Disco Vibes Summer Tablescape
I say that every new table I style is my favorite, but this one is certainly extra special. My father, who is one of my heroes, turned 70 this year, which is the best reason I can think of to create one fabulous 70’s-themed tablescape. This isn’t a very masculine table, but my dad is confident in his manhood (ha), and he absolutely loved how colorful and festive this table with vintage-vibes turned out.
Okay, let’s go over all the fabulous details, shall we? Per usual, this table started with a tablecloth, which I found at Maison Flaneur. I love the color, retro feel and ruffled edges of the Margot Linen Tablecloth. I also purchased these woven Round Pink Placemats as they reminded me of crochet items that were popular in the 70’s. (Something to note about this company- it is NOT easy to return items once purchased, so be sure you are going to keep anything you buy from the site as it’s almost impossible to make a return).
I needed menu cards and place cards in a hurry, so instead of working with a professional, I found the coolest templates on Etsy that worked perfectly with the color scheme and other decor. You can find the template here, and I love that these can be printed at home as an easy and affordable (but good-looking) option.
The small glass mushrooms that I placed down the table can actually be used as bud vases, but I didn’t want to take away from the main centerpieces, so I just used them as another fun nod to the vintage vibe.
The “star” of this table for me turned out to be the flowers, which were once again provided by local florist, FLWR Shop. I shared the linens and color scheme I was working with, and they definitely delivered one show-stopping centerpiece- well, two of them actually. The matte-gold vases wrapped in rattan that they provided were the perfect vintage touch.
I’ve really loved decorating my chandelier with each of my tables recently, and what’s more 70’s themed than paper daisy chains? I sourced these Daisy Paper Chains from Meri Meri, which is a great source for paper party goods. I also used them as a wrap around the napkins and flatware at each place setting. The napkins shown here are sadly no longer available, but a similar option can be found here.
Melamine was popular in the 70’s and it’s still popular now. No need to worry about breaking plates with these Bamboo Melamine Dinner Plates and Salad Plates from Mark & Graham. Bamboo is and will always be timeless for me, as are these Woven Tealight Lamps that I use over and over again on my tablescapes.
For a 70’s inspired supper, you just can’t go wrong with fondue. As many of you know, if I cook something, it’s going to be pretty easy to make, and it’s actually really easy to pull together a fondue spread for dinner and/or dessert. Chocolate fondue is super simple to make if you use the right chocolate, such as this one, that you simply melt in a pot over the stove and transfer to a fondue pot that can keep it warm. Or you can purchase an electric fondue pot that does all the work for you. Cut up some strawberries, pieces of angel food cake, brownies, bananas or whatever else you like to dip in chocolate and dessert is served!
However, if you want to serve-up cheese fondue to use as an appetizer or entree option, you can use this simple recipe (at the bottom of this post) for a yummy option. I cut up apples, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, roasted potatoes, grilled shrimp, sausage and bread to serve with my cheese fondue. Just set out the fondue pot (with a sterno or an electric option to keep the cheese warm), some fondue sticks, and you’ve got yourself a fun and delicious spread.
I did not place the fondue pot and accompaniments on the table, as I wanted to show the table styled with flowers and decor, but typically for a fondue meal or dessert, you would put the fondue pot or pots in the center of the table so that guests could serve themselves at their place setting. If fondue is used as an appetizer only, you could style it like this or put the fondue spread in another room and then move to the dining table for the entree and dessert. The options are endless, but all FUN!
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Last but not least are the “signature drinks” for the party. There are so many popular drinks from the 70’s but I selected the Aperol Spritz as my signature drink, as I love this cocktail, plus the colors worked well with my table- ha! Not to mention- they are super easy to make. I love that I was able to source mini bottles of Aperol, Prosecco and club soda so that each guest felt like they had their own personal cocktail station. To make the cocktail you simply fill your glass with ice, add equal parts Aperol and Prosecco, a splash of club soda and then garnish with an orange slice. You can adjust the ratio of Aperal and Prosecco to get your desired taste, and it’s such a fun summer cocktail to enjoy.
Hopefully this table will inspire you to try something fun and new for your next dinner party- it was a huge hit with my crowd, and I love sharing it all with you!
Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Recipe:
Ingredients:
1/2 pound Gruyere cheese, shredded
1/2 pound Swiss cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 clove garlic, peeled and halved
1 & 1/4 cups Riesling wine
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
dry mustard to taste
All the items you wish to dip into the cheese!
Directions:
Place the cheese in a small bowl, sprinkle with cornstarch, and toss to coat. Set aside.
Rub the inside of a fondue pot with garlic (Since I don’t have an electric fondue pot, I put my fondue pot directly on the stove to cook everything in it and then transfer it to the stand with the sterno underneath to keep everything warm once it’s all melted). Add the wine and lemon juice and over medium heat, bring the wine and lemon juice to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
Gradually add the cheese, stirring to melt slowly. Once smooth, season with salt, pepper and dry mustard. (This is when I carefully move my pot off the stove and over to its stand)
Using fondue forks, dip your small food bites into the hot cheese and enjoy!
Photography: Lele Fain Photography