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Home » How To Create An Easy Outdoor Table Setting

July 14, 2022

How To Create An Easy Outdoor Table Setting

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.

Affiliate links are used in this post. Read my full disclosure here.

“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 about it!!

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.

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”.

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 are so bright and cheerful 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!

Decide On A Centerpiece

I was originally going to use the white pitcher for actual 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 cutting 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 unfortunately there were none to be had.

Zero hydrangeas.

I went with these pink and yellow tulips and I think they worked perfectly!

A Few Extras

Like I told you earlier, I needed to purchase some matching napkins. This wasn’t a traditional dinner or fancy occassion, so I made sure to add a little whimsy!

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.

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, remember the dollar store or garage sales are great places to stock up on extras.

Next up is my friend Aliya from Open Doors Open Hearts. She is sharing her easy summer table setting with Hydrangeas!

Hydrangeas!! You better believe it’s a beauty!

I hope you enjoyed my easy outdoor table setting and feel inspired to create your own!

I’m always incredibly blessed and happy that you’ve joined me!

Have an amazing finish to your summer!

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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Posted In: Blog

Comments

  1. Aliya says

    July 19, 2022 at 7:33 am

    Kim! I love your table and your quote about lemons!! They really are refreshing before you ever taste them!! XoXo

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 19, 2022 at 3:05 pm

      Thank you, Aliya! xo

      Reply
  2. Mona says

    July 19, 2022 at 7:41 am

    Such a beautiful table setting, Kim! I love the colors and tulips are my favorite!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 19, 2022 at 3:06 pm

      I appreciate that Mona! Tulips are so cheerful!

      Reply
  3. RACHEL says

    July 19, 2022 at 7:45 am

    Kim
    Your table is so beautiful and festive. Outdoor dining is the best.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 19, 2022 at 3:06 pm

      I appreciate that, Rachel!

      Reply
  4. Kylie says

    July 19, 2022 at 9:36 am

    Oh my! It’s all so beautiful! I just love all the colors!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 19, 2022 at 3:06 pm

      Give me all the colors! Thanks so much, Kylie!

      Reply
  5. Tammy says

    July 19, 2022 at 10:09 am

    You can never go wrong with pink and yellow. Kim, your summer tablescape looks stunning. I love the fun pops of color.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 19, 2022 at 3:07 pm

      I love that color combo! Especially in the summer!

      Reply
  6. Ann says

    July 19, 2022 at 10:23 am

    Such beautiful ideas. Those cupcakes and glassware are just stunning on your table. Pinned and happy to hop with you here today Kim!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 19, 2022 at 3:07 pm

      Thank you, Ann! Always appreciate your kindness!

      Reply
  7. Jen says

    July 19, 2022 at 11:55 am

    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!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 19, 2022 at 3:07 pm

      Thanks so much, Jen! Always fun hopping together!

      Reply
  8. Melaine Thompson says

    July 19, 2022 at 2:35 pm

    So fresh and happy for summer!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 19, 2022 at 3:08 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Renae says

    July 19, 2022 at 3:22 pm

    So pretty, my friend! It’s so happy. It was so much fun hopping with you.

    Reply
  10. Cindy@CountyRoad407 says

    July 19, 2022 at 4:01 pm

    Great theme, great colors! Everything looks so happy and welcoming. Happy summer!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 25, 2022 at 3:18 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  11. Jennifer says

    July 19, 2022 at 4:56 pm

    What a bright and happy table, Kim! I also love your wreath. I wish I could come over and have a cupcake!

    xoxo

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 25, 2022 at 3:18 pm

      Thanks so much Jennifer! Come over anytime!

      Reply
  12. Libbie Burling says

    July 19, 2022 at 8:42 pm

    Kim,

    Loving the beautiful table (tulips are my favorite) and those pink goblets…Gorgeous! xx

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 25, 2022 at 3:18 pm

      Awe, thanks so much Libbie!

      Reply
  13. Mary K Blaine says

    July 19, 2022 at 8:46 pm

    I love Trader Joe’s for flowers! My daughter turned me on to how inexpensive and fresh they are. Your table looks beautiful!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 25, 2022 at 3:19 pm

      Yay! They have the best flowers!!

      Reply
  14. Pasha is Home says

    July 19, 2022 at 10:02 pm

    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 ;)!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 25, 2022 at 3:19 pm

      Wow! That’s great Pasha! Hope our club lasts that long!

      Reply
  15. Tina says

    July 19, 2022 at 10:52 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 25, 2022 at 3:27 pm

      Thank you, Tina!! xo

      Reply
  16. Carol Karl | Living a Real Life says

    July 20, 2022 at 3:17 am

    Kim, I love your table and the quote about the lemons is wonderful. Lemons are one of my favourite fruits.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 25, 2022 at 3:27 pm

      You are so kind! Thanks Carol!

      Reply
  17. Kristin | White Arrows Home says

    July 22, 2022 at 2:37 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 25, 2022 at 3:28 pm

      Awe, that’s so kind of you Kristin!! Come over for a cupcake anytime!

      Reply
  18. Rachel - Tea and Forget-me-nots says

    July 23, 2022 at 7:55 am

    Shopping from home is always good advice, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 25, 2022 at 3:28 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  19. Kim | Shiplap and Shells says

    July 23, 2022 at 10:22 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 25, 2022 at 3:28 pm

      Come on over and we will have tea and cupcakes! Thanks for your kind words, Kim!!

      Reply
  20. Lynne says

    July 27, 2022 at 10:36 am

    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!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 27, 2022 at 1:27 pm

      You are so kind, Lynne! Thank you for the feature. It really means a lot!

      Reply
  21. Leslie Watkins says

    July 29, 2022 at 10:40 am

    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!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      July 30, 2022 at 4:30 pm

      Wish they were under my table too!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Top 10 Best Dining Alfresco Table Ideas - The Ponds Farmhouse says:
    July 19, 2022 at 7:41 am

    […] How To Create An Easy Outdoor Table Setting // Cottage in the Mitten […]

    Reply
  2. Summer Dining on the Porch ~ White Arrows Home says:
    July 19, 2022 at 7:52 am

    […] How To Create An Easy Outdoor Table Setting // Cottage in the Mitten […]

    Reply
  3. How to Create a Cottage Style Summer Table - Truemans Treasures says:
    July 19, 2022 at 8:14 am

    […] How To Create An Easy Outdoor Table Setting // Cottage in the Mitten […]

    Reply
  4. Tuesday Turn About #161 Summer Entertaining Essentials - My Family Thyme says:
    July 26, 2022 at 5:47 pm

    […] is all about enjoying the outdoors. Kim from Cottage in the Mitten shared her creative process for How To Create An Easy Outdoor Table Setting. The colors she used make me smile. Kim’s thoughtful attention to detail would make any guest […]

    Reply
  5. Mitten Moments - cottage in the mitten says:
    July 30, 2022 at 10:14 am

    […] hop! I always love setting a pretty table whether it be inside or outdoors. It was fun sharing How To Create An Easy Outdoor Table Setting with you […]

    Reply
  6. Mitten Moments - cottage in the mitten says:
    August 13, 2022 at 10:18 am

    […] of tables, did you see when I recently shared How To Create An Easy Outdoor Table Setting? If you missed it, I would love for you to stop by and see […]

    Reply
  7. A Casual and Easy Outdoor Summer Table Setting with Hydrangeas – Open Doors Open Hearts says:
    August 17, 2022 at 11:08 am

    […] Did you see Kim’s easy outdoor table setting?! […]

    Reply

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About Me


Hi! I’m Kim!

Welcome to my Cottage in the Mitten! I am a native Michigander. I am a wife, mom and mimi. I love DIY, home decor, all things pretty, community with others, and sewing. I make blankets for a cause, hoping to help find a cure for brain tumors. I hope you love my site and pray it inspires you.

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