How to Set up the Best Table Outside

This time of year has me thinking of entertaining, outside! Most days, the weather is beautiful with lots of sunshine. It’s warm, but not hot, yet. You can spend hours outside, especially when the sun goes down and it cools off even more. Cooler nights can provide the perfect backdrop for eating dinner “alfresco style” with friends and family. Here’s an easy way to set it up:

To set a pretty table I love creating layers. I took two tablecloths and layered them on top of each other. I used a solid and a print to give it a more dimension.

Photos by Tara Carter Photography

Here are some similar options for tablecloths and napkins:

Williams Sonoma

To get the look of the layered tablecloths buy either one large one or two smaller ones and lay them on the table, together.

Williams Sonoma

Pottery Barn

Next, I added some pretty flowers. This arrangement was super easy. I picked up some hydrangeas and put them in clay pots.

Photos by Tara Carter Photography

I found some really pretty, disposable plates and silverware from Sophistiplate that coordinated with the tablecloths. The plates have a pretty scallop edge that makes them look like they are not disposable. At the end of the night, you can just toss them out. Makes clean up a cinch!

Photos by Tara Carter Photography

Here are the ones I used:

I added some sweets to give the table even more dimension, And selected candies that were out guest’s favorites:

Photos by Tara Carter Photography

I found some pretty blue glasses to add in to the mix. Here are some similar ones:

Bloomingdales

Macys

Spring and Summer can be hot! I wanted to make sure our guests stayed hydrated during the meal. I found some pretty sparkling water bottles to add to the tablescape. Peligrino always looks good!