The best ideas & tips for outdoor table settings

by Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS® 01/26/2025

If you’re hosting an outdoor dinner party, your choice of outdoor table settings can make a huge impact on the experience. No matter the size of your outdoor space or dining table, you can create a memorable party experience with creative aesthetic details.

Not sure where to begin? Here are some fun ideas and tips for designing your outdoor table:

Choose a color theme for your table decorations

It's best to start by figuring out your color scheme for your outdoor party decor. Whether it’s a combination of colors or a single unifying hue, you can use it as a starting point for developing a decorative theme.

Crisp white has been lauded as a favorite garden party color for decades and is also perfect for elegant alfresco celebrations. The white color is also easy to coordinate, and you can find plenty of options when deciding on the flowers to add. 

Add a living centerpiece

The best outdoor dining tables are decorated with stunning decor. Choose flowers and plants for your table decor and create a beautiful living centerpiece.

Lavender is both trendy and timeless as natural decor, whether fresh or dried. Other ideas include miniature succulent arrangements, bold bouquets and fragrant herbs from your garden.

Luxuriate with an elegant tablecloth

Functionality is just as important as style when it comes to outdoor entertaining. For a tablecloth, go with a high-performance textile with easy-care features. Not only will it be aesthetically pleasing, but it will last for seasons of parties to come. 

You can take color cues from other aspects of your table settings to develop a cohesive theme. Or, go for a boho chic approach and celebrate quirky contrast with mismatched elements. 

When planning an outdoor table setting, you’ll need all the basics: dinner plates, dessert plates, utensils, glassware and more. However, to really create a memorable outdoor dining experience, use these tips as inspiration for extra special alfresco entertaining.

About the Author
Author

Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®

Aby’s understanding of excellent customer service stems from her extensive professional background. Prior to earning her real estate license in 2005, along with her college degree that focuses on business and engineering, Aby was the head of purchasing, inventory and quality assurance for an OEM medical and aerospace manufacturing company. Known by her clients and fellow realtors for her tenacity, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, as a full-time realtor, she is also appreciated for her quick response to her client’s needs. Aby has been an avid horse rider and owner since the age of eight, with her husband Billas a local firefighter/EMT they are very active within the community. Bill served as a US Army Airborne Ranger in 75th Ranger Regiment, he is a combat-wounded veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Bill's background as facility Manager for an International metals company and as a firefighter/EMT gives him the experience, attention to detail and the desire to go above and beyond to serve his customers. The Brooks' serve on the board of a local non-profit (501c3) that gives back to the veterans, first responders and their families. The Brooks family resides on their small ranch in Manatee County. Aby& Bill excel in all types of real estate and their passion is helping people. “We genuinely like people, growing up in Sarasota and Manatee counties and now raising our own family here, it is an absolute pleasure to share our growing area with newcomers and reminisce with longtime residents. Our area has so much to offer and it is our business to help folks buy and sell their own piece of paradise.”