Now that the Memorial Day holiday is behind us, the unofficial start of the summer season is upon us and that means dining al fresco. I love eating outside whether it’s at an exotic resort or at a local restaurant or in our own back yard. Today I am sharing outdoor table stylings ideas to get us all in the mood to dine outdoors.
Although our table settings outdoors tend to be more relaxed and casual, it doesn’t mean these tables can’t be special and thoughtful. I am intentional about my table top wares for the outdoors, including, enamelware, wooden pieces, rattan and galvanized pieces. The fact that these are not breakable is a big part of why I choose them.
Sometimes it’s fun to use fancy pieces outside too though. The occasion, the particular guests and the size of the party determines how I decide to style the table and set the tone for the fete. Also keep in mind these items I tend to use outdoors, also grace many of our tables inside as well. The rules are flexible, and it all depends on the event. Remember to have fun!
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Outdoor Dining Creates a Certain Feeling
You’ll see many of the same trends in all the tables I’m sharing here today, but they all have their own theme or style. I love the freedom and playfulness setting a table outside allows.
Outdoor Gathering Tablescape & Tips
This post {outdoor gathering tablescape & tips} not only showcases a pretty table, but also has some great tips for outdoor dining.
You can see more pictures and read more details about each table styling by clicking on the links below the images.
Thrifted Pewter Goodies on a Garden Table Design
In this tables cape I am showcasing some thrifted pewter ware. Pewter pieces are also great and outdoor friendly.
I love how most outdoor gatherings usually start during plenty of daylight, but transition into dusk and darkness. Candles, twinkle lights and lanterns create great ambiance.
A Pink Floral Table scape with DIY Oilcloth Chargers
Using flowers is a no brainer for pretty outdoor settings. The muse of this table are the pink cherry blossom plate chargers and the pink floral theme is repeated throughout.
Pink is not a got to color for me, but paired with all the grays, I absolutely love it! The setting makes me want to linger longer, which his the whole idea.
Use Summertime Motifs to set the Mood for outdoor Table Stylings
Setting a table outdoors, which is not centered around a certain event or holiday, holds so many theme options. You can use a nautical theme, a garden theme, a floral theme, to name a few. One of my favorite summertime decor muses are seashells.
Seashell Tablescape
Seashells are on repeat on this table. The centerpiece has piles of seashells, plus there’s seashell votive holders sprinkled around the table and shells as accent plates at each place setting
Cloche Seashell Tablescape
Placing anything under glass in a cloche immediately amps the interest level. The large centerpiece cloche with the conch shells plus the mini individual cloches at each place setting with small seashells totally sets the beachy vibes.
I love how the copper pieces mix and mingle with the seashells in this table design. All the different linens are unexpected for an outdoor setting and add great textures.
Remember you can see more pictures and read more details on each table styling by clicking on the links below the images.
Let the Natural Surroundings Inspire
Last Day of Summer Garden Tablescape
The color green is always front and center around here, but it’s easy to inject it in outdoor designs since it surrounds us in nature.
There’s so much I love on this table from the transferware dishes to the hydrangeas from our yard and the ivy plants in the shabby chic containers.
The funny things is that these are all table top pieces I would use on a table inside, but they evoke a different feeling when set on a table surrounded by nature.
End of the Summer Tablescape al Fresco
Always have plenty of cozy outside with plush pillows, throws and wraps. They do not necessarily have to be outdoor pieces, but just bring them out from inside the house for a particular evening.
I love how all the container gardens are bursting on the patio. Y’all know how much I love my container gardens {container gardening ideas & inspiration}.
Shades of Green Tablescape in the Veggie Garden
This is a green inspired table scape in the veggie garden. We sit in this spot with morning coffee or an evening cocktail, but t’s a real treat to enjoy a leisurely meal in this spot.
Most outdoor table top pieces usually have lots of texture to them like rattan and wicker. The moss chargers in this table styling mirror the organic vibes in the surrounding and fits that texture component.
Dinner for 2 al Fresco
Sometimes it’s fun to bring fancy outside. It’s unexpected and it keeps life interesting. This romantic table for 2 was the perfect excuse.
It immediately transports me to an intimate bistro in Europe. That’s worthy of a pretty table in my book. I actually have a table in the garden coming your way soon.
Gathering & Mingling during the Warm Months
I’m ready to use our outdoor spaces to enjoy the good life for the next several months. How about you? If you want more tablescape inspiration check out my Pinterest Board.
Get the Outdoor Table Look
- Rattan chargers are always a good choice for outdoor tables
- These wooden chargers are magnificent!
- Enamelware is a love of mine, and this green set is very similar to the one I found thrifting.
- I love the vintage vibes from this white enamelware set.
- Galvanized pieces are also fabulous for outdoor dining.
- An outdoor drink bucket is an indispensable piece for outdoor entertaining.
- I think wooden plates would be fun for an outdoor table.
- I love the look of this tablecloth; the tassels are everything!
- I had to resist from putting these napkins into my cart.
- The Parkhill lanterns are a favorite of mine, which I first spied in Pottery Barn.
- Seashells are quintessential summer decor.
“Summertime is always the best of what might be.”
Charles Bowden