Vidalias & Magnolias – A Simple Southern Summer Tablescape
This charming tablescape just in time for summer will bring elements of the south to your table. I am sharing how to style the “Vidalias & Magnolias -A Simple Summer Tablescape” with you. Bonus! I have pulled all sorts of links in for you to add your own “sparkle spin.”
Vidalias & Magnolias – A Simple Southern Summer Tablescape! Let’s Start with …
So what in the world made me want to add onions to a tablescape and especially pair them with magnolias?
Have you ever accidentally been doing “one thing,” and it accidently inspired “another thing,” and yet “another thing” after that? That is what happened here. I was styling a set up to shoot my Baked Vidalia Onion Dip and had pulled a very cute apron from Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James. There were tiny hints of gold highlighting the white magnolia’s in the pattern. The colors paired with the Vidalia onions perfectly. Magnolias on the apron + Vidalias in the shot = a hello summertime tablescape idea. …
And that third “another thing,” the cutest Vidalia onion party favor that can serve as a place card too. A conversation starter for sure, but a treat after they taste the Vidalia onion recipes you served at your party.
Why are They Called Vidalia Onions?
Vidalia onions are named after the town they are grown in, Vidalia Georgia. The sweet flavor is due to the low amount of sulfur in the soil in which they are grown. It can be called a Vidalia only if it is grown in one of 20 counties designated by the Vidalia Onion Act of 1986.
Magnolias
Where Did Magnolia Trees Originate?
Magnolia Trees originated in Southeast Asia and North America but are popular across the world due to their beauty.
Why Are Magnolias “A Southern Thing” If They Grow Across the USA and the World?
Because southern magnolia trees are extremely large in size, they became an iconic southern tree. They are known for their exceptionally large glossy green leaves and their even larger white flowers. They have a sweet lemon smell that radiates in a southern breeze. It is delightful!
Why Are Southern Women Called Steel Magnolias?
Known as the funniest movie that will ever make you cry, Steel Magnolias didn’t coin this common description of southern women, but is the perfect example of the essence of southern women. For me personally, it means going through life wide open saying what you mean no matter the situation, and loving everyone around you with all your might. If you are lucky, you have four or five like minded women right beside you just like the movie. If you haven’t seen the movie, fix yourself a glass of sweet iced tea and watch it. It definitely is one of my top favorite movies of all time and you will laugh and you will cry. Of course anything Dolly Parton is in is great. Speaking of Dolly, if you are ever in Nashville, make sure to visit Dolly’s White Limozeen Rooftop Bar.
Beth and Lanie from A Steel Magnolias podcast said it best in an interview with Your Williamson, “It exemplifies both “traditional femininity, as well as an uncommon fortitude.” It is that unique combination of strong-willed fervor, mixed with grace and charm that make them one of a kind.”
I love that! I would say this is true of women around the world! Magnolias do grow most everywhere. STEEL MAGNOLIAS!
Fun Fact. Did You Know You Can Eat Magnolia Blossoms?
You can! They have a mild ginger flavor. They can be eaten raw in a salad or pickled. If you ever get the chance to try them. Be sure to take a bite.
Time To Get Creative
I provided all sorts of links and options below for styling this tablescape. Please share photos with me if you decide to put your Sparkle Spin on it. Tag me on instagram @_SparklingCharm and use #SparklingCharmEverything
THE CENTERPIECE
Magnolias
FRESH MAGNOLIAS
If you have the luxury of fresh magnolia blossoms at your fingertips you are lucky.
How To Prepare The Blooms
- Cut the blooms from the tree in the early morning at 12 to 15 inches from the base of the blossom. Be careful not to bruise the petals.
- Gently rinse the the blossoms under cool water letting the water wash away all of the loose floral debris.
- Look carefully at the branch. Remove the leaves necessary for your bloom to lay flat. Set the leaves aside for place cards. (See Below.)
- Place the stems in flower tubes filled with water.
I used only four magnolia blooms for this tablescape.
FAUX MAGNOLIAS AND LEAVES
TIPS FOR ARRANGING THE BLOOMS
Blooms up, take two stems and carefully slide the stems together creating a bundle. Add leaves to fill in any open spaces.
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THE NAPKINS – THE NAPKIN RINGS – THE RUNNER – THE PLACEMATS
Have Fun Mixing and Matching!
Draper James Table Runner
Gold Gingham | Navy Gingham | Magnolia Print
DRaper James dinner Napkins
Gold Gingham | Navy Gingham | Hermitage Ditsy Floral Print
Placemats
Serena and Lily have the best placemats. They are a great quality and last for the ware. You can find natural and grass placemats easily presently, I do recommend buying these for the quality. I use them year round in most of my tablescapes. Tip! They do go on sale sometimes.
Draper James PlaceMats
Click Here For Gingham Tablecloths.
Napkin Rings
The Napkin Rings I used are from Hobby Lobby. I picked them up while shopping with my mother with the idea to paint them for a brunch tablescape. I have now ordered a second set to paint because I love the natural. Just a note, these will require a dot of E 6000 Glue. 😉
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THE DINNER PLATES – THE SILVERWARE – THE GLASSES
THE Plates
The plates I used are from years past. Check out these options…
Costa Nova Stoneware | Brushed Gold Dinner Plates | Cyprus Reactive Dinner Plates
Silverware
This modern set of inexpensive silverware is a fun change for seasonal entertaining.
Lemeya Matte White Gold Modern Silverware | Solid Rose Gold | Solid Gold
THE GLasses
The glasses are from Serena and Lily. Be sure to add a slice of orange to the glass to give your table an extra pop of color.
Cayman Old Fashioned Seagrass Wrapped Glasses | Cayman Highball Seagrass Wrapped Glasses | Cayman Seagrass Wrapped Pitcher
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THE PLACE CARDS – THE TAKE AWAY GIFT
Magnolia LeaF PLace Cards
For the placecards I simply painted the guest names on a magnolia leaf. I recommend doing this only one day before as the paint bleeds into the leaf after a few days.
PLACE CARD PAINTING TIPS
Turn the leaf in the direction you plan to put it on the plate before writing the name. Your handwriting is unique. Avoid getting fussy and writing the name more than one time. Authenticity is charming! 😉
PAINT PENS
MY FAVORITES ARE THESE, THESE, AND THESE.
THE Vidalia Onion Party Favors
A Onion for a take away gift? You bet! Get links to the supplies and the the tutorial Here.
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A Few Recipes for this Tablescape
The Best Baked Vidalia Onion Dip | Spicy Chili Lime Vidalia Onion Magnolia Blossoms Vidalia Onion Party Favors
MORE SUMMERTIME INSPIRATION HERE!
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