pair together, and then balanced them on the rim of the bowl.

Not the most creative or stunning of centerpieces, lol! But, it sure was cheap, quick and easy. For a future flamingo tropical table, I may use a pineapple filled with flowers as a vase. Something I’ve seen frequently on Pinterest.

Just as easy, was creating the flamingo mallet covers for Playing Flamingo Croquet at my Alice in Wonderland, Unbirthday Party. Larger than those used in the centerpiece, hubby drilled two holes in the main body of the plastic flamingos. They simply slip over the croquet sticks. A perfect activity before or after a meal at the flamingo tropical table!

Time to Hop

Next up is Pam of Everyday Living and her lovely table set in the garden. You’re going to love the story behind the quilt she used as a tablecloth!

Are you planning to entertain this summer? Perhaps a barbeque, seafood boil, picnic, or July 4th cookout? I’m planning one of each now that we’re all vaccinated, and family and friends can gather together.

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Preparing for July 4th Festivities

Our sons are coming home for an extended holiday over Independence Day. Hurrah!

They’ve got all kinds of activities planned for us, including; attending a Pirates baseball game, riding the seven coasters at Kennywood amusement park, dining out at favorite restaurants, and visiting local landmarks.

Last year, it was just hubby and I at home. That caused me to reflect on Mr. Buzz’s Revolutionary War ancestor in, Celebrating Patriots on Independence Day.

On July Fourth, we’ll be using our new smoker for a cookout on the porch. Afterwards, we’ll grab blankets and head to an outdoor concert and community fireworks display. I can’t wait!

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I’ve already started pulling out my flags, bunting and other Independence Day Decorations, along with Give Me Liberty Blue Tableware. And I went out an purchased a few new, inexpensive items for Festive Stars & Stripes Updates.

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