How to Curate a Simple Casual Outdoor Tablescape

I am joining a group of may favorite blogging pals for a little outdoor entertaining. There’s something special about dining outdoors isn’t there?.It is relaxed, and unfussy, and nature provides the perfect backdrop. Whether it’s a weekend lunch with friends or a quiet dinner celebration, creating a casual outdoor tablescape doesn’t have to be complicated. The charm lies in its simplicity. Today, I’m sharing how to curate a simple casual outdoor tablescape. A collected layered table will hopefully encourage connection, conversation, and embrace your own personality. Let’s chat about how to curate a simple casual outdoor celebration that you can enjoy with ease and style.

How to Curate a Simple Casual Outdoor Tablescape

Keep it Natural

Use what you have—whether it’s a rustic wood table, a picnic table, or something in between.

This little spot just off my office has always been a bit of a challenge. Steve had his smoker parked on one side (which he swears he will use more often) and the grill on the other—hardly the most inspiring view from my desk. I decided it was time to reimagine the space. I added a small table with an umbrella from Midtown Umbrellas (the best in the business in my opinion), perfect for enjoying a quiet morning with my coffee and laptop, and it now doubles as an outdoor table setting when we entertain a crowd or just four. 

The second table I am sharing is the only piece of outdoor furniture we brought from our Chualar home. The base was purchased in Mexico many, many years ago and we added a limestone top. It is ensonced in an area that overlooks the garden.

Layering Creates Warmth & Charm

Incorporate a mix of high and low, old and new. Anything woven creates textural visual interest and is a great way to celebrate summer. Layer woven chargers with cotton or linen napkins, votives and treasured pieces from other areas of your home. 

The beautiful tortoise glasses were a gift from our son and daughtr in law from Hudson Grace. The everyday flatware

These twig placemats I have owned for years similar here, napkins from Hudson Grace here,

Salad Plates are the Secret Sauce

I’ve shared my thoughts before on holiday-specific dinnerware—while charming, I’m not a huge fan because of its limited use, or what I like to call a low cost-per-wear. The simplest and most budget-friendly way to refresh your table is to add salad plates in different patterns to your white plates. You can easily find unique, affordable options in a variety of patterns at places like World Market, HomeGoods, eBay, flea markets, or thrift shops. They’re the easiest way to add a personal touch  to your place settings, take up far less storage space, and are much more economical than investing in a whole new set of dinnerware.That said, the ones I’m sharing today are a bit of a splurge. Tory Burch has introduced a gorgeous mochaware collection alongside a new spongeware line, and both are beautifully true to their historical roots and create timeless charm. I couldn’t resist the green spongeware and the incredible mochaware salad plates. If I were just starting out, I’d scoop up the full collection, but for now, the salad plates allow me to change the entire mood of the table without committing to the full investment.

The chargers are from Pier 1 from probably 20 years ago similar here ) The dinner plate is from Anthropologie, the napkins are from Pottery Barn, and the beautiful salad plates from Tory Burch. The flatware is from Pottery Barn.

These twig chargers are so old I can’t remember where they came from but they are still available here, the beautiful napkins are by one of my faves Peter Dunham for Hudson Grace here. The plates are from Anthropologie here, and the flatware here. The napkin rings I have had for years and you can still find them at Pottery Barn here. The glassware was gifted to me a few years ago from Fete Home ( she no longer sells tableware, you can find them here, or a less expensive but colorful version on Amazon here.

Consider Lighting & Ambiance

String lights ( we have them)  lanterns and votive candles are simple, effective ways to add ambiance outdoors. There’s no need to run out and buy a bunch of new things—just repurpose what you already have. Bring out candle holders from inside and mix in your favorite tea lights to create a warm, inviting glow.

I added twig votives (left over from Colin’s wedding) Annie has a diy on how to make them here.

Pull your Color Scheme from your Surroundings

Feature flora and fauna from your garden, the landscape, or the architecture of your home in your color palette. Let simplicity take center stage for your summer celebration. You can create a pretty table with what you have in your own yard.

Since this table is quite small, I kept the centerpiece simple. I filled four bottles of different sizes with green and bronze maple leaves. A simple bottle tablescape makes an easy centerpiece that anyone can create.

The centerpiece (in a terracotta two piece vessel with a hole for the umbrella), is made up of foraged materials that are grown on the property, grape leaves, olive, pittosporum, butterfly bush, grapes and limes. I always think of Ina Garten, who says she decorates her platters with a little of whatever ingredients are in the dish. Almost every item in this arrangement can be seen growing on the property from the table.

Create Comfortable Seating

For fun, I brought pillows from inside my home that coordinate nicely with the table setting. The St. Frank Kuba pillow is available here., the blue and brown Walter G pillow is no longer available but you can find similar on Etsy here. The tablecloth is actually a throw. Etsy has a similar tablecloth here. The chairs I found at Home Depot at a great price when we moved into our new home. They are no longer available. Crate and Barrel has a nicer but more expensive version here.

Provide Shade

It can get quite hot in the Paso area during the summer. Umbrellas are a necessity! My umbrellas are from Midtown Umbrella (a Canadian company-no tariffs yet). My umbrellas are called the Wooden. They are actually aluminum made to look like wood. They pop up so you don’t have the unsightly crank or rope.

It can get windy here in the Templeton gap. I have been through several inexpensive umbrellas. I have Midtown umbrellas in my courtyard. They are still in mint condition after two years. You can read my post about them in my post Elevate your Outdoor Space with these Chic Durable Patio Umbrellas. These umbrellas are the wooden in the Terrylast ivory. I highly recommend their sturdy stands as well.

Keep the Menu Delicious and Simple

A summer dinner party need not be complicated or overdone. Whether it is a casual backyard bbq, or the perfect summer brunch, it is the best time to enjoy family and friends. It is all about enjoying outdoor entertaining. For menu ideas you might find these posts helpful:

Five Simple Tips for Hosting a Farm to Table Dinner

How to Host and Style the Perfect Spring Brunch

Meal on the Grill When it is Too Hot to Cook

Five Simple Recipes for the Perfect Summer Brunch

An Easy Tasty Summer Menu When it is too Hot to Cook

My ever present “not so helpful” assistant.

I hope you enjoyed How to Curate a Simple Casual Outdoor Tablescape. Perhaps this post will inspired you to create your own simple, casual outdoor tablescape using what you already have on hand. Whether you’re gathering with friends for a laid-back dinner or feeding a crowd, it’s all about creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Keep it easy, and let nature be your guide.

Now let’s pop over and visit my talented friends

Classic Casual Home

Most Lovely Things

Northern California Style

Make Mine a Spritzer

Ciao Newport Beach

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