Your New Outdoor Table is Just the Beginning

You’ve just bought a new outdoor table for your patio, balcony or poolside. You’re ready for entertaining, now, right? Not so fast! Your new outdoor table is just the beginning when you’re creating an outdoor dining experience for guests. You’ve still got some work to do to make your outdoor setting perfect.

First, the Chairs

Maybe you bought a complete outdoor setting, or just a new table you intend to use with some chairs you’ve already got on hand. Either way, it’s never a bad idea to have a couple of extra chairs available, especially if you bought an extension table that can seat a large number of guests. Don’t worry if you can’t get more chairs that match your outdoor setting or your existing chairs -- that’s where seat cushions come in. Seat cushions make any outdoor chair more comfortable and chic, and can give mismatched chairs a pulled-together look.

Next, the Linens

Whether you’re the kind who loves layered tablecloths and matching napkins or the type who’s lucky to have four matching placemats, you’ll want to add some colour and texture to your outdoor table with table linens. Go as elaborate or as simple as you want, but at the very least, have a placemat for every guest and coordinating napkins (even if they’re of the paper variety). Coordinate your table linens with your seat cushions, but don’t think you have to be matchy-matchy -- just make sure the colours or patterns don’t clash so badly your guests will lose their appetites!

Dinnerware and Tableware

If you’re the kind who’s terrified at the thought of bringing your good dishes and cutlery outdoors, a new outdoor table is the perfect excuse to splurge on some dinnerware and tableware just for your el fresco dining. Use your imagination, but choose dinnerware, drinking glasses and flatware that can hit the deck, literally, without fear of shattering. Or, shop discounters and thrift stores for china and glass pieces that won’t break the bank if they happen to get broken.

New Outdoor Table

Let There Be Light (And Centrepieces)

Outdoor dining is the perfect excuse to dine by candlelight. Use candles to create both light and atmosphere on your outdoor table. Tall pillar candles or large candle holders can be grouped in the middle of the table to create a great centrepiece, while smaller tea lights or votive candles can be part of individual place settings. If you will also use your outdoor dining setting for daytime meals, choose candle holders that look as good by daylight as they do by candlelight and let them do double duty, or create a fun centrepiece with a live plant or flowers for a whole new look. Live potted plants and flowers are the perfect choice for outdoor centrepieces, as they can be repurposed as decor for your patio or balcony between meals.