Must-Have #1: Light Linens & Natural Placemats: A casual tablecloth and napkin set will help elevate an outdoor table to make it feel ready for guests. I also like natural and woven placemats for outdoor dining, which feel more natural and casual when eating al fresco. I love my Fete Home octagonal woven placements for these occasions.
Must-Have #2: Rechargeable, Wireless Table Lamps: Most likely, you’ll be eating around sunset timing, so rechargeable, wireless table lamps can be placed on the table to keep the conversation going past dark. I love these splendidly wireless lamps.
Must-Have #3: Bring the Garden to the Table: I like to either cut some fresh greens or flowers from our garden or I love adding simple potted plants to my table when setting a table outside. This provides a seamless experience from table to surroundings.
Must-Have #4: Natural Elements in Your Setting: I like to use my bamboo flatware, natural wrapped glasses and Juliska bamboo plates from Fete Home to have the continuity of natural elements as part of the setting. If you’re dining with littles, I recommend using melamine plates outside.
Must-Have #5: Keep Food Fresh and Easy: Salads, grilled meats and vegetables and a simple fruit or summer pie ala mode is the perfect menu for outdoor eating. I’d prefer to splurge for good wine and keep my dishes super simple during outdoor Spring and Summer dinner parties. I also outsource what I can so I can spend more time outside with guests enjoying the party. I use Southern Baked Pie Company for a fresh made pie that only needs warmed up.
