Oonagh Turner
When hosting outdoors, a good table setting really is everything. Without the usual furnishings and decor you find inside a home, your tablescape has to carry the whole event, which is why it's important that you put effort into creating a thoughtful, curated display.
When styling your outdoor dining ideas, it helps to think of your garden like an extension of your home. In other words, the small details matter. Whether you're hosting a laidback al fresco dinner or a sophisticated summer soirée, a curated table setting is a sure-fire way to impress your guests. A table laden with flowers, candles, delicately folded napkins, and that all-important tablecloth will welcome guests and instantly become a conversation starter, not to mention it shows that you take your hosting game seriously.
And yet, there are so many other unique ways to breathe life into your table besides these ideas. The question is, where do you start? The key is to think about the event itself — is it the sort of get-together that's likely to transition into evening, or is it a formal and elegant English-inspired tea party? Whatever event you're hosting, here are some designer-approved outdoor table setting ideas that are guaranteed to elevate your tablescape above and beyond.
1. Commit to a theme
A common thread will tie your whole table together.
Picking a theme can help get your table setting ideas off the ground. Not only does it make it easier to decide on your decor, but visually, it makes your tablescape look more cohesive. Pick a motif that can run throughout — maybe a seaside theme if you're hosting a garden party by the coast, or an exotic theme to match your menu? A common thread will help tie the whole look together.
"This doesn’t mean matching everything, but instead letting a mood or material guide the choices — whether that’s earthy textures, sun-faded tones, or a splash of something bold and hand-painted," explains Sharon Costi, co-founder of artisanal tableware brand Casa Latina.
Lisa Archambault, global design director at The Portmeirion Group (which oversees tableware brands such as Spode) adds that you shouldn't feel obliged to get every tableware piece you own onto the table, as this will crowd the space and detract from a cohesive theme. "If you're hosting brunch, keep things light and fresh with colorful flowers and pastel or white linens," she says. "Or, for a summer evening dinner party, try deep greens with plants and foliage paired with richer jewel tones in the tableware to complement the fading light."
Color: Blue & white
2. Use a low-profile bowl as a centerpiece
The right centerpiece will anchor your table setting, offering a beautiful focal point for the eye to rest.
When setting a table, you typically start with your best dinnerware set, building it up on a tablecloth alongside some complementary placemats and napkins. A vase of flowers here and a candle there, and your table setting is starting to take shape, but it's still missing the icing on the cake — a centerpiece.
Outdoor table centerpieces offer a great focal point, but as is the way when hosting outdoors, they need to be practical. You don't want a flamboyant, top-heavy display that's going to come crashing down at the slightest bit of breeze. Instead, keep it subtle with a low-profile display. "Use something weighty like ceramic bowls with citrus, terracotta pots, or grounded florals that won’t fly away with the wind," suggests London-based table stylist Samantha Picard.
Sharon adds that outdoor dining always works best when it feels connected to its surroundings. "A centrepiece should hold its own in the open air without feeling fussy," she says. "A vessel of freshly cut garden stems or even a cluster of small potted herbs can bring just enough presence without getting in the way. Herbs in particular offer both beauty and practicality — their scent drifts gently across the table, and guests can snip a little to season their food or drinks."
Diameter: 28cm
3. Forage for foliage
When eating al fresco, let nature define your entire dining experience.
On the topic of nature, why not let it lead the way for your table setting? When considering where to start, look to the garden around you. "Foraged foliage is your best friend here, such as ivy from the fence," says Samantha. Matching your decor to your environment in this way makes for a wild and whimsical dining experience that feels rustic and effortless.
"When dining outdoors, I always say 'let the garden come to the table'," says Roshan Adam-Holslag, founder of Ro'Table. "I love using handwoven rattan pagodas as a centerpiece. We often fill them until they’re literally overflowing with wild greenery or florals, like overgrown temples blooming from within. From there, I’ll layer in wildflowers as a natural runner, mix in potted herbs, and weave daisy garlands around the backs of chairs for a dose of whimsy. It’s a bit wild, a bit nostalgic, and completely immersive."
Anastasia Casey, founder of IDCO Studio and Design Camp of Austin, also likes to let natural elements guide her table design. "My process starts with a trip to the farmer's market, where I can take notice of the seasonal flowers, herbs, and produce in season and let the bounty speak for itself," she says.
Color: Amber
4. Make it immersive by scentscaping your table
Unlike an indoor environment, a bit of natural fragrance makes for a transportive table setting.
Scentscaping at dinner parties can be difficult territory to navigate. Too many sweet or artificial aromas can overwhelm the senses, potentially influencing the flavors of your food. When hosting outdoors, however, the open air allows for a little more freedom, so a few natural fragrances can create a truly immersive table setting.
It's an idea Samantha has been experimenting with a lot lately. "I like placing herb bundles of rosemary, lavender, and lemon verbena on napkins or as tiny posies," she says. "It’s olfactory styling — and your table smells incredible without overpowering the food."
As well as smelling great, make sure your scentscaping ideas look aesthetically pleasing as well. A spring of rosemary tucked into a napkin ring, for example, or a flourishing basil plant in a terracotta pot in the center of your table.
Quantity: 9
Sharon, who is originally from Venezuela and has been living in Europe for over two decades, co-founded CasaLatina out of her passion for hosting, love for all things handmade, and her desire to reconnect with her Latin American roots.
5. Create layers of intrigue
Bring depth to your display by including layered textures, colors, and patterns.
The art of table decor is more than just your best dinnerware atop your favorite tablecloth. To prevent your dining table from feeling too flat, make sure you layer your look. A mix of different textures, colors, and patterns will bring depth and interest. The aim? A table setting where the closer you look, the more you find.
Recent table setting trends have championed dynamic, vibrant displays inspired by nature. "Elegantly combine a mixture of organic materials and contrasting textures to your tableware," suggests Lisa. "Think wooden boards, linen napkins, or rattan placemats to put your ceramics front and centre.
"Tactile, earthy accents are always good to ground a scheme, and also look to use varying levels to maintain interest. Think cake-stands to serve from, tall florals in pitchers if space permits, and low bowls of fruit and small dipping bowls."
Quantity: 4
6. Add height with candlesticks
Be sure to choose heavy candle sticks that won't blow over.
Besides offering atmospheric lighting and helping to set the mood, a few candles on your tablescape help to add height and variation to your display. Choose colorful candlesticks or an assortment of shapes and sizes to give the table a decadent, banquet feel. Think tall spiral candles in colored wax, beautiful candlestick holders, and delicate glass tea light holders, which add a firefly glow to your table.
They also weigh the table down while looking opulent, and add garden lighting once the sun begins to set on your evening. Candles also give off warmth, which can be useful as the day transitions into the cooler temperatures of the night. Just be sure to choose heavy-weight options that won't blow over or get knocked down too easily.
"I place tapered candles in glass candlesticks to complement the linens and crockery, then place them in between the vases alongside little tea lights for added effect," says Milly Simmonds, founder of homeware brand, Olive & Co. "Make sure you choose your colors that match the rest of your setting. That way, the tablescape will flow and really catch people's attention."
You could also combine style and function by introducing the best candles made with essential oils to your tablescape. "Citronella candles are a great addition to set throughout the table to add ambiance, and they keep the bugs away too," says Anastasia.
Height: 14cm
7. Think about your lighting fixtures
Go beyond string lights by adding some of the best rechargeable lamps to your setting.
Don't just limit yourself to string lights, either, as these aren't often the best type to illuminate a table. For example, consider hanging rechargeable pendants from trees to bring a sense of the indoors, outside, creating an outdoor living room feel. Go for pretty patterned lampshades which will pop during the day, or wicker and bamboo fixtures that mimic the surrounding nature.
"Adding a pendant light can help to ground your seating zone into the garden," explains landscape designer Georgia Lindsay. "Placing an overhead structure above a seating area — whether it be a pergola, festoon lights, or pendant light — helps to enclose the space, giving a feeling of privacy. You instantly give the illusion of an outdoor room with a pocket of central light to draw the attention inwards, which, in turn, creates a cozy atmosphere."
"Soft lighting from lanterns or tealights adds warmth and atmosphere as the day fades, casting shadows and gently framing the scene," adds Sharon. And to layer your lighting scheme, consider adding table lamps to your setting, as well. Choose cordless options that are rechargeable and can be moved around as needed, so that guests can retreat to nearby outdoor seating areas after dinner.
Finish: Bronze
8. Use a vase of flowers as a centerpiece
"There's no doubt about it, fresh flowers bring any table setting to life," says Alice Herbert.
A favorite on every tablescape, indoors or out, a fresh bouquet of flowers, or individual single stems in delicate glass vases dotted along the table, make for beautiful table decor. Think about what's seasonal (even from your own cut flower garden), from blooming peonies and delicate elderflowers in May, to a bold pop of chrysanthemums in late summer.
"There's no doubt about it, fresh flowers bring any table setting to life," says Alice Herbert of tablescape service, Lay London. "We think small bud vases along the table are often more effective than a couple of large centerpieces, adding a feel of fullness to the table. For a summery feel, small potted orange trees or strawberry plants are great for vivid color and a fruity scent."
Designer Avery Cox is also a fan of a natural component, whether it's flowers or a flowering tree branch to give the table some height. "Always use heavy vessels if going really high to avoid them tipping over," she notes.
Color: Orange
9. Introduce a color scheme
Coordinating colors will make your outdoor table setting look more polished and put-together.
A pared-back tablescape can be simple and elegant, but the colors on an outdoor table make more of a statement when they're joyful. "Color schemes don't have to be perfect and uniform," says Alice. "We style flatware in alternating colors on the table for a jewelry-box effect."
Take inspiration from the color wheel (like in the table setting above, where the blue and yellow balance each other out) or from the latest color trends. Or pull colors from your flower display and the surrounding garden for some expert coordination.
Think about embracing mismatched crockery, too, and go for an assortment of china in different patterns. "A color scheme helps establish a theme, too," adds Alice. "We've created a 'Garden of Eden' inspired tablescape, opting for a leafy palette with multicolored linens, flower-specked Italian glassware, and bud vases of wild flowers, cow parsley, and sweet peas."
Color: Green
10. Set the scene with a statement tablecloth
Think of your linens as the foundation of your outdoor table setting.
When hosting outdoors, the tablecloth is a crucial detail. Besides functionality, it acts as the very foundation of your table setting and offers a great way to layer in color, pattern, and texture.
The best hosts take styling a tablecloth seriously. In terms of the trending colors and patterns, yellows, oranges, bright florals, and sunny tones are the way to go, according to Alice. "Now is the time for brightness and florals," she says. "Stripes are always chic too, and green and white look great with flowers for an English garden feel. Or pick a blue and white palette for a nautical, seaside look."
From a practical point of view, it's a good idea to clip the cloth underneath the table, especially if it's a blustery day. You can also weigh down the middle with weighty candles and other tableware.
Color: Green
Ro'Table creates tableware that combines a focus on natural materials and artisanal crafts with bold prints and textures. Their curated designs take you on a journey to enchanting worlds: from sun-drenched groves and the timeless allure of bygone eras to vibrant, verdant jungles brimming with wonder.
11. Ditch the table and try a garden picnic
Want a fuss-free event? Try a laidback seating option.
Why not get rid of the garden table and chairs altogether and take your tablescape to ground level with a Boho-style picnic on the grass? It feels effortlessly whimsical, and if you want to lean away from formality, it can be a far more convivial arrangement.
"Picnicking isn’t something we can do every day, so it's worth making the most of it when the time arises," says Alice of LAY London.
"Opt for colorful tablecloths on the ground, comfy cushions, upturned wooden crates for serving food and displaying vases of flowers, plus a scattering of lanterns to give a glowy, magic 'Midsummer Night’s Dream' look."
Color: Red Oxide
12. Remember glistening glassware and ceramics
Only the best outdoor dinnerware will do if you want to impress.
It's easy to think you can skimp out on dinnerware when serving outside, but don't fall foul of this outdoor hosting mistake. The glassware and ceramics that dot your table don't go unnoticed, so make sure to keep your scheme matching and pick tasteful colored glassware that picks up on the natural light.
Carole Bamford, founder of Daylesford Organic, and David Green, from Colefax and Fowler, have together created a stunning collection of plates and serving dishes that marry botanical illustrations with pale pastel tones.
"The collection was inspired by the botanical designs of Chelsea porcelain from the late eighteenth century, and features an enticing mix of English plants and flowers painted in a lively hand," explains Carole. It's these kinds of dinnerware sets that can really elevate your table setting to the next level.
Quantity: 10
13. Don't forget the smaller details
When setting up a table outdoors, the minutiae matters.
Finally, don't overlook the small details that will get noticed by your guests. The minutiae of your dinner table show intentionality with your curation. It's what helps to give your outdoor table setting that polished, professional look.
Handwritten place names are a small touch that adds to the formality and puts in place a seating plan, while napkins rolled and tied with a piece of ribbon and party favors for the table will really push the boat out.
Order your cutlery the correct way for extra presentation points. It's these finer details that really make your guests feel special.
Quantity: 4
FAQs
What should you not put on your outdoor table setting?
Avoid overcrowding the table with too much decor.
It's easy to get carried away with your table decor, but there are certain things that should never go on an outdoor table setting. "It’s wise to avoid anything too fragile or overly scented — delicate items won’t last long outdoors, and strong fragrances can interfere with the food," says Sharon.
"Instead, lean into materials that feel honest and tactile, that age well, and that aren’t thrown off by a bit of breeze."
Samantha adds that slim, lightweight candles can be a nightmare. "Opt for lamps, lanterns, or fairy lights instead," she says. If you do decide to use candles, consider hurricane holders like these ones from Amazon to prevent any accidents.
What do you put in the middle of an outdoor table?
The right centerpiece pulls a whole table setting together
There are so many table centerpiece options out there, but you have to ensure they're especially practical when styling an outdoor table. Anything too tall or lightweight will likely fall over.
"Consider one strong sculptural anchor for a small table, or a trio, staggered at varying heights, for something longer," says Roshan. "Keep the line of sight clear, but don’t be afraid to let objects speak." Lisa recommends encouraging a sense of community and conversation through your choice of centerpiece. "Opt for a large sharing bowl or platter filled with colorful fresh fruit or a summer-inspired salad," she says.
If you want to go down the floral route, a low-profile arrangement could work better than a vase. "I use chicken wire and pop it into my favorite vessel with water," says Milly from Olive & Co. "Fill the holes in the chicken wire with your favorite foliage and blooms for a wild and whimsical display."
Let your creativity run loose with these ideas for an outdoor table setting that's guaranteed to make a statement. Style should rule, but keep practicality in mind for an event that runs smoothly. Once your table is finally set, all that's left to do is turn your attention to the outdoor kitchen and start cooking up a storm!
