Tabletops are my jam. I thinks it’s quick, fuss free and gives me instant gratification by changing the look of an entire space! I love to eat outside. I’m in Texas, so the weather can be awesome for this. So, I headed out to create a spring alfresco dining tablescape for Easter.
My outdoor table has had many lives and been repainted about 10 times. It’s a wood table that’s been outside, inside and everywhere, but is currently on my covered patio and I love it! Because of the square footage of the patio, it works best to have the table placed against one wall. Here’s how I decorated it for Easter this weekend and my 5 hints to achieving an easy and unique outdoor tabletop.
1. Start with the basics and use what you have— I decided on my “theme” and I knew I didn’t have a runner for this particular table in the color scheme I needed. So, I found this in my gift wrap stash and went to work. It was a thick, embossed gift wrap that was purchased from TJ Maxx for about 4 bucks. I’ve used all kinds of things for table runners… old fabric, old wallpaper rolls, contact paper, you would be surprised what works in a pinch 🙂
I cut the wrap a little longer than the length of the table and then folded it almost in half. I left a little on edge to create a clean fold. Ta-da..no raw edge.
It was so thick that when I placed it on the table and made creases in the paper, it stayed perfectly.
2. Use natural elements – When I decorate outdoors, I want to use hints of nature throughout my tabletop. In this case, I chose my square, rattan chargers. They are oversized and set the mood for the place settings. I bought mine from Hobby Lobby, but I found them cheaper here.
3. Change it up – I rarely use the same pattern for entire place setting. I love to completely change it up by mix & matching. The look is so much more casual and eclectic. I love it. Even if you have mismatched dinnerware, you can tie it all together with just one of the same piece. Some of my best table settings were complete accidents. For this setting, my dinner plates were bought several seasons ago at Marshalls but I found similar ones from Walmart, here. The lilly pad plates were from TJ Maxx. The footed bowls are from Williams Sonoma, similar ones can be found here.
4. Layer it up – Then I started layering up. After I stacked the dishes, I added floral moss (from Dollar Tree) and a candle egg in the bowl. Then, I finished the place setting with a vintage napkin (yes, real cloth) and a silver monogrammed napkin ring from a favorite local store in my area called The Royal Standard. You can shop their online site, here.
5. Rethink the centerpiece. Table to0 small? Awkward size? Try putting the “centerpiece” at one end instead of in the middle of the table. That works really well in a buffet style setting or a table pushed up against any wall. I like to use what I have and be creative displaying it. Different is better in my opinion. So, instead of having a traditional centerpiece, I grabbed a couple of taller items around my house like a faux english ivy topiary and a metalwork piece from a local shop. Then, I added a trio of glass candlesticks from Dollar Tree and the pink decorative balls from Ikea.
Then, I added a touch of Easter with the bunny from the Royal Standard (linked above).
I added a couple more bunnies from Target’s Dollar Spot and had one sitting on a cupcake stand. The frog pitcher is a find I found years ago and I just love how it completes the casual outdoor spring table.
