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How to Host a Freshly Squeezed Backyard Brunch

Featured image: Samantha Labrecque Semle

Bright lemons, sweet oranges, and sunlit citrus tones—our backyard brunch feels like stepping into a charming Mediterranean grove. Bowls of freshly picked fruit and cheerful colors spill across the table: sliced oranges glistening in the sun and pitchers of fresh-squeezed juice are ready to pour.

To create your own citrus-inspired tablescape for sunny backyard brunches and other leisurely outdoor gatherings, layer in vibrant tabletop decor from Hester & Cook plus interchangeable place settings from Plate & Pattern, and let the season’s brightest flavors set the scene.

Get the Look:

Top view of a round woven basket featuring a circular natural fiber base embossed with the words 'PLATE & PATTERN'.

Woven Seagrass Plates

Seagrass is an eco-friendly, renewable, marsh-growing reed which is naturally repellent to dust and dirt. These strong and beautiful seagrass plates are the perfect background for Plate & Pattern’s parchment liners, adding texture and warmth to your tablescape. Each plate comes with a wood bottom board made from eco-friendly wood fiber, providing a more stable eating surface.

Available at Plate & Pattern online.

White paper plate with gold striped design and a fluted edge.

“Sandy Stripes” Preformed Plate Liners

A timeless neutral that goes with everything, the  sandy stripes design adds a simple, classic touch to any table. The soft sand-colored stripes add in a neutral to the tablescape and are made of heavy duty parchment paper, thick enough to withstand cutting with a knife and useful for any meal, even those with greasy foods. They have a ruffled edge and come already formed in the shape of the plates which makes for easy plate lining. They are an eco-friendly option too, as they are fully compostable.

Available at Plate & Pattern online.

A decorative wreath made of vibrant yellow lemons, green leaves, and small white blossoms.

Die-cut Lemon Wreath Placemat

This bright and welcoming wreath makes a sunny addition to your tablescapes year round, and adds a sunshiny foundation for your gathering.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

A pattern of alternating yellow and beige vertical stripes.

Marigold Classic Stripe Cocktail Napkins

Go for the bold with this classic stripe in a sunshiny hue! Plus, the yellow stripes add a touch of summer and match the yellows throughout the rest of the tablescape.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

A vibrant orange fruit nestled among green leaves and white orange blossoms.

Orange Blossom Table Accent

Citrus is a fresh way to brighten up any tabletop setting. Pair it with other orange and lemon accents to add another zesty layer to your table.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

Green and white striped wrapping paper rolled partially open.

Moss Classic Stripe Runner

This table runner anchors the settings and adds a contrasting yet balanced color to the oranges and lemons. Plus, it’s easy to roll up and throw away during clean up!

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

Two yellow lemon-shaped candles placed on a decorative plate with lemon slices and matchsticks.

Lemon Shaped Candle

Brighten any table with these charming lemon-shaped candles, a playful yet sophisticated accent piece for a backyard brunch setting.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

A handcrafted wooden scoop made from olive wood, featuring unique grain patterns and a smooth finish.

Olivewood Juicer

The citrus juicer is a great tool to extract the juice from lemons and oranges. Olive wood is a hard wood making it very dense and durable for everyday use. Made from a single piece of wood, they are seamless and no two pieces are alike.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

A clear glass pitcher with a textured bubble design.

Hobnail Pitcher

Chehoma from Belgium has more than 30 years of experience in creating beautiful, practical homewares. This fashionable hobnail pitcher would add a glistening accent to the table setting. It’s offset by a smooth curved handle and a generous spout. Filling it with ice and fruit slices adds another dimension.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

Two navy blue cloth napkins tied with natural fiber twine, resting on a marble surface.

Nautical Blue Cotton Napkin

While the exact napkins we used are currently unavailable, we recommend adding in a touch of royal blue to the tablescape. The blue napkins add a pop of color that contrasts but pairs nicely with the orange, yellow, and greens on the table.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

A clear glass candlestick holder with an ornate design, featuring a wide base and a tapered top.

Pressed Glass Candleholder

Simple and beautiful, these pressed glass candleholder will add a touch of elegance to your tablescape. The blend in well and also add some height to the table when paired with taper candles.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

A box containing four 12-inch premium taper candles in vibrant orange.

Goldfish 12″ Taper Candle

Mix and match and use any color you want for taper candles. These can be dotted throughout the table and when paired with holders of different heights, add height and dimension to the tablescape.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

A plain white dinner plate with a decorative green scalloped edge.

Green Icing on the Cake Dinnerware

The collection features a 9-inch salad plate, 10-inch dinner plate, and an oversized mug all with a green icing border. These plates match the green tabletop runner and can be used over and over.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

A clear glass with a fluted design and a short pedestal base.

Gomos Water Glass

Crafted in France, the Gomos water glass brings vintage charm to the table. Enjoy your freshly squeezed lemonade in style with this versatile and elegant glass. They even match the candle holders.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.

A stainless steel butter knife with an orange handle.

LePrix Mini Cutlery in Persimmon

Enhance your experience with LePrix Cutlery. Choose from a small fork, knife, and spoon, perfect for enjoying small bites. LePrix Cutlery elevates your dining experience with fun and whimsy.

Available at Hester & Cook, in-store and online.


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