Wednesday, June 24, 2015

5 Easy Tips: Outdoor Summer Table Settings

It's that time of year to linger outdoors with family and friends, 
enjoying long days and balmy evenings. 

The house doesn't need to be perfect - chances are you'll spend most of your time outside. Meals are usually lighter, fresher (with the abundance of vegetables and fruits) and simpler (anything that can go on the grill).

There are some easy and affordable ways to 
create a welcoming summer table setting...


1. Mix and match seating for a charming and comfortable outdoor space.

I combined a chippy wicker arm charm, picnic bench, vintage dining chair and bench settee for this table that can seat six comfortable and eight "cozily."



2. Collect vintage white plates, linens and serving pieces. 

You can find unique cloth napkins at antique shops and thrift stores. I have a collection of linen, embroidered and damask white napkins that I use over and over again. I recently found the napkins pictured below at a thrift store for $.50 a piece... and they are in perfect condition!

And when it comes to dishes, nothing says "fresh" or shows off food like white.



3. Add whimsical lighting.

Globe lights, Edison bulbs or white string lights provide a cheerful, 
"light-hearted" atmosphere after the sun goes down...



4. Use seasonal flowers, herbs and/or greenery for centerpieces and place settings.

Fresh lavender from the garden not only looks pretty but smells so good! If nothing is in-bloom, branches and greenery can be used for a touch of nature. Coupled with candlelight, even the simplest elements look beautiful.



5. Bring a little bit of the indoors outside.



Since there's not as much worry about rain this time of year,  bring a few items outdoors for added interest and comfort- like old books (to give your centerpieces a lift), and even a throw pillow or two. 

Before you retire an area rug from your home, try it outside on a porch or deck. I brought the rug, pictured above, from our entryway out to our back porch. A rug that may look tired or worn indoors, can breathe new life into an outdoor space. 



However simple or detailed your table, 
I know your hospitality will warm the hearts of your guests. 

There's nothing quite like sharing life together around a table...

Xo

Sharing with:
Savvy Southern Style
Share Your Style
French Country Cottage

24 comments:

  1. We are enjoying sitting in the garden for lunch, but it's still a little cool when we are eating dinner.

    Your table setting is lovely.

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    Replies
    1. Lunch in the garden... What a treat! I love that you are soaking up the summer! Hope your hand is healing well...

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  2. There's nothing better than dining on the porch! I like your cute string lights and the sprigs of lavender on each place setting.

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    Replies
    1. Isn't it so nice to have a meal on the porch? Perhaps doubly so in the Seattle area where we can be a bit starved for the sun! Though this year, the weather has been amazing so no complaints! Hope you are doing well Kelly...thanks for stopping by.

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  3. Julie,
    Absolutely gorgeous Summer tablescape, dear one!!!
    I, too, grow lavender in our Garden here on the Prairie!!!
    At this table setting, lavender is the perfect centerpiece and place setting accent!!!
    Your hospitality warmed my heart today!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pat ~ You are so sweet. And your comment warmed MY heart! :)

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  4. Your outdoor dining looks absolutely wonderful!! I do love the casualness of summertime and nothing better than lingering on the porch for dinner! Even though it's relaxed and casual, your table looks lovely, and of course I'm noticing the beautiful fresh lavender!
    Mary Alice

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Mary Alice. I know you and I share a love of lavender! :)

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  5. Looks fab! Julie! Love the runner and white dish ware! Great job! Will talk soon!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Cindy! Hope your summer is off to a great start...

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  6. Very nice setting indeed, well done!

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  7. Morning Julie,
    So nice to meet you here in blogland, just came over from Kris's Spotlight post. So enjoyed hearing your story of life, family and your charming homestead. Really enjoyed visiting your blog, what a lovely table
    setting on the porch, love your pretty dishes and white pitchers, I have a thing for white pitchers and
    creamers myself, they look lovely with that lavendar, and looks like it would be a lot of fun having
    din din out there. Also loved your post on your get away, looked like a lot of fun and plenty of neat
    things to do with those adorable lil guys........
    Thanks for sharing some of your life with us.
    Blessings, Nellie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nellie - and I enjoyed your spotlight feature the previous week. What an amazing testimony you have! So glad you stopped by...

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  8. Hi Julie!!! I, too, am here via Kris's blog and I am so happy for the introduction!!! Your home and decorating style are beautiful!!! What a lovely table you created!!! I collect white Ironstone also and pitchers are my absolute favorite!!! I dream of having a small farm someday!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!! Have a wonderful weekend!!!

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    Replies
    1. So happy you came by! I hope your dream comes true!!

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  9. I have been a follower for awhile now so I loved reading your post over a Junk Chic Cottage.

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  10. Hi Julie, so good to meet you over at Junk Chic Cottage. You sound like a thrifting, decorating on a budget, vintage loving gal like myself. Your outdoor summer table is stunning. I'm looking forward to following your farmstead adventures!

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  11. Thank you Julie for sharing yourself with all of us today on Spotlight. It is fun to get to know you better. Love the pretty table you created in your post here today. Gorgeous!
    Kris

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  12. Oh what a beautiful blog - love it!
    Have a great weekend,
    Titti

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  13. I followed your from Kris's Saturday Spotlight. Oh my! Nothing makes me feel peaceful and relaxed more than white unless it's the beach of course! I love your home and the back porch or patio or whatever. I also love the idea of using a bench for a coffee table. Love it! I certainly will be following you. Visit when you can.

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  14. Hi Julie,
    It was a great to meet you on Kris's Blog, I live a little south of you in Lacey. Also worked in Newport Beach, when we lived in CA. I will be following you, I really have enjoyed what I read here on your Blog. Have a wonderful week end and stay cool!!
    Huggs, Nancy

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  15. Your Summer porch setting is everything that I love about Summertime. Beautiful.

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