Patio Tablescapes

Why not take your patio table from drab to fab? Dining al fresco can be stylish and fun with just a few essentials.

First, match your plates to a tablecloth or table runner and place mats.

Tip: I like to take a quick photo of my plates on my phone so when I’m out shopping I have the ability to color match.

Next, the tablecloth goes on and then the plates. If it’s a windy day...use clothes pins to clip the tablecloth to the edge of the table.

Next, add your drinking glasses. We like drinking out of milk jars, mason jars or mugs. Be creative and look at different options for cups and glasses. This is part of the fun of tablescapes.

Then, use festive or color coordinated straws. I love using the paper straws because they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Utensils are a must as well, whether using plastic utensils or everyday silverware.

Once the basics are on the table, then the real fun begins with the centerpieces. I put centerpieces on last as to see how much space I have to utilize. I like to look around my house and pull things from my everyday decor and even my holiday decor. Pitchers, mason jars, little wood signs. I will cut my summer flowers and fill up the containers.

I use bowls and cake platters for my centerpieces as well. A painted tin can, American flags, a little sign and some star garland and you have a completely different tablescape.

Switching up the tablecloth and the plates makes a totally different scene.

Again using bowls and cake plates make for a simple centerpiece for dining al fresco. And changes the feel from an outdoor “picnic” to something a little more elegant or fancy. And don’t forget to find a few “staple” tablecloths you can’t live without. You can stop by our Instagram page for more styling and decorating ideas. @beaus_and_belles