Set a Pretty Summer Table with These Outdoor Dining Essentials
Want to make your outdoor dining space look amazing? Set a pretty summer table with these outdoor dining essentials.
Whether it’s choosing the perfect color scheme or selecting stylish dinnerware and creative centerpieces, these tips will help you create a beautiful and inviting setup.
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Ah … sweet summer evenings spent savoring delectable delights! There’s nothing better!
I love spending summer evenings outdoors, and that includes having dinner on our deck. There’s just something about dining outdoors that makes everything taste even better and the dining experience more special!
The fresh air, the gentle breeze, and the beautiful sunset create the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, dining outside always feels like a mini-vacation to me!
If you love to dine outdoors, make it a special event with these helpful tips for creating a pretty and inviting outdoor summer table. Keep it both casual and pretty at the same time with these summer entertaining tips.
How to decorate a table for summer?
The key to outdoor summer dining is keeping in simple! Al fresco dining calls for a relaxed, casual look. But, even though it’s a more casual atmosphere when you eat outdoors, you can still make it pretty!
Your outdoor dining area can be an extension of your interior space and color scheme, or it’s also fun to be more creative and colorful.
Choose a Color Scheme
When decorating a summer table, first decide the color scheme you want to include on your table.
Start by thinking about the feeling you want to create. Do you want something bright and festive or more subdued and elegant?
One simple way to start is by choosing a color palette that complements the season and your surroundings. Pretty blues and greens are always perfect color choices for a summer table — mimicking the summer foliage and pretty blue sky, while soft pastels, corals or oranges remind you of a gorgeous summer sunset.
A classic palette of green and white creates a nice cool feeling on warm summer evenings.
If you have a flower garden, you might want to incorporate the colors of your beautiful blooms. The possibilities are endless.
Tips for Table Linens
I’ll let you in on a little secret — I love table linens! In all honesty, it’s not really a secret, but I am a little obsessed.
Selecting table linens such as tablecloths, runners, placemats, and napkins can set the tone of your table.
I love to keep a variety of table linens on had to mix and match.
A linen tablecloth adds a nice neutral base to your tablescape for a more subtle look or as a backdrop to colorful plates.
I also adore a gorgeous block print table cloth, and you can find them in just about any color scheme you dream up! (Of course, I’m always partial to the blue and green patterns!)
You can add a patterned or textured table runner down the center of your table, either layered over a tablecloth, or if you love the look of your outdoor table, go sans tablecloth for a more relaxed summer vibe.
A table runner is a great option to add color, pattern, and texture and can highlight the centerpiece of your table.
Don’t forget place mats. They are not only practical for protecting your table but also serve as key table decorations. You can layer place mats over a tablecloth, or for a more casual look pair them with a simple table runner.
Get creative with your cloth napkins. You can completely change the look of your table with a change up of your napkins.
Fold them creatively and secure them with stylish napkin rings to enhance your table’s look. You can mix and match napkins rings to add a bit of personality and charm to each place setting.
By mixing and matching different textures, patterns, and colors, you can create the perfect summer table. These simple touches elevate your outdoor dining experience, making it both beautiful and inviting.
Choosing the Right Dinnerware
When it comes to choosing dinnerware for your outdoor summer table, you want options that are both durable and stylish.
Melamine plates are a fantastic choice—they’re virtually unbreakable and come in a variety of fun and vibrant designs that can really make your summer table setting pop.
There are so many gorgeous colors and options that look like pottery or porcelain, but are much more user-friendly for outdoor spaces — especially around pool areas.
Pair them with bamboo flatware for a natural, classic touch that adds an element of chic sophistication to your place setting. If you’re a fan of Chinoiserie style, bamboo flatware is the perfect finishing touch at your place settings.
Don’t forget about rattan chargers. These can serve as the perfect base for your place settings, adding texture and depth to your table. They’re practical for keeping your melamine plates in place and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your summer table setting.
Selecting Serving Pieces
Selecting the right serving pieces can elevate your outdoor summer table from ordinary to extraordinary. Basket trays are perfect for transporting and displaying a variety of items.
The natural texture of the baskets complements the relaxed, al fresco vibe of outdoor dining.
Acrylic items are another great choice for outdoor settings. Durable and stylish, acrylic platters and bowls are ideal for showcasing salads, fruits, and other dishes.
Tiered trays are fantastic for maximizing space and adding visual interest to your table. Use them to present desserts, snacks, or even a collection of condiments. They keep your outdoor summer table organized and accessible, making it easy for guests to help themselves.
Don’t forget the details—utensil holders can keep your cutlery neatly arranged and within easy reach. Choose designs that match the overall theme of your table, whether it’s rustic, coastal, or modern.
A simple white pitcher is a versatile addition to your serving pieces. Use it to serve drinks like lemonade or iced tea, or fill it with fresh flowers to double as a charming centerpiece. It’s a classic piece that fits seamlessly into any outdoor dining setup.
Lastly, if you’re serving a larger crowd, consider pitchers and dispensers for serving drinks. They’re practical for keeping beverages cold and accessible, and they add a decorative touch to your table. Look for designs that match your table’s theme, from sleek glass to rustic ceramic.
By thoughtfully arranging and selecting your serving pieces, you can create both a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor summer table.
Creating Eye-Catching Centerpieces
I love creating gorgeous summer flower arrangements, whether picking flowers from the garden or arranging pretty grocery store flowers for dinners on warm summer evenings!
Don’t be afraid to use a mix of both fresh and faux elements for arrangements in your outdoor space. Mixing fresh flowers with faux stretches your dollar, and so many faux flowers look very realistic!
Use a favorite vase or opt for a grouping of simple glass vases to let the beauty of the blooms shine through on your beautiful tablescape.
A multi bud vase holder like the one above is a fun way to create a centerpiece for indoors or outdoors with your favorite summer blooms!
Consider using unique containers like vintage pitchers, rustic buckets, or garden-planted pots to add character and charm. These creative options provide an interesting focal point for the center of the table reflecting your own personal style.
Mix and match different types of flowers and greenery for a lush, layered look. Don’t be afraid to combine fresh flowers with faux elements to create a fuller, longer-lasting floral centerpiece.
For a more creative twist on a floral centerpiece, use fresh fruit in a pretty bowl.
Enhancing the Ambiance with Candles and Lighting
As the sun sets, the right lighting can truly transform your outdoor spaces into a magical retreat. It’s one of the reasons why summer is my favorite season—there’s nothing quite like dining al fresco under the stars with the gentle glow of candles all around.
Using votive candles is a simple yet effective way to add a warm, flickering glow to your outdoor spaces. Scatter them across the table in various candle holders to create a magical, intimate setting perfect for al fresco dinners.
Moving wick, battery-operated candles are helpful to use on windy evenings when real candles have trouble remaining lit.
Hurricanes are great for protecting your candles from the wind while also adding a decorative touch. You can find them in various styles, from sleek and modern to rustic and vintage, making it easy to match your overall theme. Or, make your own rattan-styled hurricanes like this one.
Battery-powered lamps are another fantastic option for a fun look. They provide a steady, soft light without the hassle of candles blowing out in the wind.
Remember, the key to great lighting is layering. Combine votive candles with battery-powered lamps and hurricanes to create depth and interest. This mix of lighting options will not only make your table look stunning but also ensure your guests feel comfortable and relaxed, making every meal an unforgettable experience.
Setting the Mood with Music
Don’t forget the music! It’s not just about a pretty table! Setting the mood with music can take your outdoor dining experience to the next level.
Using portable music options like Bluetooth speakers or wireless sound systems, you can create the perfect soundtrack for your meal in the great outdoors.
Start by creating playlists that match the vibe you want to achieve. Consider the tastes of your guests and the theme of your dinner. Whether it’s classic jazz, tropical tunes, or a mix of current hits, the right music can enhance the overall dining experience and make your evening even more enjoyable.
Whether creating a casual vibe for your family enjoying the warm weather or for a pretty summer tablescape for a larger dinner party, I hope these creative ideas for setting an outdoor summer tablescape inspire you to make summer dining a special occasion.
Happy Decorating!
