To give your table a tropical-zen feel, use lots of natural elements like lush greenery and bamboo. Here are some easy, approachable ideas:

1. Start with a black tablecloth to really make your table decor stand out and allow the colors pop.

2. Inexpensive bamboo placemats are a great foundation for your place settings, and in addition to being affordable, they come with the added bonus of being eco-friendly!

3. Next , set a cool tropical leaf - such as small Monstera or similar style, in the left-hand corner of the bamboo placemat. This will really help to bring your settings to life! (You can use real Monstera from a local floral supply, or purchase faux leaves at craft stores like Michael's or online.) Make sure to cut the stems off before setting them down so that the plates - which will sit on top of part of the leaves, will be able to lie flat.

4. Set your plates on top of the leaf. Using square plates will help give the settings a contemporary "zen" feel - and we used sturdy melamine plates, which are great for outdoor entertaining and will help to keep accidents and breaks at bay.

5. A simple - and inexpensive - paper hand fan opened and placed on top of the plate is a great way to add an Asian vibe, and also a great opportunity to add a nice pop of color.

6. For your napkins, a simple, narrow folded look is quick and easy. Instead of using traditional napkin rings to dress them up, wrap them with bear grass or a long shred of a tropical leaf, then tie into a simple, chic knot. (Be gentle when tieing so the leaf doesn't break in the process.)

7. Place the napkin on the right-hand side of your plate, then slide a knife and spoon under the "napkin ring" and on top of the napkin. Set forks on the left-hand side, partially on top of the Monstera leaf.

8. Finally, you're ready for your drinkware! For a tropical theme, it's fun to get creative with glasses and serve water or fruity cocktails in coconut cups, which can be purchased online at party supply or novelty stores, and are also often available at your local party supply during the summer.To give the coconuts a pop of color, hot-glue small, colorful faux orchid blooms to the rim.

9. For a classy touch, set out wine glasses or other stemware - such as martini glasses - which are perfect for serving cocktails like Chambord French Martinis. French martinis are great for tropical themes because they feature pineapple juice and can be dressed up with a pineapple leaf for garnish, which gives both a tropical and a zen look to the drink. As an added bonus - they only contain 3 ingredients, so they're easy to whip up!

And you're done! I tried to break down the steps in detail above, so it might look like a lot at first glance, but honestly the steps are all quick and easy, so this is a very approachable table to put together for dinner parties or special occasion showers. And better yet, all of the elements are relatively inexpensive - so you don't need to break the bank for this look - especially if you're able to use plates, stemware, and silverware that you already own.

Friday, we'll cover a super-easy centerpiece and table runner idea to coordinate with these settings. (The centerpiece will take you less than 3 minutes to put together!)