Create Easy Outdoor Dining

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

19 Jun 2008 02:39 PM

Outdoor dining is a lot of fun. It is especially great for entertaining and can really set a mood. While you can go formal when dining outside, it is a lot more fun when things are casual and easy. Here are some tips that you can use to create an easy outdoor table.

Create a fun and easy centerpiece with natural and found objects for a personal tough with a lot of impact. Some ideas for this type of centerpiece include shells, pretty pebbles, driftwood, pine cones, seed pods, etc. Place the objects under a glass dome or in a footed bowl or cake stand.

Candlelight is a must have for an easy outdoor table that will make everyone smile. There are so many ways you can go with candles, from thick chinky candles to elegant tapers in antique-looking candlesticks. Try votive candles or tall glass hurricane lamps for two other ideas.

You can take the candles one step further if you make simple wire hangers and hang them from the trees. Of course make sure that the candles won't be a fire hazard, but that aside, this can be a very romantic effect with very little effort. You can click here to learn more about this project.

Forget the tablecloth to make it easy on yourself. A set of bright napkins and/or a runner is plenty. Or use a new colored sheet as a tablecloth. Keeping it simple is the key for outdoor dining.

Go eclectic with the tableware. It is fun to mix and match pieces, especially when you make it a goal to find new and treasured pieces when you are out an about at a thrift store or antique store. Start with a set of white charger plates, which will go with anything, and then mix it up with funky, floral or decorative pieces. It helps to have something that ties everything together, such as a pattern, a color or a style. Pick pieces that have stars on them, for example.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

Related Articles:

Creating Outdoor Privacy

Create a Romantic Garden Chandelier

Landscape Design: Planing Your Zones

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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Tashi (1013) 22 Jun 2008 12:03 PM

This sounds like such a fun idea! Hopefully, once my foot heals more and I can get around better, I'll be able to try some outdoor dining, in maybe late summer. I'd love to have a "Celebrate My Newly-Improved Foot" party. LOL I've always admired the idea of outdoor dining. Thanks, Mary Ann, for the tips!

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 23 Jun 2008 11:39 AM

You could make some toe jam--eww, sorry, I couldn't resist.

Tashi (1013) 26 Jun 2008 04:46 PM

LOL Toooo funny, Mary Ann! Or rather, TOE funny. Got any further ideas for outdoor dining, with a foot theme? I know, LOL, I sound nuts. But why NOT celebrate something like this with lots of humor?! :-) How about a Footyata? You know, like a pinata. Now, if I could just find foot-shaped candies....

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 27 Jun 2008 04:23 AM

A foot-long sub?