What better way to celebrate with family and friends than an outdoor table setting? Whether you have an ornate wrought iron suite, a mesh patio garden set, a farmhouse wooden bench or simply a trestle table, the fun is all in the decoration!

Outdoor Table Covering

Start with your table covering, whether linen or cotton, ensure you buy the same shaped cloth as your table with a minimum 6 inch overhang. If you go for a patterned cloth, you’ll need less fussy accessories. Maybe pick out one of the colors in your cloth for a floral centrepiece, or for your choice of crockery color. Alternatively, simply stick to white so that the cloth sings out for itself.

You can choose matching or coordinating napkins to echo your color scheme.

If you go for a plain cloth the world really is your oyster! Decide on the mood you wish to set. For a fun, happy vibe, opt for bright colors; if you favour a vintage feel, go for mismatched glasses and cups, remembering however to offer the correct shaped vessel for the choice of beverage i.e. flutes for fizz, goblets for wine and tumblers for soft drinks and of course china for tea!

Glassware for Your Outdoor Table Setting

Thrift shops are great for glasses however vintage glasses are nowadays inexpensive and easily acquirable. Plastic and acrylic glasses are sometimes a safe option, particularly if children are a part of your occasion. Personalise your glasses with wine charms. Not only do they add interest to your table, you can be sure not to be drinking out of the wrong glass! For stemless glasses, silicone glass markers are available in an array of colors.

Napkins

Paper napkins come in every guise imaginable, from vintage, country floral to themed i.e. birthday or occasional or personalised.

On a breezy day I suggest you invest in a napkin holder for paper serviettes, this will save your napkins drifting onto the garden. If you prefer a linen napkin, team these up with your table cloth for a cohesive look.

Napkin rings are a sophisticated addition to any table, glitzy or classical, plain or ornate, they will allow you to place your napkins neatly adjacent to the diners’ place setting. Rustic farmhouse napkin rings look great for outdoors, as do gold leaf napkin rings for an even more upmarket feel.

Should you decide that you want to sit (or not to sit) certain individuals together, why not invest in some name placeholders? Either in the form of a table card holder which stands proud of the plate or a place card holder that resembles a plaque, depending on the type on the vibe of your occasion.

Centerpiece for Your Outdoor Table Setting?

You may decide you want a striking centrepiece for your table. This can be a floral arrangement (fresh or artificial) or a candle, (vintage or rustic). Always keep your decorations cohesive i.e. bright vibrant colors or calm and understated hues.

Wreaths, stones, crystals or even paper stars and hearts all add to the character of your table.

Wine coolers and water jugs are also a great addition.

Your choice of crockery will obviously depend on the meal selection. Paper and plastic can be very effective but for a more formal outdoor table setting, china or pottery is recommended. Most dinner sets are both oven proof and dishwasher proof and a plain set is relatively inexpensive. The same rule applies to your cutlery and the choice is endless. I would suggest simple stainless steel will complement most outdoor table settings and can be used over and over.

If you do decide to bring hot food to your table for your guests, protect your cloth and table with placemats and center mats. Rattan, wicker and bamboo are all great for an outside rustic look and will complement whatever color scheme you have chosen. Generally drinks coasters are available with these place setting mats and will complete the look of your outdoor table setting.

Below is a selection of ideas for very different looks which can easily be achieved with just a few small tweaks

Now your table is complete, invite your family and friends round and let’s party!