Is there anything better than dining outdoors? There is something so relaxing and freeing about it, especially after a long winter. Here in Chicago, people take alfresco dining seriously. On a sunny day, restaurant patios fill up moments after they open! While it’s fun to dine out, I love to host friends and family and to have an excuse to craft a beautiful tablescape. Now that Spring is officially here, I can’t wait to start enjoying more time outside. Let me bring you down my recent rabbit hole of outdoor tablescape saves. I promise you’ll leave inspired!

OUTDOOR TABLESCAPE INSPIRATION

Table Linens

Setting the table doesn’t have to be a chore, it is one of my favorite creative exercises. Tablecloths instantly elevate your dining experience. I’ve found that layering table linens like placemats, napkins, coasters, and table runners gives the table a curated and thoughtful appearance. For outdoor dining, I love incorporating patterns and textures and mixing unexpected combinations. Unlike designing a room, an outdoor tablescape is temporary making it a fun place to experiment with your style and curate for a specific event or group!

Organic Centerpieces

Florals, in my opinion, are a non-negotiable for alfresco dining. Having greenery on the table creates a connection to the nature around you and adds color and height to the middle of your table. Flowers speak for themselves, but throwing them in a fun vase will make a statement. Main takeaway: if nothing else, have flowers!

Ambience

Don’t forget a source of light or you may end up eating in the dark. I love the elegance of candlesticks, especially at dusk. For more causal dining, clusters of tea light votives can create the perfect ambient lighting to keep the conversation flowing. If you want to avoid open flames, look for cordless, discrete lamps.

Drinkware

Outdoor tablescapes and fun glasses go hand in hand. Colored glassware is always a crowd-pleaser. Debuting back in 1930s, manufactures added color to low-quality glass, creating a beautiful, yet inexpensive homeware item that brought joy to many homes during The Depression. Turns out there always been something innately cheerful about owning and drinking from colorful glasses. Today, as design trends are steering away from minimalism, people are embracing color- especially in home decor.

This is where I started to spiral deep into my rabbit hole of inspiration. There are endless beautiful options out there. Try mixing up colors and shapes for a playful, organic look.

Dishware

And finally, dishes. You are going to use them regardless, so you may as well have fun with them!

I hope we gave you the inspiration you needed to start planning your next outdoor dinner party. Cheers!