This guide is perfect for easy and simple outdoor dining. Something I’ve truly come to love more and more over the years. I no longer find the need to go over the top and have all the things to create a new experience. I absolutely love working with what I have and finding ways to repurpose and reuse them in different settings to create an entirely new experience. So here you have it, my ultimate outdoor dining guide.

Layers

One thing I love about creating a tablescape is it really allows you to play with layering. Table linens are the best place to start. I always look for linens with different textures and shapes because I believe this brings a tablescape to life. When you get into layering tablesettings the possibilities become endless. Not every single place setting needs to look and feel the same. Here you have the opportunity to give each setting it’s own personality while working within the cohesive vibe of your table.

Change up where you place your napkins or use more than one napkin in a table setting to provide more depth and functionality to the setting. Layer in drinkware in a variety of colors and textures. Use your dinerware to add color and balance to the tablescape.

Table Linens

Table lines are a great way to bring your table to life. Napkins, placemats and table runners are a really fun way to use layers. If you don’t have placemats or runners you can always use other items around your house. I love to substitute a table runner for a throw blanket or even a scarf! Reusable napkins are a must in our life. If you haven’t invested in some yet I highly recommend them.

The best way to start is pick the overall color scheme you want to work with. This helps set your initial parameters for building your tablescape – for this tablescape we used neutral sunset tones. Once you have decided on your color scheme, start to play with the shape and texture of each linen. The color, texture, patterns and shape varied from each table linen.

Dinnerware

For the longest time I felt I needed to have outdoor dinnerware for outdoor dining. Not sure where that story came from or how it got it into my head, since that’s a complete lie. Use what you’ve got! You don’t go out to eat at your local restaurant and see them using different dinnerware because they have outdoor seating and neither should you! I think you can have fun with your dinnerware as well. Not every place setting needs to be the same. My overall goal is to always remain within the color scheme. If that works then I play with the look and feel of each setting to make sure I like the way it looks aesthetically.

Drinkware

Yes, let’s talk about drinkware. This is a great way to add in texture, shapes and sizes…not to mention color too! I love having more than one drinkware option on a table. Everyone needs water. We always add water canisters or pitchers to any table. It’s a good reminder we all need to drink more water in our life. When setting the table I like to stagger the glassware.

Serving Trays

When it comes to outdoor dining I do like to have a few pieces that work especially well for the outdoor setting. Anything that has a lid, cover or screen that can be placed over it is amazing! I love that you don’t have to worry about little critters finding their way inside.

Fresh Flowers

Bring the outdoors to your table! I love using what we have around the yard to decorate our table. Seasonal flowers, branches and fresh herbs are always a beautiful, simple and incredibly affordable way to style your table.

Entertainment

Music is life in our home. We love to have soft music playing throughout the day and into the evenings. It creates the perfect atmosphere to any setting and experience we have. Our home has Apple Home Pods throughout while outside we love to bring our JBL Flip 4.

Much Love-

Danielle

ULTIMATE OUTDOOR DINING GUIDE