The Bee’s Knees Table Setting
Do you enjoy hosting summer soirees? The bee motif is a highly versatile and beloved design element found in fashion, home decor, jewelry, and art, making it perfect for a fabulous table styling. This table setting is the bee’s knees! Welcome, please join me and take a seat at our table.
The table styling contains elements inspired by bees, such as motifs, colors, and patterns, reflecting warmth, charm, and a touch of whimsy. The queen bee and honeycomb accents across the table add charm and personality that any guest is sure to enjoy.
Key Takeaways
The Bee’s Knees Table Setting Perfect for a Summer Soiree
> The bee motif is rich in history, culture and inspiration
> Table setting details including plate stack, place setting, centerpiece and more
> Tips and Recommendations on Mastering the Art of setting a well appointed table
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Inspiration Behind the Bee’s Knees Table Setting
The humble bee has long captured our hearts and imagination. These tiny, buzzing pollinators are more than just an essential part of nature, but they carry rich symbolic meaning and a timeless appeal. The bee motif inspires across many design mediums and it’s perfect for a fun and bright table setting.
The yellow napkins I found thrifting a few months ago and the MacKenzie Childs napkin ring dupe spring boarded the inspiration behind the table setting. The honeycomb chargers I spied at Dollar Tree last year and quickly scooped them up because I knew they wouldn’t be there the next time I stopped by. Since they were only $1.25 each and non-breakable, making them easy to store and not a huge financial and mental investment.
Read the scoop on how I scored these Max Studio block print napkins in this post:
> Thrifting in the New Year: What I Thrifted vs. How I Styled It
Check out my other bee inspired table settings here:
> Bee Themed Tablescape
> An Orchid and Beeswax Candle DIY Table scape
MJ Insider Table Styling Tip
Let something that inspires guide you to plan, design and set an intentional and thoughtful table for your family and guests. You don’t necessarily need “themed” tabletop pieces, but rather lean into colors, patterns and textures to evoke the theme. This makes basic dish ware more versatile and extends their worth.
Details of the Bee’s Knees Inspired Table Setting
Bee themed accents offers a unique and stylish way to celebrate nature’s smallest yet most impactful creatures. The bee and honeycomb pattern coupled with the black and yellow color palette creates a festive theme for the season.
The oldest form of theater is the dinner table…
~Michael J. Fox
Plate Stack
As I mentioned, I stumbled across the gold honeycomb charger plates at Dollar Tree last year. Since I enjoy creating a table setting around the busy bee they were an easy purchase and my wheels started spinning. Fast forward to early this year when I found the yellow napkins and a design started to develop. Originally I was going to use amber jeweled napkin rings, but then I remembered the courtly check MacKenzie Childs napkin dupe, which are the perfect accent to crown the plate stack with the pretty yellow napkins.
- Honeycomb Gold Charger {Dollar Tree}
- Lenox Citation Lace Dinner Plate {wedding registry}
- Lenox Citation Lace Side Plate {wedding registry}
- Lenox Citation Lace Bread&Butter Plate {wedding registry}
- Max Studio Yellow Block Print Napkins {thrifted}
- MacKenzie Child’s Napkin Ring Dupe {thrifted | DIY}
I deliberately did not use the honeycomb plates on the plate stack to demonstrate how you don’t need “themed” dishes to set a themed table. I did use the honeycomb appetizer plates in the centerpiece to reinforce the theme, but not necessary to dress the table.
Place Setting
The place setting is an eclectic mix of thrifted and inherited pieces. I love to play on a table, mixing and matching different patterns and designs. This adds cozy, relaxed and interesting vibes all rolled up into one. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your tabletop pieces. Setting a table should not be a chore, but rather an enjoyable task. I urge you to play around and have fun.
- Assorted Silverware {thrifted}
- Gold Rimmed Etched Water Glasses {inherited}
- Waterford Barrymore Wine Goblet {wedding registry}
- Antique Gold Rimmed Aperitif Glass {thrifted}
Cut Crystal, etched glass, gold filigree on the glassware detailing all add incredible texture. Plus the different patterns on the silverware, decorated with varied design adds interest. All of it can be a conversation starter. You want the experience of sitting at your table to be a memorable event.
Centerpiece
The center piece is anchored by a simple black ticking table runner. I wanted the wood top on the table to be exposed, reinforcing the nature feels. Originally I was going to run down to Trader Joe’s and pick up a small flowering plant or white hydrangeas or maybe daisies, but then I looked out the window and it dawned on me the white geraniums in the front yard would be perfect. And here we are.
- Black Striped Ticking Runner {Home Goods}
- Assorted Bistro Tile Stoneware {Anthropologie}
- Honeycomb Appetizer Plates {William Sonoma }
- Pedestal Plates {thrifted | DIY}
- Vintage Butter Pats {Cottage Jewel}
- Bee Ornaments {Whim House}
- Brass Candlesticks {thrifted}
- Black Mercury Glass Votives {Whim House}
- Decorative Orbs {?}
- White Geraniums & Lavender {front yard}
While I was pruning and harvesting the geraniums in the front yard there were bees buzzing all around the lavender bushes. How fitting is that? I added a few springs in this arrangement, but I got a whole bundle for the kitchen table. It smells divine. I see some lavender projects in my future… stay tuned.
Extras
Having a sideboard or buffet table set-up when you’re entertaining is a great place to add more serving pieces and inject more decor for festive vibes. Use the extra space as a beverage station, dessert bar or place for all the server-ware to rest.
- Gold Urn {Whim House}
- Oversized Moss Ball {San Fransisco Flower Market}
- Yellow & Black Linen Tea Towel {Whim House}
- White Scalloped Metal Tray {Target}
- Bistro Tile Stoneware Handled Bowls, Berry Basket & Tray {Anthropologie}
- Rae Dunn Busy Bee Mug {Home Goods}
- Brass Candleholder and Vase {thrifted}
- Himalayan Driftwood Candle {Whim House}
- Small Crystal Vase {thrifted}
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Tips & Recommendations to Keep In Mind When Setting the Table
Identify, Curate & Ground the Theme
A theme whether a holiday, motif or color palette is always a good place to start for a table design. The theme here is obviously the bee motif. To further ground the theme, the color palette is tight around the yellow, black, golds and whites.
Shop your Home First
I’m a big proponent of shopping your home first and looking for decor and pieces you can use in unexpected ways. The unexpected always makes for a special touch. The bumble bee and honeycomb bee accents on the centerpiece are Christmas ornaments, which I set aside when I put Christmas away, anticipating this project. And as an added last minute bonus, I’m so glad I decided to use flowers from my garden than spend money at the grocery store.
Mix & Match
Mixing and matching table top pieces allows freedom to play and removes the pressure to follow any set rules. This allows all the mismatched pieces to shine and add charm and character to any table styling. You don’t need to have a matching set of anything to set a thoughtful and pretty table. Here the silverware and glassware are both assorted, which add texture and interest to the table setting. Plus the Anthropologie bistro tile collection pairs beautifully with the Williams Sonoma honeycomb dishes. Clearly I’m attracted to the aesthetic. Stay true to your style and things will just naturally coordinate and jive.
Lean into Thrifting
You don’t need to spend a fortune to set a pretty and festive table. You can always find table top pieces at garage sales, thrifts and flea markets. Some of the pieces on this table are thrifted, including the assorted silverware, the aperitif glasses, the napkins, brass candle sticks and the base for the MacKenzie Childs napkin ring dupe. Thrifted pieces are not only economical but environmental sound, which add character and charm to any table setting.
DIYs are your Friend
Creating your own decor and table accents creates a charming homespun atmosphere which is unique and has your personal style. Besides adding character, DIY pieces tend to be more economical than newly bought options. Here the napkin rings and the pedestal plates are both thrifted up-cycles. Back in the day I sold many of these pedestal pretties in my Paris Flea Market booth and Etsy shoppe. Of course, I accumulated a ton of these DIY pedestal plates in different styles and sizes for my own home. I’ve never posted a tutorial on the blog, and I guess I’ll have to change that.
In the meantime Pedestal Plates are a great decor accent, which you can read about here:
> Marble & Wood Pedestal Stands DIY
> Pedestal Plates & Pumpkins Table
Plus: A Pedestal Plate DIY Coming to the Blog Soon
More Busy Bee Related Posts
Bee Inspired
Closing Thoughts ~ Bee’s Knees Table Conclusion
The enduring and endearing symbolism and charm of the bee motif can not be denied. These buzzing pollinators are an essential part of nature, which carry rich symbolic meaning and timeless appeal. I hope this table does it justice and inspires to create a bee themed table this season.
Are you a bee lover like myself? I would love to hear, leave me a comment below. Thank you for joining me today and I hope you have a pretty table in your future. See you next time.
Au Revoir!
FAQs – Bee’s Knees Table
Q1. What do I need to set a bee themed table?
Bee, hives and honeycomb patterned table top pieces are prefect for a bee inspired table setting, but not necessary. You can use a yellow, black and white color setting and then use affordable paper bee themed items, like napkins, place cards or menus. The color plus the bee images will solidify the theme. Nature inspired touches also play well with the bee theme.
Q2. What other motifs work for summer tables besides bumble bees?
A1. The most similar themes are dragonflies, butterflies or hummingbirds, but you could also use other summer motifs like watermelon, berries or citrus. Beach, coastal and nautical themes are also perfect for summer, including sea form, marine objects, boating elements and more. Let your imagination guide you.
Q3. Do I need a theme to set a festive summer table?
A2. Absolutely not! A theme helps guide a table styling but you can let colors, patterns and style guide you as well. Setting a casual table with checks, enamelware and galvanized pieces is perfect for summer. A more elegant table can be set using rattan and layered lighting.
Shop the Bee Table Look
- 13″ Gold Charger Plates Set of 6, Bubble Decorative Plate Chargers
- Lenox Dinnerware Set, Eternal 5-Piece Place Setting, 24-Karat Gold Accents
- MACKENZIE-CHILDS Courtly Check Enamel Napkin-Ring Set, Black-and-White
- Vibrant Yellow Floral Cotton Muslin Napkins – Set of 12, 20-Inch
- Wallace Hotel Collection Silverware Set for 12, 77-Piece 18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware Set with Assorted Vintage Designs, Dishwasher Safe
- Royalrose Premium Delight Vintage 13.5 oz Water Glasses Set of 4
- Marquis By Waterford Markham Goblet Set of 4
- Waterford Lismore Hock, 6-Ounce
- Cotton Dining Table Runner | Ticking Black
- Checker Porcelain Flower Vase Home Decor
- Checker Porcelain Creamer Pitcher Set of 2
- Checker 10-Ounce Portion Control Cereal Bowls Set of 8
- Old World Christmas Honeycomb Glass Blown Ornament
- Old World Christmas Honey Bee Glass Blown Ornament
- 2 Count Glass Honey Bee with Beehive Honeycomb Christmas Ornament
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Summer, when apple blossoms bloom, roses rise, lilacs lie, dandelions are dandy, and daisies are doozies, a time when flies fly, bugs bug, bees be, swallows swallow, and ducks duck.”
GLEN NESBITT
This tablescape is beeutiful!
Thanks honey! (No pun intended 🙂 XOXO