Recently I teamed up with Melissa Creates as we became style experts for Paper Goat Post’s De-Constructed Dinner Party. We showed the attendees how to style their own table setting with a floral centerpiece. Maybe you saw the festive table setting on my Instagram last week. If you couldn’t attend, that’s okay! It’s time to spill the details here on Within the Grove so you can create a tropical table setting for your next event. Table settings for parties don’t have to be difficult, expensive, or overwhelming. They can actually be fun and budget friendly. In 20 minutes with a small budget, you can create a table setting with palm fronds, gold accents, and pops of blush that every guest will be gushing over. Here’s the step-by-step along with my tips and tricks! You’ll find the links to purchase the materials at the end of the post.

Striped Wrapping Paper

The first thing you’re going to want to do is place black and white striped wrapping paper down the center of your table. Make sure to tape the ends underneath the table to secure it. Why wrapping paper? It’s inexpensive, comes in many different patterns, and can be thrown away when done. No more worrying about stains or finding the perfect runner to use for all occasions.

Add Palm Fronds Down the Center 

To break up the boldness of the wrapping paper, place paper palm fronds down the center of your table. You’ll never believe it, but I learned how to create these leaves one afternoon when I was watching The Chew. Use scrapbook paper in two different shades of green for the fronds to help create dimension. I also added a few tropical leaves in blush pink throughout the green fronds for an added pop of color.

Coordinating Tableware

Add your favorite tableware that incorporates the overall theme. My plates help bring out the blush pink while my glasses and flatware provide a pop of gold. It’s the perfect mix without being too much. 

If you follow along, you know I’m a fan of all things Target through my One Spot DIY posts. With that said, my plates, glassware, and flatware came from Target. They’re items I collected over a slow period of time. So these didn’t cost me anything for this particular setup. Added bonues: the glasses actually came from the One Spot!

Surprise Elements

I wanted to add a few custom and surprise decor pieces to my table. We all know about the cute little umbrellas for drinks. But have you seen them in shape of palm fronds? They are the cutest drink umbrellas! I couldn’t resist adding them to the glasses. 

Add the names of your guests by writing them on a tropical leaf. These were the perfect size! With the use of a paint pen, I had instant place cards for my guests. They’re also a party favor your friends will be able to take home.

Turn an ordinary bottle of wine into a show stopping piece by applying a waterproof tropical themed label. You won’t know if you should open it or keep it closed so you can leave it on display.

Surprise! Download each design for FREE by clicking the images below. I used these waterproof labels.

Floral Centerpiece 

Complete your table setting by adding a floral centerpiece. This instantly completes the look and adds a stunning design element. There’s something beautiful about pairing black and white stripes with flowers to create a winning combo. I picked up my flowers at a local grocery store for under $10 and created the floral arrangement myself. Here’s a blog post all about DIY Floral Arrangements.

Just take a look at how much the bouquet of flowers adds to the overall design: 

By following these 5 design tips and tricks for a tropical table setting, your table will be decorated in no time. Don’t forget! I want to see your design skills at work. Make sure to share your table setting with me either in the comments or by tagging me on social media. 

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 As promised, here’s where you can find the items used for today’s post. 

Black and White Wrapping Paper || Paper Palm Frond Tutorial || Gold Flatware || Plates || Glassware || Frond Drink Umbrellas || Palm Leaf Place Cards || Waterproof Labels for Wine Bottles || Let’s Flamingo Label Design || Sip Sip Hooray Label Design