One Last Summer Tablescape

Welcome to the 160th Tablescape Thursday!

If you’ve been reading BNOTP for very long, you know I love summertime. I’m always a bit sad to see it go.

Carved Whale Watermelon Centerpiece for a Summer Tablescape

 

Since the first day of fall is still a little over a week away, I wanted to share one last summertime table setting here on the porch.

Carved Whale Watermelon Centerpiece for a Summer Tablescape

 

I had fun creating the centerpiece.  It’s carved from a small watermelon.

Carved Whale Watermelon Centerpiece for a Summer Tablescape

 

The inspiration for the centerpiece came from watermelon napkin rings I found while antiquing over a year ago.

 

Cabbage leaf salad plates work well with this summer themed table setting.

 

For chargers, I’m using platters in a watermelon motif.  These were a find at 50% off at Old Time Pottery two years ago.  This is the first time I’ve used them in a table setting for Tablescape Thursday.

Flatware is Gourmet Settings Treble Clef available HERE.

 

 

Can you tell what shape I carved the watermelon centerpiece in this overhead shot?

 

Here’s a view prior to it being filled with fruit.  He’s a sassy little whale and his tail is flipped up over his back.    I saw this years ago in one of my recipe books and I’ve been itching to give it a try.  It was much easier to carve than I expected it to be…much easier than carving a pumpkin.

 

This centerpiece is perfect for a summer party.   It would be great as one of the appetizers for a cookout or as a centerpiece on a buffet table for a large gathering.

Carved Watermelon Table or Party Centerpiece

 

If you’re expecting a lot of guests, you’ll probably want to purchase a larger watermelon than the one I used here.

 

I know we’re at the end of summer, but if you’re interested I’ll post a tutorial showing how to carve this centerpiece.  You’ll be all ready when next summer rolls around.  Update:  Here’s the tutorial for carving this Watermelon Centerpiece: Carved Watermelon Whale Centerpiece

 

I placed the centerpiece atop a pedestal for a little extra height.  Magnolia worked well to camouflage the base of the pedestal. I filled Mr. Whale with some of my favorite fruits:  Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, grapes and of course watermelon.  I just realized I forgot to put in the fresh pineapple I cut up.  Okay, just imagine pieces of bright yellow pineapple tucked in among the berries and grapes.

 

Update:  Added the pineapple…here’s how it looks with pineapple. I think the yellow really adds a lot to the centerpiece.

 

The stem of the watermelon became the whale’s nose.    If you like, you can poke a little hole in the top of Mr. Whale’s head and add a sprig of dried flowers for his water spout.

I love the color of the seed pods on the magnolia this time of year…such a pretty red.  Do you see it there on the lower left of this picture?

Carved Whale Watermelon Centerpiece for a Summer Table Setting

A view down the length of the table…

I’ll post a tutorial for carving this “whale of a centerpiece.” It’s much easier than you think!

Holding onto summer for just a little while…

 

Watermelon Carving Tutorial can be found here: Carved Watermelon Centerpiece Tutorial.

Resources:
Chargers:  Watermelon Platters, Old Time Pottery
Dinner Plate:  Lenox, Butler’s Pantry, Gourmet
Salad Plate:  Bordallo Pinheiro, HomeGoods and Ross
Napkin Rings: Found antiquing a year ago
Flatware:  Gourmet Settings Treble Clef available, HERE

Stemware: Mikasa, 1 year ago
Candlesticks:  Hobby Lobby, 3 years ago
Candles:  Colonial Candle

Looking forward to your beautiful tablescapes!

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Comments

  1. Bella Vista Cottage says

    Susan, such a beautiful and cheerful table. I love the cutout on the watermelon…that is too cute.

    Charming!

    Thanks so much for hosting.

    Barb

  2. Your whale is stupendous!!! I love his perky smile and fashion forward tale.. What a great idea. The watermelon chargers/platters are perfect.. love the ribbon through the handle. Once again. lots of great idea.. thanks for hosting this favorite event! xo marlis

  3. we three dogs and me says

    I love watermelon wish I was there.I love the carved melon and napkin rings. So whinsical.

  4. Beautiful table setting, and the watermelon whale is adorable!

  5. Alycia Nichols says

    Yes, Susan, you CAN fight fall! You can do it! I'm fighting it! I'm fighting it! Well…I've kind of given in just a little bit. 😉 I am still having a hard time letting summer go, and so I'm glad to see this beautiful tablescape! The whale is fantastic…especially for your first try!!! I have always shied away from such things, but I'll take a peek at the tutorial and see if I feel comfortable. Anything has got to be easier than carving a pumpkin! Egads!!! I love the tall red candlesticks you used here. They have almost a Middle Eastern look to them. Very pretty! The watermelon chargers are pretty cool, too! Funny how we can buy things and hold onto them for so long before using them! Have a great week!

  6. Happy Cottage Quilter says

    You are so creative Susan. I love this summer tablescape. I sure hate to see summer leave us, but with fall comes the warm rich earthy colors 🙂

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

  7. Fabulous tablescape! Yes, a tutorial please. Your porch, and the tables you set, are wonderful! So creative, I love it.

  8. Beeutiful by Design says

    Looks good enough to eat Susan! I love the watermelon sculpture & the platters. Reminds me of the corn one's you used before. Jennifer

  9. Kerry Rossow says

    Holy Buckets- what gorgeous tablescapes! I love the colors in your post!
    Thank you for hosting.
    Kerry at housetalkn.blogspot.com

  10. Your whale watermelon is so cute, Susan. I love how you used those pretty watermelon trays for plate chargers. Beautiful table, as always…Christine

  11. Awe-inspiring! I'll be so sad when the fresh fruits of summer are over. I'm posting a few pics tonight on some of the last of the summer crops in the Carolinas.

  12. Love your little smillie face on the watermelon! Cute. I like the greens with the reds as well.

    Susan, You always have a great presentation to share.
    I marvel at your talent.
    God bless,
    d

  13. So creative. I love the watermelon whale. I always enjoy your post so much.
    Judi

  14. Mid-Atlantic Martha says

    Oh how cute that watermelon whale is! He's got a big smile because he's enjoying your table. Love the melon platters especially!

  15. I love the whale!! At first I thought it was a cat, but then I saw the tail. Nothing but a whale has a tail like that! Cute, cute, cute!! Having the water spout with a sprig of small white flowers would just make it perfect!

  16. Love that centerpiece!

  17. Denise at Forest Manor says

    Hi Susan,

    When it comes to tablescapes, I never know exactly what's going to tickle my fancy, but I love this table! It's so cute, summery, and whimsical 🙂 I noticed the watermelon centerpiece first thing, but I thought it was a dolphin 😉 That is one of the best ideas I've ever seen for a summer centerpiece. I would love to see a tutorial, if you're interested in doing one. I think that's something everyone could use.

    I also love your plates, watermelon platters, and napkin rings. Have a great weekend.

    Hugs,

    Denise

  18. Tammy at Tammy Loves Dishes says

    This is a whale of a tablescape, Susan! I love the centerpiece; so cute! I like the pop of red in those beautiful glasses and the candlesticks. The watermelon napkin rings are a sweet addition.

  19. Jo's This and That says

    So beautiful as always! Thanks for sharing.I enjoy all your blogs.

  20. Pamela Gordon says

    What a fun tablescape! I love the watermelon chargers and napkin rings. And, the whale fruit bowl is amazing! Very nice! Pamela

  21. We probably rush each season more than we should! I love this and think I need to officially say goodbye to summer, before hello fall! Thanks for hosting! Christie

  22. Beautiful table! Loved the chargers and salad plates.

  23. martinealison says

    Bonjour,
    Tout comme vous je suis vraiment triste de voir que l'été s'achève… J'aime le printemps et l'été…
    Votre table est vraiment superbe et votre idée de pastèque génial…
    Je vous félicite, l'ensemble est une véritable oeuvre d'art.
    gros bisous

  24. Cottage and Broome says

    Beautiful last table of the summer! Loved the watermelon center piece, very creative. Laura Cottage and Broome

  25. I see Ikea pillows in the background….Don't you just love them!! The tablescape isn't too shabby either….Love the watermelon basket.

  26. The Tablescaper says

    I don't blame you one bit for sneaking in one last summer scape. I too hate to see it go. Love those chargers.

    – The Tablescaper

  27. Nellie's Cozy place says

    Hi Susan,
    Love your whale centerpc, it is adorable, and all that fruit is to die for, it made me hungry for fruit, and it's too late to go to the store…..lol

    This is a great summer table, loved it and loved the colors. So pretty.
    Cute watermelon napkin rings and platters. Really lovely.

    Thanks hon for hosting as always,
    Blessings, Nellie

  28. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) says

    Susan, this is just the cutest table I've seen in a long time.. your whale is darling! What fun you must have had carving it.. the whale chargers and watermelon napkin rings.. oh gosh the table is just wonderful.. thank you for hosting each week. hugs ~lynne~

  29. Step inside my home says

    Susan,
    The whale watermelon carving is beautiful. I would love to see a tutorial! Your table is so well coordinated – right down to the seat cushions. I love your attention to EVERY detail! Gorgeous. Susie

  30. Wendy@~Chez~La~De~da~ says

    So much cuter than the generic "basket" or watermelon "bowl"!! I love your little whale, he is so happy!

    This looks so tropical and cool, refreshing and peaceful. Now I am hungry for a cool summer salad and a bowl of that fruit!

    ~Wendy

  31. As nuch as I enjoy all your posts, the tablescapes at your home are my favorite. The watermelon whale is so cute and I love your BIG candlesticks. Thanks for getting me started with tablescapes and being able to share this hobby with so many wonderful people!

  32. Absolutely beautiful! Mr Whale is the center of attention…so cute. I'd love to know how you did it. Love those red candle holders too. One of these days I might get the nerve to join in. Everyone's tables are always so lovely.

    Pat

  33. LOVED this one. How cute is that whale AND his sweet smile! Guess you have some nice knives to do the carving!

  34. Such a fun table, Susan! I'm impressed with the great job you did creating Mr. Whale! I'd absolutely love it if you posted a tutorial on the topic. Since you say it's easier than carving a pumpkin, I'd definitely give it a try!

    Thank you, as always, for hosting and for sharing your energy, humor, and warm hospitality week after week!

    Fondly,
    Bill

  35. once in a blue moon says

    such a cute table, love your color combination, very stiking~

  36. That is the cutest idea with the watermelon! I like the red candle holders and the red stemware! It is a great summer table but alas fall is right around the corner! We might have a killing frost this week already, so I'm resigned to it being fall now. Those watermelon plates are so cute! What a great find!

  37. Dining Delight says

    I've never seen that done with a watermelon! What a cute idea and it does make the perfect centerpiece for your table or a summertime gathering. Would love to see a tutorial on it! Thanks for hosting TT!

    DD

  38. Lana K. W. Austin says

    Oooohhh…I LOVE this watermelon-themed table and it's such a delightful farewell to summer! All of the textures are wonderful! Those platters are fantastic!!!!

    Hugs,
    Lana

  39. Tombstone Livestock says

    Love the table settings and the porch, looks like it belongs on a magazine cover. How about some mint sprigs for Mr. Watermelons water spout. Great Job.

  40. It's always a pleasure to see your beautiful tablescapes.
    This table is so sweet and pretty. Love the watermelon.

  41. Jordan Marie @ hottlt.com says

    omg.. i love the wicker and watermelon whale.. so creative!!

    <3xojo

  42. Hi susan. You whale is to cute for woards. I did a post recently on a Watermelon Salad and found loads of carving ideas for watermelons from The Watermelon Board of all places! Love your chargers so cool!

    Veronica

  43. Hi Susan,
    your table is gorgeous and the watermelon whale is outstanding. Funny and beautiful at the same time. Love that.
    Best greetings, Johanna

  44. Debbie@Mountain Breaths says

    Very creative to use the watermelon platters as chargers, and I adore those napkin rings. This year I bought some cabbage plates at Tuesday Morning after all these years. I caved! The red that you used really makes them pop. Thanks for the inspiration Susan!

  45. I love your end of summer table. Your whale centrepiece is so cute too.

    Thank you for hosting,
    Carolyn

  46. Just the thought of being at this table makes me smile! The chargers are terrific.

  47. HI Susan,
    this has to be one of my favorite tablescapes! love the watermelon whale. Love all of your tutoritals!
    MaryJ

  48. Hello – and I love the tablescape! I would love to have a tutorial on how you carved the watermelon! Thank you for all the inspiration!

  49. Beansieleigh says

    Hi Susan! Your table looks as beautiful as always, but oh my word!!.. I NEVER saw a watermelon carved like THIS one!!! LOVED it, and will definitely remember it for summer time meals next year! What a great post to end the summer! Thanks for sharing all you do! ~tina

  50. I understand about holding on to summer! I'm not ready for Fall, but it's coming ever closer.
    Your table is wonderful, Susan.
    I especially love the little whale.

  51. Susan Hawthorne says

    I love the red and green combination of dishes and glass ware, so cheerful and happy. Wish I could enjoy a meal at that delicious looking table! Susan at Romancing the Home

  52. Curtains In My Tree says

    I am lovin that stuffed watermelon and love those cabbage leaf plates. I have one LOL

    thanks for such a great table party every week

    Janice

  53. ❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁ says

    Mr. Watermelon Whale is so adorable. Doing something like this would be great fun for children. Especially for children who might not care for fruit.
    And a carved pumpkin would be great for fresh veggies!
    Beautiful tablescape….love it!

  54. Tanya@takesix says

    What a fun table. I love your whale centerpiece. Those plates are gorgeous too!

  55. Cassie {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    What a fun, fun table!!! LOVE the watermelon! And you're always so creative with your chargers and layering. I'm thrilled to finally have a table to contribute this week…thanks for the party, Susan!

  56. Oh that watermelon whale is so cute!

  57. The Barnett Family says

    The watermelon whale is too cute! You never cease to amaze us! i HATE to see summer go also….long summer days will definitely be missed at my house! Thanks for sharing!

  58. Very lovely table. That whale looks delicious. You are very inspiring. Thanks

  59. Beautiful Table! Your carving of the watermelon is fantastic. I love the watermelon platters!!

  60. I guessed correctly that it was a whale and yes, I would love to see how you did it. Love your tablescapes!

  61. ~Tablescapes By Diane~ says

    Hi lovely lady.
    Your Tablescapes setting are Beautiful, the watermelon wale is gorgeous for your centerpiece!! with your lovely plates so sweet.
    I do enjoy your post so much~~~ I hope you have a great weekend with your family..
    XXOO Diane

  62. Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage says

    What a cheerful way to say farewell to summer, Susan. And your watermelon whale is adorable! I, for one, am quite eager for summer's passing though. 😉

    Thanks for hosting the party.

    Blessings,
    Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

  63. Your table settings are elegant and creative. Do you own all those dishes, and where do you store them?? The different settings make your guests feel very special. Thanks for sharing.

  64. Country Glenda says

    I love the Lenox Butler's Pantry dishes. I admire them every time I am in a store that carries them. It is a timeless classic pattern.

  65. Pat's Pink Apron says

    I love the watermelon decor. Love your site. Nice to meet you. Pat

    http://patspinkapron.blogspot.com

  66. Looks like I’m three(3) years late with this comment. 🙂 It’s one year ago that my sister called to tell me about this wonderful site she discovered and I’ve been hooked ever since. While exploring past tablescapes, I love your magnolia leaf ‘chargers.’ We had two large magnolia trees in our very little front yard but had to have them cut down years ago; so I cringe every time I see your using them just out your door. Thank you for all of your wonderful posts!

    • lol Thanks, Paula. My magnolia is totally too close to the house. I didn’t plant it there, inherited it when I moved in. I love it but it’s a BIG tree to have so close to the house!

  67. I realize you posted this tablescape 4 years ago but I just recently ‘found’ you and I am loving all the amazing tablescapes! I had to mention that I have watermelon napkin rings that I have had for maybe 30 years ! I will have to dig them out, especially since my husband is determined to have success growing watermelon this year!!

  68. Peggy Barry says

    Need lots ideas for cinque de mayo theme…please send my way!

    Roosters main pieces

    Red, yellow etc colors.

    Thank you much!

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