Easy Outdoor Summer Table Decor Ideas
Friends, the summer season is here. That means more outdoor dining. Do you want to see how to set a simple table for your outdoor dining this summer? I have an easy outdoor summer table decor idea to share with you.
After spending the past two weeks in Alaska (put it on your bucket list ASAP) in beautiful 50 – 70-degree weather, we are now back into summer weather reality. I’m putting outdoor summer table decor ideas at the top of my “get-back-in-summer-mode” list.
I’ve had a few ideas for outdoor summer table decor for several weeks. I can’t wait to actually use them now.
Like styling any space in your home, tablescape styling is an evolving process. Your original idea may not work out or you make changes as you go. It’s all OK as long as you are happy with your finished table decor.
Let me take you along as I style our first outdoor summer table decor this year.
Ingredients On Outdoor Summer Table
You will quickly surmise that the color scheme for my outdoor summer table decor is blue and white. It’s not the first time, nor will it be the last time, I use this color combination.
As you’ll see, there are a couple of shades of blue. What gives the table decor interest is the variety of patterns.
A few months ago at Target, I found 4 gingham check blue and white placemats on a random shelf. I loved the shade of blue, the pattern and the ruffled edge.
There were only 4 and I grabbed them. I later looked for more, but never saw them again in the store, but they are available online.
Here are some similar ones, like this navy gingham that is reversible or this set with fringed edges. Both come in multiple colors.
Since this would be a simple outdoor summer table, I used my white World Market dinner plates as chargers.
Months ago I found these beautiful blue and white floral paper plates online. I ordered the 9~inch luncheon size and the 7~inch dessert/salad size.
I am so excited to finally be using them. The chinoiserie-style pattern will contrast nicely with the lighter blue gingham check of the placemats.
These 10-inch white dinner plates would work well, too.
For silverware, I thought our white-handled picnic forks and knives would provide a fresh, crisp look.
I love this set of 6 which comes in several colors, including two shades of blue
When I was in Atlanta back in April, my older daughter Jennifer gave me three sets of blue and white paper napkins – just because. She knows how much I love blue and white. This shape is actually called a guest towel.
The only problem? Which pattern to use? What’s your favorite?
For glasses, I brought out a set of four martini/margarita glasses with deep blue stems. They were a favor at our younger daughter’s high school parents’ auction party. We found two that people had left on a table and I grabbed them. Wish I had grabbed a few more.
This set of margarita glasses would be so pretty on a table with a blue theme.
For a simple centerpiece, I chose three of my estate sale chinoiserie cache pots. The style and deeper blue color will dress up the table.
If you don’t have any similar cache pots, then use any blue and white containers you have. Or check out one of these.
3 Planter Ideas for a Summer Tablescape
- Set of 3 ceramic planters – I have these.
- Set of 2 porcelain planters
- Set of 4 Mediterranean-style planters – I have these, too.
With the right accessories, these planters can work almost any time of year.
Preparing Your Outdoor Summer Table
The first step to styling any tablescape is to clear it off the table, especially if it is outdoors. You should clean it of dirt, debris, pollen or leaves.
I would be using our outdoor restored teak table, which I’ve shown many times, as our outdoor dining spot. It was an estate sale find that I cleaned and repurposed.
This picture is from a few years ago, right after I restored the table.
Our backyard looks so different now with the recent update and our new blue and white stripe umbrella.
Since we have been on vacation for two weeks, I brushed off the table with a whisk broom.
I intended to give it a new coat of teak oil sealer. Because of the unusually high June temperatures we are having, and my jet lag after our flight home on Saturday, I blew that task off for now.
Because of the vision I had for my outdoor summer table decor, I planned to cover the table with two white rectangular outdoor tablecloths. I have to use two to accommodate the umbrella pole in the center of our table.
Now I was almost ready to style our outdoor summer table.
Flowers for Our Summer Table
To be honest, it was hotter than blazes when we returned from Alaska. We had gorgeous weather the entire trip with temperatures from 45 at night to mid-60’s in the afternoon – and no humidity!
There was no way I could style this outdoor summer table decor until very late in the afternoon.
At least, I had all my ingredients gathered and ready to go.
I went to Trader Joe’s for three bunches of white hydrangeas. I wasn’t about to let them get wilted in the hot Texas afternoon. Another reason to wait until the evening.
In the meantime, I cut off the stems and removed the leaves.
TIP: Fill your kitchen sink with cool water. Place the blossoms upside down in the water. Let them sit for a few hours to make sure that your hydrangeas are fully hydrated. Shake off the excess water and place them in your container with tepid water.
I let the hydrangeas sit in the sink for a few hours while I waited for the sun to go down and for Sweet Shark to get home.
Styling Our Summer Outdoor Table Decor
Now everything was ready to set our summer table decor – or so I thought.
Remember, I was going to cover the table with white tablecloths first? I quickly realized that wasn’t a good option. Flowing tablecloths around our feet would be too heavy for our current heat wave.
Then, as I was about to set the placemats on the table, I realized I had a problem. We currently have the table up against our fence, meaning we have two chairs on one side.
That arrangement wouldn’t work for this tablescape. The placemats are large and I needed one on each side of the table.
I can’t move the table with the umbrella in it. Another reason to wait until Sweet Shark got home from work later in the day.
We took the umbrella out of the hole in the table and placed it against the fence. Then we pulled the table away from the fence, allowing room for a chair to fit on that side of the table.
From now on, we’ll leave the table and chairs like this. We can move the chairs and push the table closer to the fence when we aren’t using it for dining. It also gives us more room without the umbrella in the hole on the table.
Now I was ready to proceed with setting the summer table.
FYI: Normally, I place the centerpieces on the table first, but I wanted to wait until the last minute to add the flowers.
First came the placemats.
Then came the chargers and the floral plates. Guess who found a stick to play with?
Then came the silverware and the napkins. Guess which one I chose?
I choose the Modern Moire because I liked how the shade of blue worked with the paper plates. The pattern is a total contrast to the other ones.
The blue-stem glasses completed the summer place setting.
When I was ready to add the hydrangeas to the planters, I realized one of them had a hole in it. I decided to use just the two that were estate sale buys.
Finally, I arranged 3 hydrangea stems in those two pots.
Without the umbrella pole to contend with, I placed the planters in the center of the table.
Did I say that this summer table decor was so easy to style?
I wanted a simple outdoor summer table decor, nothing fussy or crowded. The flowers in the backyard provide a beautiful backdrop.
For other options, blue mason jars would make great centerpiece planters with daisies or gerber daisies. Use red, pink or yellow flowers for another pop of color.
As a last-minute addition, I added four blue and white pillows for more color and pattern. The pillows also make the chairs more comfortable.
Nothing is more refreshing on a warm summer night than a glass of cold sparkling rosé. A silver ice bucket adds a little shiny touch.
Here is the scene from the patio.
Shop this Look for Outdoor Summer Table Decor
I love the simplicity of this summer outdoor tablescape. I hope you like it as much as I do and have new ideas for your own decor and for summers to come. PIN it to refer back when you need a fresh idea.
Excellent article. Continue to post such information on your website. 4745765
Carol, Blue and white is a classic combination anytime of year, but especially lovely and refreshing for a summer table with your pool in the background! Happy to hop with you again, Happy Summer!
Love the blue and white Carol…so cool and crisp and lovely in your new outdoor spaces. Always fun to hop with you. Kari @ Me and My Captain
I bought those exact same placemats!! They are so adorable..I LOVE them! Your floral and white plates look so beautiful on them! You paired everything together in such a lovely way. It looks beautiful!
Carol, your table is just beautiful with all of the pretty blue and white elements. Your garden makes such a gorgeous setting. It is the perfect place to enjoy a summertime meal. You have given us some great tips for our summer entertaining. It is always fun joining you on these tablescape hops. Happy Summer!
Carol, your outdoor summer tablescape is just so beautiful! You have done a fabulous job in putting everything together. You have also given your readers so many great ideas! Thanks, Carol, for sharing with us. I just love blue and white and use it in our home.
Your backyard is so pretty. Hope you and Sweet Shark get lots of time to enjoy your lovely yard and dinners!
I knew you would have a wonderful time on your cruise and the ports you visited. We just love Alaska and plan to go again.
Carol, this blue and white theme is like a cool drink on a hot day…so soothing and tranquil. Love that you included some paper products for dining outdoors. the hydrangea in multiple bowls was perfect to decorate the center of the table without being fussy. Happy you enjoyed your trip to Alaska. Have a great week.
Lynne
Carol, I love the cool blue palette of your pretty table. Great find at Target with those cute check placemats. Great styling and combination of paper products (perfect for alfresco dining) with your other decor and tableware elements. We went to Alaska a decade ago and I’d love to return. It’s an amazing adventure and still part of the good ol USA.
Carol, this blue and white theme definitely gives off a soft, cooling vibe. Just what we need to beat this heat! Love your cute gingham placemats with the ruffled edge. They are perfect with the beautiful paper plates. Who would know those are paper? Love the edge detail. Enjoy your pretty outdoor space. Like you, I’m dreading the heat facing us this summer. Considering this heat started in May, it’s not a positive outlook for the coming months. Stay cool, my friend! Fun hopping with you. Happy Summer!
Carol, this is absolutely darling! Your backyard looks amazing, but your tablescape has every bit of style and charm that any indoor setting could have – just way more convenient with the use of paper plates. You can’t even tell! Love the ruffle on the placemats and the mix and match of all the blue & white. A perfect summer setting! Thanks so much for joining the summer fun blog hop. Enjoy that oasis you’ve created!
Carol, what a gorgeous back yard. I love your blue pattern combination for your table. It is so elegant and I was surprised that the salad plates were paper. Gorgeous! Your floral centerpiece is so stunning. Although it might have been simple to arrange, it has the elegance of an arrangement which took hours. What a wonderful tip on how to keep them fresh before arranging them. I am ready for a glass of the rose for a cool summer night. It is a pleasure to hop with you.
Wait! What? Paper Plates!! I wouldn’t have guessed it! I love your blue and white themed table, and you have done a great job of combining different shades of blue and different patterns! All the napkins are lovely and I think the ones you chose against the placements work perfectly, but you couldn’t have gone wrong with any of the three! I like that you decided against the white table cloth, as I love the look of wood with a nice aged patina! Great tip for the hydrangeas! We don’t yet have to deal with the real heat and humidity here where I am in Canada yet, but I know it’s coming!
You had me at the blue and white! I couldn’t believe those were paper plates–and wouldn’t have known unless you told me! You have made it so inviting that I don’t think company would want to leave!
Carol, you had me at blue and white gingham check! Your summer table set by the pool looks so inviting. I can’t get over how pretty paper plates and napkins can be, and it makes perfect sense to use disposable items for summer entertaining. I’m glad you were able to take a vacation with Sweet Shark. Alaska is definitely on my bucket list! It was fun hopping with you. Pinned!
This is a very pretty table! I never would have guessed from the first look at your photos that those were paper plates!! So fun that they offer such beautiful paper plates now! Love your hydrangea centerpieces. Your table looks very cool and calming – a perfect spot to enjoy summer.
Carol, I think you did a great job with your blending of blue and white. I know the color blue can be tricky to get right and have it all blend beautifully together. My mom loved the color blue, and as I scrolled through the pictures, I kept thinking how much she would love your style! Everything looks so cool and inviting for the coming summer months!
Rachelle
Lately I am loving blue and white decor. I even noticed that Victoria Magazine has published a book about it. Your table is so pretty and summery, and I do love the placemats best. I am a fan of gingham and ruffles! 😀 Your setting is as beautiful as your table. What a lovely spot to enjoy summer evenings.
I’m a long-time blue and white lover and chinoiserie is my weakness. Your alfresco table by the pool is lovely. I adore hydrangeas in any color but white adds a dressier look especially with chinoiserie.
The different napkins are pretty and add a charming touch.
Your backyard is perfect for summer entertaining.
Nice to blog hop with you again.
Blues and whites are such a cool counterpoint to hot summer days. Your table would be lovely to dine at when the humidity and temps rise! Well-done!
Carol, I am a big fan of blue and white! I love the fresh look of your table and the background of your pool has a cooling effect. Hydrangeas make a lovely centerpiece. I know your guests will enjoy this alfresco tablesetting, perfect for summer entertaining!
Carole, the blue and white are so classic and fresh. Congrats on your backyard renovation. They make such beautiful paper plates now, I can see why your chose this particular pattern. The guest towels are wonderful. No set rule for using them. Love your blue margarita glasses. A lovely table to enjoy summer.
Your summer table is lovely Carol, so pretty with all the blue and white and your pool in the background. I love the beautiful ceramic pots of hydrangeas and the fun mix of patterns! I can picture a lovely relaxed evening dining with friends! Have a wonderful summer~
Carol, the blue and white are so cooling, perfect for the summer heat we are already experiencing here in Florida! These colors are just so perfect and exactly what I would choose! I cannot wait until I have a lovely space like this to entertain out of doors! You surely will enjoy this all summer long!
What a lovely table, all your blue and white elements work so well together. Love those chinoiserie cache pots, so perfect with white flowers. The table looks cool and inviting for a warm summer day.