A Summer Al Fresco Table Setting

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Summer is almost here, which means it’s time to create an extension of your home footprint out on the patio with a beautiful summer al fresco table setting! I love creating table settings outdoors, as I’m constantly inspired by the nature around us. Coupled with summer’s bright palette, and fresh flowers that abound, creating an outdoor tablescape is easier than you think.

My personal aesthetic tends to lean more towards the colorful and preppy spectrum, so when I saw these MacKenzie-Childs Royal Check pieces, I immediately knew of the table I’d create around them. You might associate MacKenzie-Childs with the black and white Courtly Check, but the household name offers so much more!

A Summer Al Fresco Table Setting

Spending time out on our patio has become a summer staple in the Haines household. Whether it’s relaxing with a needlepoint canvas or dining al fresco, we like to make the most of this space when the days are longer and our crepe myrtles are blooming.

Creating an al fresco table setting doesn’t have to be difficult. I like to draw upon the nature around me, but also build my table around a specific item. In this instance, it’s these darling citrus check Sun Kissed Table Runners. The blue and white check is so me, and the citrus detail screams summer.

Place Settings

When dining outdoors you want serveware and place settings that can withstand the elements, plus keep it more relaxed. Enter these Royal Check Enamel salad/dessert plates. They’re durable, yet beautiful with their artisan hand-painted look.

However, I’m a firm believer in using everyday pieces for multiple occasions, which is why I layered the SoHo Dinner Plates underneath for a classic and timeless look.

Centerpieces

Fresh flowers are an easy and inexpensive way to create a wow-factor for any al fresco setting. You don’t have to spend too much either! I only purchase flowers at Trader Joe’s – they’re inexpensive and high quality. Looking to save a little money? Utilize greenery and “filler” flowers like Chamomile or Carnations.

Originally I was planning on filling the centerpiece compote dish with citrus, to match the table runners. But I love a centerpiece with height, to help the eye flow nicely, so I instead made a simple arrangement of hydrangeas and calla lilies within the compote dish.

Crumple up some chicken wire at the bottom and fill with about an inch of water. Cut all your stems at an angle before arranging. There really isn’t rhyme or reason to the arranging, but I like to insert my flower stems through the wire at an angle.

You can keep this arrangement thriving for days to come, too! Simply change out the water ever two days or so. Hydrangeas can be a little difficult at times, but keeping them in fresh water constantly should do the trick!

Other décor

Fill up your al fresco table with delicious bites, layered on the two tier sweet stand. Treat your diners to a delicious dessert (in this case a key lime pie) on the Royal Check enamel platter.

Another inexpensive way to give your table a little oomph – create personalized name cards. I took the citrus I ended up not using for my centerpieces, and placed them in the center of each of my place settings. I then made name cards and simply used sewing pins to tack each onto my citrus. Easy, yet charming!

Don’t forget to whip up a delicious beverage! I made a passion fruit mango spritz for this affair.

Once your guests have some drinks, pass the appetizers and turn up the music… you’re ready to enjoy dining al fresco!