Handmade Home: DIY Outdoor Winter Table Setting
Embrace the cold weather and bundle up for an outdoor party in the snow!
When you live in a climate where it snows for months on end, you have to learn to embrace it. I'll admit sometimes I want to do nothing more than just settle in and hibernate. But without fail, the snowy beauty draws me out, and I decide to give in and celebrate winter! What better way to do that than set a table for a little gathering outdoors amidst the snow? It's the perfect way to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while the children play.
Browse ideas for outdoor tables | An Outdoor Table for the Birds
Browse ideas for outdoor tables | An Outdoor Table for the Birds
Hydrangeas were my go-to flower for this table. The white variety of hydrangea is just beautiful, simple and elegant. The flowers go perfectly with this monochromatic table setting.
My local florist knows me by name and she is willing to make up a bunch of flowers anyway I like. I have formed some wonderful connections with local shops, and they have helped me bring many of my ideas to life. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people and tell them what you are working on! You'll find they are more than willing to help you with your project.
My local florist knows me by name and she is willing to make up a bunch of flowers anyway I like. I have formed some wonderful connections with local shops, and they have helped me bring many of my ideas to life. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people and tell them what you are working on! You'll find they are more than willing to help you with your project.
Another decorating staple when I'm setting a table is vintage sheet music. I have piles of it! You can find it at estate sales for just a couple of dollars. You could even go one step further and laminate it, but I chose to leave it in its natural state, torn right from the book.
The dishes I used are all things I've collected or have been given over the years. I knew the milk glass would be perfect with my snowy setting.
I used vintage flatware and napkins from my collection. I finished off the flatware by wrapping them with vintage lace, tying with yarn and adding a touch of the greens from my flowers.
I used vintage flatware and napkins from my collection. I finished off the flatware by wrapping them with vintage lace, tying with yarn and adding a touch of the greens from my flowers.
I purchased some inexpensive white fleece scarves at the craft store. To make them more memorable I created a fabric flower brooch for each. The scarves and the handmade brooches serve as quick but unique party favors for my guests.
Creating the fabric brooch on each scarf is pretty simple:
Creating the fabric brooch on each scarf is pretty simple:
- Cut strips from fabric scraps in shades of white, or any other color you'd like.
- Pile them on top of one another and tied them tightly with jute twine.
- Fuss with the strips a bit until you're happy with the way they look.
- Hand sew a button to the center of each flower, and add a pinback with a needle and thread or hot glue. I used a vintage mother-of-pearl for each flower.
Each year we build an ice rink for our children. The table is a cozy spot for the adults to gather and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while watching the kids. Worried about being cold? Be sure to bring your skates, bundle up, and put a few logs in the fire pit.
I hope you get inspired by winter! Take a look around you, and create something unexpected.
More: Holiday Table for the Backyard Birds
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Let It Snow!
I hope you get inspired by winter! Take a look around you, and create something unexpected.
More: Holiday Table for the Backyard Birds
Guest Picks: Winter Wonderland
Guest Picks: Get Cozy
Let It Snow!
You can use any dining set you might have at home. A picnic table and benches would be perfect. I've even been known to drag the kitchen table outside on occasion.