Setting an Outdoor Table

You don’t have to be a home decorating expert to create a beautiful table for your outdoor dining area; all it takes is a little know-how and a lot of creativity. It’s just a matter of matching your entertaining needs to your outdoor setting’s style, then enjoying yourself.

What’s Your Outdoor Setting’s Style?

Just as you wouldn’t serve Moet & Chandon out of paper cups, you don’t want to mismatch your dinnerware and accessories to your outdoor setting’s style. Like indoor furniture, garden furniture comes in a variety of styles, from very casual to almost formal and from modern to traditional. Traditional or retro-themed outdoor settings lend themselves well to shabby chic or vintage-style table settings, while casual and modern outdoor settings can be dressed up or dressed down, depending upon the size of the table.

Settings For the Small and/or Casual Table

If your outdoor setting is small, seating four or fewer, or super casual, then keep your table settings simple. Too many accessories and elaborate dinnerware or cutlery will overwhelm your setting. Stick to small centrepieces, such as a single potted plant or a simple floral arrangement, or forgo a centrepiece completely. Keep your dinnerware simple, too; a small table or casual setting isn’t the place for a huge array of plates, bowls and tumblers. Concentrate instead on decorative items that are fun but unobtrusive, dressing things up with a whimsical printed tablecloth or a set of fun placemats.

Settings For the Large or Semi-Formal Table

The larger and more formal your outdoor setting, the more elaborate you can go with your table settings. Semi-formal outdoor settings, like wicker settings for example, can accommodate formal table settings, so go ahead and use the good china and the cloth napkins. Don’t forget the accessories—try multiple centrepieces, such as floral arrangements for daytime or candles at night—and spread them out. For more casual or modern outdoor settings, use dinnerware and accessories that are fresh and geometric. Think grouped chunky candles for centrepieces, bold colours and interesting shapes for dinnerware, and tumblers and stemware in gemstone colours.

Hints For the Perfect Outdoor Setting

If you’re thinking of buying a new outdoor dining setting, think of how you like to set your table before you buy.

Those who like to dress up their outdoor table should go with as large and semi-formal an outdoor setting as their patio or balcony will allow, so that they have more room for dinnerware and accessories. Remember that any table can be dressed up with a great tablecloth, and choose chairs that will work with the style of accessories you prefer.

Outdoor Table

If your tastes are more modern or eclectic, choose a transitional or modern casual setting that can adapt. Simple bistro chairs look good dressed up or dressed down, and casual tables and chairs look best with only a few accessories added.