With Labor Day approaching, use this opportunity to work your tablescaping skills and host your friends and family as the sun sets on our summer (and summer Fridays!). Here, we give you ten pieces of advice on putting together your own perfectly styled outdoor table.
Photo: Courtesy of Free People1/10@freepeople
No bohemian tablescape is complete without at least a few vintage Killim rugs. To re-create the mix-and-match look, try a rental house like Patina.
Photo: Courtesy of Tara Guerard2/10@taraguerard
Choose your flowers wisely. One or two stems of hydrangeas go a long way. Their lush bunches easily fill a bud vase and are low enough that you can still see across the table.
Photo: Courtesy of Athena Calderone3/10@eyeswoon
If you pick a theme, stay consistent. It’s your party, and you should match your décor if you want to.
Photo: Courtesy of Kinfolk Magazine4/10@kinfolk
Long tables can be tough for conversation. Create an additional seating area where guests can mingle with those they may not be seated near.
Photo: Courtesy of Sweetgreen5/10@sweetgreen
Fresh vegetables and bread in farmers-market baskets can stand in for traditional floral bouquets. The arrangements become edible centerpieces, and you can reuse the baskets for cleanup later on.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Kirby6/10@local_milk
It's all in the lighting. String lights give off a surprising amount of light and, if used in place of candles, will save valuable table space.
Photo: Courtesy of La Marque7/10@lamarquenyc
Use place cards. Most importantly, don't seat couples next to each other. They spend enough time together—now is the time to change things up.
Photo: Courtesy of Natalie Joos8/10@jxxsy
If you opt for rug seating, don't forget floor pillows. No one wants to sit through dinner worrying about their posture.
Photo: Courtesy of Erin Gleeson9/10@theforestfeast
Don't be afraid to veer away from uniformity. Tableware does not have to come from the same set. Neither do the chairs, for that matter.
Photo: Courtesy of Sylvana Ward Durrett10/10@sylvanitas
Location, location, location. Think outside your patio and make use of a space that isn’t typically filled with guests.
