Serene blue-and-green table

To kick off the summer, treat guests (and yourself!) to a stylish tableau filled with calming colors and effortless extras

Set the scene for ahh with a cool color palette

The key to a relaxing and refreshing summer get-together: combining an array of table elements in bright blue (which induces calm) and green (which revitalizes), according to color therapists. Here, a table is covered with a blue cloth and topped with a smaller sheer green cloth, creating a tranquil backdrop. Turquoise-tinted glassware continues the casual-meets-calming effect. The focal point: a serving tray “centerpiece” filled with mosaic candle cups. It’s the perfect spot to relax and reconnect with loved ones!

Kindle a feel-good mood with a sparkling trio

Recycled jars become summery lanterns, thanks to sand, stones and twinkling tea lights.

To do: Gather three empty jam jars and rinse well. Add a handful of sand to the bottom of each jar and pop a tea light inside. Wrap and knot mediumgauge floral wire around the jar, then over the mouth of each jar, creating handles. To finish, glue on craft-store gems and shells as desired.

Add a splash of style with pretty mosaic pots

Sea-toned tiles instantly boost the beauty of basic planters. To do: Apply white paint to planters; let dry. To make the mosaic, wrap castoff blue plates in a towel and hammer into 1" pieces. Apply craftstore mosaic adhesive to the back of each tile and press onto planters. When dry, spread craft-store premixed grout over the mosaic, filling in cracks.