Set a Gorgeous Seasonal Party Table Outdoors

I love to entertain, but when it comes to dining outdoors, I’ve been a bit uninspired. Year after year I drag out the same trio of hurricane lanterns, changing only the candles that glow inside them. And as for place settings, I simply repurpose our everyday tableware despite the fact my large, square dining plates are too big for my smaller outdoor table.

While my checkbook certainly reflects my frugal approach, my bland tablescaping doesn’t exactly lend itself to a memorable outdoor event. So this year I’ve vowed to take a seasonal approach to outdoor table settings. Here are eight ideas I’m hoping to try out this year.

I’ll start by anchoring my table with a perennial planter box centerpiece filled with organic elements that reflect the outdoors.

This rustic planter full of succulents is a great option, as it requires minimal watering, can be left out on chilly spring nights and won’t need to be refreshed between events.


Add votives to take your centerpiece from day to night.

Living springtime edibles pair beautifully with dramatic, minimalist, black and white table settings. Vintage-inspired place settings and simple flatware make this table casual yet refined.


These darling napkin rings are perfect for a Memorial Day barbecue, when the calls of nesting birds provide nature’s soundtrack for a party.

I’m also taking note of the way Spallina Interiors varied the textures on this table. The ironwork plays beautifully against the embroidered chargers and etched margarita glasses.


Once summer is in full bloom, I’ll likely want to trade my potted centerpiece for a vase full of cut flowers from my garden. In that case I’ll take a cue from this image, layering the objects on my table and varying their heights to create a lush and cohesive tablescape for a more formal dinner.

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This table with a built-in fire pit bathes gatherings in romantic flickering light on a summer evening; it also provides the perfect reason to make s’mores for dessert.

Of course, not everyone has such a table (myself included), but you can replicate the dramatic effect with a tabletop fireplace like this one.


I love to create a beach feel when serving fresh fish from the grill, and this Hamptons home has me inspired. The color of these bamboo lanterns immediately draws the eye, while the summery turquoise napkins and candles invite guests to the table.


I tend to encourage guests to serve themselves when I host large gatherings, but I always struggle to transform my folding card table into an inviting buffet.

This image inspires me to hang colorful painted lanterns above the serving area and repurpose my tired hurricanes as salad containers for a summertime gathering.


Repeating elements and colors helps pull a long table together. I love the idea of using organic materials like fruits and flowers to reflect the changing seasons as summer fades into fall.

Notice how each bowl of apples is flanked by a bouquet on either side to create a trio. Using odd numbers within your groupings helps create balance.

Tell us: What’s your easiest trick for refreshing your patio table for spring and summer?

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