Top 5 Tablescaping Tips for Your Al Fresco Dinner Party
With summer weather in full bloom, dinner parties are heading outside. We’ve got five tips to make your guests feel extra special with these top tablescaping trends…
Written by Ben Berman
Al Fresco Spring Dining Lifestyle with TruGlow® Candles and Flowers By Lights4fun (c)
1
Fruit as a centrepiece
One recent trend is to maximize your fruit displays: slice oranges and grapefruit in half to give your table a pop. The next step is to stick a few lavender flowers, or any flower of your choice, in the centre of the fruit. Or think fruit-focused accessories and eye-catching desserts.
Image La Dolce Living – Dining and Entertaining By Wayfair (c)
2
Reuse Your Tablecloth
An old tablecloth makes for a new statement. Vintage is in, with recent tablescaping trends leaning into a countryside aesthetic. Go dig through your storage to find that heirloom tablecloth your mother handed down, and you stored away. An older tablecloth acts as a good conversation piece. Equally, striped and check look super summery.
Left to right: Amber Cora 100% Linen Tablecloth By Secret Linen Store (c), Autumn Forage Table Setup by Sophie Allport (c)
3
Bring Out the China
Everyone has a set of fancy chinaware they never use. Why not bust it out? Chinaware adds a sophisticated element to your table that balances out fruit decor and vintage tablecloths, and is an elevated way to eat al fresco. Or look for fun, quirky sets.
Summer Alfresco Table Lifestyle By Rockett St George (c)
4
Small Details
Napkin holders are all the rage right now. Whether you lean into a granola aesthetic by tying your napkins with twine or you want to go out and buy golden napkin rings, there’s a tablescape look for everyone. Napkins are also much appreciated by guests with their pale summer clothes!
Left to right: Brass Flower Napkin Ring by Heavenly Homes and Gardens (c), Hydrangea Table Cloth By Catherine Jane Designs (c)
5
Alternative Lighting
When it comes to tablescaping, adding a few candles to your collection is always a must, whether real or faux. A rechargeable lamp or fairy lights also allow you to spruce up the table.
