I love creating outdoor areas that invite you in like a personal friend saying welcome, sit down, and stay awhile.
Our weather wasn't that great for about two days so I knew I had to take advantage of this gorgeous day and enjoy a dinner outdoors. And nothing pleases me more than creating a welcoming dinner tablescape for my family and/or friends.
For me, creating an inviting space begins by making it feel cozy. So pushing the seating close to this corner of our yard and filling it with soft pillows from inside my home created this cozy feeling I love. A crochet blanket that my Mom made, lays to the side to soften the corner and also to use for those that might needed a throw once the sun comes down.
The table was anchored with a tablecloth first, like this white one and then I added a blue floral one on top to soften the look and to make it feel more relaxed and inviting. I like the layered look. And sometimes I do the exact opposite, the blue on the bottom and the white on top. I just play with what looks best in my eyes. The floral tablecloth here is a vintage one I found on ebay a while back and so I try to give you similar options above in case you want to create a similar look.
The napkins I added on top of the plates have the same blue and green color that the tablecloth has, so they were the perfect addition here. Don't be afraid to mix patterns, playing with them is half the fun. I found these at the Target spot last year. But these are pretty fun too.
The pink ruffled napkins are being used as my chargers to bring the color throughout the table as with the faux pink peonies I added to the pitcher. The ruffled napkins are from Pier1 but they don't carry them anymore. But these would work too.
I have always loved having gold silverware. I think it makes the table just a bit more fancy and elegant by adding gold accents. I have silver silverware as well and I used them quite often too. I have no rules for making a table, I just play with it until I'm satisfied. And you should do the same. Don't be afraid to just play.
I try to find all my silverware at flea markets and sometimes I only buy a few pieces at a time until I complete a set. I don't think they all need to match and actually I prefer them not to match, I think it's more charming that way. These were found for $1/each. If you like a more cohesive silverware, here are some simpler ones for you. Also, these plastic ones look great as well. Don't be afraid to use plastic silverware, let me tell you, sometimes those are even better.
I also added the brass candlesticks to add gold color to the table. Again, just to make the table more cohesive and also who doesn't like eating by candlelight? or under a great umbrella?
I hope I have inspired you to create a cozy area in your backyard for a special and welcoming outdoor dinner. And I have to tell you that when I create a tablescape like this, we tend to linger and talk more at the table, which I love. I think days like these should be enjoyed to the fullest and why not make them a bit prettier too?!
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Alicia
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