How to Set Up a Gorgeous Outdoor Dinner Spread
After spending Fourth of July weekend having as many meals as possible outside, let's keep going that as long as we can! I was lucky enough to get out of Atlanta, which Whoopi Goldberg recently described as "Africa hot" and hit the New England coast this weekend, and all of you who are lucky enough to be somewhere with a decent breeze should be taking advantage of it as much as possible.
It's fun to set up a table outdoors with a picnic mentality. When it's right outside of your home, you can get a little bit more fancy than a typical picnic - vases full of flowers, access to as much ice as you need, and lovely linens make you feel like you scored a great private outdoor table at a nice restaurant. Have some friends over, serve some spirits, and enjoy the outdoors.
It's fun to set up a table outdoors with a picnic mentality. When it's right outside of your home, you can get a little bit more fancy than a typical picnic - vases full of flowers, access to as much ice as you need, and lovely linens make you feel like you scored a great private outdoor table at a nice restaurant. Have some friends over, serve some spirits, and enjoy the outdoors.
Use a brightly colored garden as an excuse to brighten up your tablescape. The picnic table takes its cue from the lavender plants, and the chartreuse glasses are a great contrast.
Create a Space. Even the most boring of carports can be turned into dinner party central with a few paper lanterns and the right furniture.
Decorate that Table! Extra room outside means more freedom to go bananas with centerpieces and lanterns - not the way these are hung from the pergola.
Use portable card tables for an outdoor buffet or bar, and cover it up with tablecloths or even a simple white sheet.
Consider taking a can of rustoleum in a bright color to your metal outdoor furniture! Turquoise is the perfect bright summer color.
Provide comfy seats. Sunbrella fabrics are great for your outdoor furniture.
Be prepared for chillier nights. You can get the same heat as this fancy outdoor fireplace from a fire pit or even a little chiminera (chiminea? What the heck are those things called?)
Make sure you have ample lighting (you won't need much, but people will be able need to see their plates!). Remember that you will likely need protective hurricanes or lanterns for candles when you are outdoors.
Make a community roofdeck fabulous so that you can get to know your neighbors. This one was a group effort.
Consider small spaces. A cozy balcony with a simple set of cafe chairs and a table is a great spot for that third date you've been looking forward to.
Not in the mood to entertain? It's perfectly acceptable to relax with a cocktail table, complete with a cheery flower, nearby!