I have a passion for setting a pretty table and occassionally, I love to add some whimsy. Creating a special table doesn’t have to cost a fortune and can be such a fun and easy process. Your guests will feel like you really went the extra mile for their visit and what’s better than making others feel special?! Today, I’ll be sharing how to create an easy outdoor table setting.
It’s going to be a good day, because I am joining 11 other bloggers hosted by my friend Pasha from Pasha Is Home and we are bringing you our outdoor dining ideas.
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“The lemon is the symbol of tart refreshment; its color and fragrance lift our spirits before we even taste it.” – Lori Longbotham.
If you are coming over from my New England friend, Ann from Dabbling and Decorating, I’m so glad you are here! It’s nice to have you here visiting me in the Mitten! Ann has a beautiful blog and she always shares the prettiest ideas. Weren’t her fashionable outdoor summer dining ideas lovely?!
I’m Kim and I love all things home decor. A little secret…creating a pretty table on a budget is my favorite thing to do! I believe anyone can do it, using what they have on hand.
Now don’t go thinking I set a pretty table every night for dinner, however, give me a good excuse and I’m all in!!
Below I have shared the list of steps I use when creating any of my tables.
- Pick a theme
- Pick your colors
- Shop your home
- Decide on a centerpiece
- Add the extras
Pick A Theme/Pick Your Colors
Once upon a time there was a young girl who loved books and writing stories. That young girl grew up and I still love books and writing stories.
Due to my love of books, I started my own book club this summer. I recently shared my post 7 Ways To Host A Book Club. I would love to hear if you are part of a book club too! If you’re looking for reading inspiration or theme ideas, be sure to check it out and leave a comment with your favorite book!
Anyway, my most recent table setting was for my book club gathering and I am delighted to share it with you now.
Ironically, my theme had nothing to do with “books”. I just wanted it to be whimsical and pretty! Lemon decor is so popular this season and I just knew I wanted to use lemons. At least a few lemons.
What’s more summery than fresh lemons!?
I also played off the pink and yellow flowers I have on my patio. They’re so bright and cheerful and I shared A Bright Cottage in the Mitten Summer Patio earlier this summer. The wreath on my patio door also has pink peonies and just happens to have lemons on it. So it was an easy choice to create my table setting in pink and yellow, adding in a few lemons.
Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy!
Shop Your Home For Your Outdoor Table
Once I have a table setting plan and colors in place, I shop my home.
I’m a firm believer we have more stuff in our homes than we think we do. Items that we forget we have. You may not have used those items in a long time, but this is the perfect reason to pull them out and use them.
Does that make sense?
I have acquired so many things over the years and that’s why I always check to see what I have before I purchase anything new.
Come on! I can’t be the only hoarder of pretty things!
While on my home search, I found some bright yellow melamine dishes, pink goblets, twine chargers, and a white pitcher. Items that I have used many times before, but honestly when used in different table setting, the average person wouldn’t know or care.
The only thing I needed to complete this outdoor table setting were napkins and flowers.
“If the home is a body, the table is the heart, the beating center, the sustainer of life and health.” – Shauna Niequist
On a side note, I have a lot of people ask me where I acquire all my dishes, charges etc. Whether I am shopping at a big box store or out thrifting, I am always on the lookout for inexpensive table decor. I rarely pay full price for any of my table setting pieces. One more tip, buy what you love and what you are drawn to. When you set your table that love will show through!
The Weighted Drink Tip
If you’re serving drinks from a large beverage dispenser or clear pitcher, fill the bottom with a thick layer of sliced lemons, limes, or whole berries before adding the ice and liquid. Not only does it look incredibly beautiful, but the weight of the fruit will keep your dispenser firmly in place if the wind kicks up!
Easy and Affordable Outdoor Table Centerpiece Ideas
I was originally going to use the white pitcher for lemonade but decided it would make the perfect vessel for my centerpiece.
Do you have a Trader Joes in your neighborhood? We have one but it is about twenty minutes away. However, hands down, it is always worth the drive. They honestly have the best and most reasonably priced flowers, EVER!
Another great option, if you have a cut flower garden, use your own flowers! Even better because they were grown by you!
Pink hydrangeas were what I really wanted for the center of the table, but alas, the floral shop played a game of hide-and-seek and none were to be found! Zero, zilch, nada. I made my way over to these pink and yellow tulips and I think they worked perfectly!
A Few Extras
Ditching the formality for something fun, I embarked on a quest for napkins that matched the playful vibe of the gathering. I needed napkins that reflected that laid-back atmosphere. Since the table was casual, I went with paper ones. Always take the wind into consideration when you are dining outside and because I used paper napkins, I added a sweet treat to the center to hold them in place.
Who doesn’t love a sweet treat?
Finally, I added a fresh lemon round to each rim of the goblets.
Outdoor Table Settings – Frequently Asked Questions
How To Create An Easy Outdoor Table Setting
This table was easy and super inexpensive to put together and you can do it too! Remember, I’m all in favor of using what you have, when you can.
If you don’t have melamine dishes or anything you feel you can use, I would suggest the dollar store or area garage sales, as great places to stock up on extras.
I hope you enjoyed my easy outdoor table setting and feel inspired to create your own! Remember, it’s the love you put into it that people will remember.
I’m always incredibly blessed and happy that you’ve joined me!
Have an amazing summer and now go set that table!
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!
All Things Outdoor Dining
Al Fresco Dining // My Sweet Savannah
How to Fashionably Bring Your Dining Room Outside This Summer // Dabbling and Decorating
How To Create An Easy Outdoor Table Setting // Cottage in the Mitten
A Casual and Easy Outdoor Summer Table Setting with Hydrangeas // Open Doors Open Hearts
Summer Honey-Themed Outdoor Dining // Tater Tots and Jello
Cozy And Casual Backyard Picnic Breakfast In The Backyard // Midwest Life and Style
Top 10 Best Dining Alfresco Table Ideas // The Pond’s Farmhouse
How to Set Up a Potato Bar for a Summer Dinner Party // Pasha is Home
Summer Dining on the Porch // White Arrows Home
Easy Ways to Elevate Your Picnic // A Life Unfolding
How to Set a Beautiful Table for High Tea // Peacock Ridge Farm
How to Create a Cottage Style Summer Table // Truemans Treasures
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Kim! I love your table and your quote about lemons!! They really are refreshing before you ever taste them!! XoXo
Thank you, Aliya! xo
Such a beautiful table setting, Kim! I love the colors and tulips are my favorite!
I appreciate that Mona! Tulips are so cheerful!
Kim
Your table is so beautiful and festive. Outdoor dining is the best.
I appreciate that, Rachel!
Oh my! It’s all so beautiful! I just love all the colors!
Give me all the colors! Thanks so much, Kylie!
You can never go wrong with pink and yellow. Kim, your summer tablescape looks stunning. I love the fun pops of color.
I love that color combo! Especially in the summer!
Such beautiful ideas. Those cupcakes and glassware are just stunning on your table. Pinned and happy to hop with you here today Kim!
Thank you, Ann! Always appreciate your kindness!
Absolutely beautiful, Kim. I love the pretty pink and yellow colors. So cheery and definitely gives me summertime vibes. Happy to be hopping with you. Pinned!
Thanks so much, Jen! Always fun hopping together!
So fresh and happy for summer!
Thank you!
So pretty, my friend! It’s so happy. It was so much fun hopping with you.
Great theme, great colors! Everything looks so happy and welcoming. Happy summer!
Thank you so much!
What a bright and happy table, Kim! I also love your wreath. I wish I could come over and have a cupcake!
xoxo
Thanks so much Jennifer! Come over anytime!
Kim,
Loving the beautiful table (tulips are my favorite) and those pink goblets…Gorgeous! xx
Awe, thanks so much Libbie!
I love Trader Joe’s for flowers! My daughter turned me on to how inexpensive and fresh they are. Your table looks beautiful!
Yay! They have the best flowers!!
What a cheery table for your bc friends Kim!! I also started a book club a little over ten years ago now! Can’t wait to talk to you about your favorite books ;)!
Wow! That’s great Pasha! Hope our club lasts that long!
Your easy outdoor table is so inviting. Beautiful and inspirational, a lovely setting for a gathering of friends and family. Love the links to more outdoor finds and other sites. They each have their own charm.
Thank you, Tina!! xo
Kim, I love your table and the quote about the lemons is wonderful. Lemons are one of my favourite fruits.
You are so kind! Thanks Carol!
You and your table are beautiful! I love the colors and I love the glassware! Those cupcakes look so cute and delicious!! So fun and perfect for Summer gathering!
Awe, that’s so kind of you Kristin!! Come over for a cupcake anytime!
Shopping from home is always good advice, thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
This is so perfect for a summer get-together Kim. Your outdoor table looks beautiful and so do you! I need one of your cupcakes, they look delicious. I’m loving all the colors my friend.
Come on over and we will have tea and cupcakes! Thanks for your kind words, Kim!!
What a pretty table, Kim! I love the colors you used and all of the details you included. This would make any guest feel special! I am excited to feature your post at Tuesday Turn About this week. Thank you for sharing!
You are so kind, Lynne! Thank you for the feature. It really means a lot!
How did I miss this beautiful table? Love the colors and an outdoor table! My favorite place when weather allows! Beautiful, friend—wish my feet could be under this table with you!
Wish they were under my table too!