How to create a Bohemian Style Table and Gathering

A ‘Bohemian’ style gathering and table setting is one that is full of a comfortable, welcoming and inviting feeling- and a style that makes you instantly feel at home. And today- I am sharing all about how to create a Bohemian style table & gathering right in your own backyard.

Can you believe we are just 1 week from book launch day?! I have so much fun stuff planned for next week to celebrate Inspired Gatherings that you won’t want to miss. And this week- I am giving you a bit of a sneak peek at a couple of the stylings- and some more behind the scenes.

I tend to shoot dozens of photos to get the 7 or 8 that we will use – and sometimes those features in a book are on even a bit of the smaller side and we only use 3 or 4 photos. Which means I have a whole lot of extras that didn’t land in the pages. Like this one.

So today it is all about piles of pillows and throws, a low table and lots of simple, cozy charm in the backyard.

Casual Gatherings

There is something about gathering around a casual, low table that is full of comfort and charm. Maybe it is the stacks of pillows and chunky blankets that invite you to wrap up and get cozy while relaxing.

Or that dining with friends and family feels so warm and simply wonderful. With a Bohemian or ‘boho’ style table- it is all of that wrapped up into one- and then some. The low table stacked with nibbles and candles aglow.

Leaning back into pillows and truly relaxing while laughing and catching up. The simplicity of a bohemian style table is what makes it a favorite. There is no fuss or dress code requirement. Everyday plates are as welcome as your favorite fancy ones. And those mismatched linens are absolutely perfect. We included a small feature on this Bohemian Style table in my new book ‘ French Country Cottage Inspired Gatherings‘ and I would have loved to have a dozen pages of it- it was such a fun one to style. Today I am sharing a peek at what you will find in the book- along with another boho style table I recently styled- and how to achieve that welcoming style right in your own backyard.

Think Comfortable

Soft and cozy. Warm and inviting. Layers of cozy to wrap up in. Start with what feels inviting for guests. Large oversized pillows in abundance is key- they invite people to sink in and relax. The table should be low- but it doesn’t need to be on the ground. 10″ – coffee table height is perfect.

Feel Good Food

Always on repeat when at home- those favorite foods that we all love to enjoy. When setting up for a boho gathering- keep it simple and feel good favorite food. Crusty warm breads. A hot soup. Fresh nibbles straight from the garden, slices of cheese & banana bread and chunks of chocolate bars for sweets. Leave the chef designed recipes and all the work to create them in the kitchen and keep it simple.

Gathered Flowers

I didn’t have a ton of fresh flowers on hand when I styled this table- so I just wandered the garden and clipped what was blooming. Wildflowers, herbs and vines were perfect. In a simple mason jar- they make a ‘welcoming’ statement on the table. Again- back to the basics warm and welcoming is key.

Perfect Placement

Find that spot in your yard where you can tuck a table under a tree or low hanging shrub- and then string those twinkle lights. Those branches and lights overhead create a bit of a canopy and ‘cozy’ feeling – and also provides that warm lighting.

If you don’t have twinkle lights or a low hanging tree that works- you can always create a similar style ambiance with twinkling trees in the backdrop.

Mismatched is perfect

Don’t fuss over mismatched napkins, flatware or other elements. It is all about the layers that make the look so charming. 2 or 3 various rugs are perfect for creating that base under the table and pillows. And several colors and styles of napkins, flatware and plates are perfect as well. Think ‘gathered’ up and put together rather than ‘curated’. Leave the curated look to the more formal setting.

The most important thing to remember when creating a beautiful bohemian style table setting and gathering is to have fun. There are no rules and making special memories in an inspired setting on a random Monday or Tuesday with your family – is a most wonderful thing to do.

This inspired gathering is from my New Book which is now available- you can order your copy of French Country Cottage Inspired Gatherings

Stay tuned for a simple DIY on making a pallet or low table.