Create a nature inspired tabletop to celebrate the man in your life. Whether it’s your husband, son, brother, or father, any guy can appreciate these masculine touches. Get inspiration and more summer entertaining ideas here.
There’s a TON of party inspiration designed for women, especially since we girls celebrate all the milestones like weddings, babies, special birthdays, Friday night 😉 So to find something for the men in our lives is a little more difficult. That’s why I decided to design a special lunch/dinner table with men in mind, and it’s just in time for Father’s Day!
I’ve partnered with Cold Stone Creamery once again, and you’ll see how I incorporated their ‘Tall, Dark, and Delicious’ cake into this shoot below.
My inspiration for this design was my own husband who grew up in West Virginia {insert hillbilly joke here} hunting, fishing, and playing outdoors. Although he’s become quite the Metro-sexual now, he still has strong ties to anything nature-inspired. I pulled from things I already own, and to my surprise and delight there were many faux bois items to use – the printed paper runner, the small plates, a tray, paper straws, and some cocktail napkins I picked up months ago.
See how I put it all together to create a nature inspired tabletop, below…
Nature Inspired Tabletop details
- Take your father’s day celebration outdoors and integrate your nature-inspired design with nature itself. I set up the table with a canvas drop cloth as the ‘tablecloth.’ I like how it’s long and to the ground on the ends, but short enough on the sides so you can sit with your legs under the table.
- The wood grain paper runner is just wrapping paper I had picked up at HomeGoods, previously. It really sets the tone for the whole tabletop.
- A floral centerpiece is always nice, but a green fern is the perfect addition to this rustic theme.
- Antlers are abundant at my in-laws property so I’ve brought some home with me to use in various decorating projects {painted gold}. Here I’ve used 2 natural antlers to flank the centerpiece and help fill the space.
- I layered my trusty rattan chargers and white plates with melamine dishes {from this boys fishing party} and added these fabulous twig utensils for each place setting.
- On a recent shopping trip to World Market I picked up these green hobnail glasses and just love the vintage look of them. All the green elements of the table really pop against the tan and brown base.
- Birch-pattern paper straws are subtle but add a sweet detail.
- When I got my Lucite tray from A Blissful Nest, I included this rustic insert with the wood grain. It’s such a great accent piece with a purpose. The faux bois cocktail napkins are a cute touch too.
- For lunch or dinner I would suggest serving dad’s favorites. In our case that would probably include a shrimp boil with all the fixin’s.
- For dessert, this ‘Tall, Dark, and Delicious” cake from Cold Stone Creamery is an obvious choice. It has layers of Devil’s Food cake, Sweet Cream ice cream with brownies, Chocolate ice cream with Oreos, White Frosting, and cascading Fudge Ganache. I placed it on a cake stand and decorated it with chocolate rocks for a whimsical, but coordinating touch.
Do you think your dad, husband, brother would like any of these design ideas?
To say that this cake was delicious is an understatement. I mean, come ON! It’s all the best flavors rolled up into one beautiful presentation!
Erik says
Like the woodsy-theme you got, like the fabric, the naps, etc.
And the cake makes my mouth water.
Wonderful!
Chris says
Thanks Erik. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of ‘masculine’ design themes out there does it! I love the faux bois look for almost anything.
Sandra says
I’d probably have to arm wrestle my husband or my sons for that last piece of cake! I have dinnerware in this same color palette and I have been waiting for inspiration on how to use them. Thanks a bunch!
Chris says
OMG, it’s so good! I usually have to “hide” something extra for my self or it disappears! 😉
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Love Cold Stone Cakes. Yummy, yummy!!
Jocelyn H says
Butter pecan is my favorite.
laura londergan says
This looks amazing & I love the way the table flows with the setting of being outdoors. Truly well done. Oh and btw – my fave ice cream flavor is anything peanut butter & chocolate. 😉
Susan Noble says
Anything Raspberry flavored!
Lewann Rice says
Mint chip!!!!
candice says
super cool Chris, very nice
Cheryl says
My husband loves the outdoors & nature so this party would be perfect for him. My tummy is totally growling for that cake – it looks delicious! I’ve always loved all of my Cold Stone visits.
Carmen says
I love the green and brown! And yes, we ladies do know how to celebrate even the tiniest moments. Okay, so my favorite Ice Cream flavor – Butter Brittle, trust me.
Paula @ Frog Prince Paperie says
Amazing cake! Beautiful table, too!
Lauren @ten23designs says
Absolutely love this display!!!
Carrie Harris says
Those twig forks…oh my! Butter pecan will always and forever be my all time fave.
Layne says
Chris – this is fantastic! I LOVE the forks.. so unique. My favorite at Coldstone is Founder’s Favorite. Yummy!
Amy S says
I love cake batter ice cream!
Melissa says
Oh my gosh, this display and that cake are amazing! Love all the details of that table dispaly, great job! I love me some sweets but basic vanilla cake is usually how I roll but I’m a caramel gal too. 😉
Blanca says
My favorite ice cream flavor is classic vanilla…yummy…beautiful table set up 😀
sharon garofalow says
I love how this table looks Chris! Love the faux bois touches and the greenery! And I want that cake in my face.
Ansley @ Vivaciously Vintage says
I think I love almost any icecream that doesn’t have nuts. Caramel, vanilla, cherry….it’s all so good!
Jessica says
And favorite ice cream flavor is salted caramel, but I love basic chocolate too!
Jessica says
This is a really great setup for a guy or anyone for that matter. Dare I say it’s beautiful? It is! Absolutely love it!
Kristin A. says
My fav ice cream flavor?!?! UGH! how can i choose just one?? It would have to be banana then. or mint chocolate chip. or chocolate pb…. 🙂
Bloom Designs Online says
I love anything with caramel!