Geraniums for summer tables. Floral ideas for picnics, creating a cottage feel, and modern tables

Whether it’s a picnic in the countryside, a celebration dinner in the garden, or an evening meal on the terrace, during the warmer months, life moves outdoors. And it’s extra special when nature itself takes a seat at the table. Geraniums are perfect for this, with their variety of colours and shapes adding seasonal touches and transforming any table into an enchanting summer setting. The experts at Pelargonium for Europe (PfE) share the endless possibilities for creating beautiful floral table arrangements with geraniums.

A country day out: summer picnic tables dressed with geraniums

A picnic in nature is characterised by a relaxed feel and informality. With their vibrant colours and varied shapes, geraniums add an extra touch of freshness and summer joy to these moments, whether arranged individually in glass vases, colourful pots or rustic baskets.

On the left, a rustic wooden table is adorned with lush, blooming geraniums in pastel pots, transforming it into a charming picnic table. The mint green pots create a striking contrast with the pink, lilac and apricot flowers. Individual cut geranium stems in small, glass globe vases add extra charm to this summer table display.

A picnic against the backdrop of a blooming rapeseed field offers the ultimate authentic nature experience with all the charm of summer.

Lovingly set with coffee, baguettes and fruit, the picnic table on the left encourages you to relax and enjoy the moment. Dark red geraniums in a wicker basket provide a striking pop of colour, making an exciting contrast with the sea of sunshine-yellow flowers.

A white geranium in a lemon pot makes a beautiful centrepiece for a table, creating a Mediterranean feel. For a more romantic look, opt for a scented geranium in a decorative vintage urn to bring beautiful flowers as well as a delicate aroma to the table.

The backdrop of a summer rapeseed field is perfect for special moments. This birthday table on the left is a vision of summer: at its centre a butterfly geranium in full flower sits in a vintage urn, accompanied by a lovingly wrapped gift, fine china, homemade cakes, a candle, and artfully placed cut geraniums. This arrangement makes any outdoor celebration an unforgettable experience.

Beautiful finishing touches complete the scene: a single geranium stem tied loosely to a pale blue napkin adds a floral accent to the picnic and warmly welcomes guests.

Tip: Cut geraniums will keep fresher for longer in a flower tube filled with water.

Cottage feel: romantic summer tables with geraniums

Cottage-style summer tables offer a welcome break from everyday life, evoking nostalgia and a sense of rural idyll with their romantic charm. Geraniums fit perfectly into this aesthetic. Their blooms and varied colours make them the centrepiece of summer table decorations, creating a relaxed and enchanting atmosphere full of holiday spirit.

On the left, under fragrant wisteria and in front of a thatched cottage, two-tone scented geraniums and a pink flowering variety display their beauty.

Simple dishes, rustic furniture, and vintage-style decorative planters and accessories give this cottage garden table a romantic feel, evoking holiday memories of the south of France.

Blooming scented geraniums show off their beauty in vintage-style zinc or ceramic pots. As eye-catching flowers on a table, they lend a romantic touch to outdoor dining and bring the summer to life.

Here, scented geraniums release fresh aromas and, together with lemons, olives and white wine, they make this summery table arrangement a feast for the senses – light, carefree and full of Mediterranean joie de vivre.

This charming table decoration features pink and fuchsia geraniums in pots and glass vases, creating a romantic summer atmosphere and emphasising the beauty of dining outdoors in the countryside.

Colourful, cheerful and summery, the arrangement on the left is pure joy; perfect for a garden party. The large vase contains cut geraniums (Pelargonium), grasses, bistort (Persicaria bistorta ‘Superba’), purple mullein (Verbascum phoeniceum), yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus), dusky cranesbill (Geranium phaeum ‘Samobor’), meadow cranesbill (Geranium pratense), garden forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) and columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris), creating a magnificent cottage-style bouquet. Small vases containing individual flowers provide additional accents and encourage you to enjoy spending hours outdoors.

Craft project: rustic flower stand

Colourful geraniums look truly striking in a carefully crafted flower stand made from natural branches and featuring a decorative basket planter. This eye-catching, rustic piece will add a touch of colour to any table and is very easy to make yourself.

You will need 3 straight branches approx. 40cm long, 3 shorter branches approx. 20 cm long, a basket, a cordless screwdriver, screws, and a flowering geranium.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Arrange the three longer branches to form a stable base frame. Secure them together where they cross with screws.

Step 2: Screw the three shorter branches to the base frame to create a horizontal shelf for the basket.

Step 3: Attach the basket to the branches with screws so it sits securely on the frame.

Finally, carefully place the flowering geranium in the basket, then arrange your homemade flower stand on the table to create a natural focal point.

Stylish tables with a modern look

With clean lines, minimalist designs and natural materials, modern tables combine simplicity and elegance. Geraniums provide a vibrant contrast, bringing colour, lightness and a touch of summer to the setting with their flowers.

Bring a modern twist to country living with a beautifully laid stone dining table, perfect for enjoying a stylish summer meal on the terrace. In matching planters, a variety of geraniums provide natural beauty and vibrant colour.