Inspired Gatherings- Outdoor Entertaining

Tis the season for entertaining out under the stars.

From simple picnics on the lawn to elegant tables with friends and family. After not gathering for so long- this summer is a perfect time to start planning and enjoying that much missed art of gathering.

While last year gatherings and get togethers, travel and even the simple dinners with family or friends had disappeared- this summer those gatherings out on the back lawn or in the garden are poised to be better than ever. If we learned anything about those shared dinners and breaking bread with others- it is that even if it is the simplest of settings and meals- those are cherished moments with others that we need and have sorely missed. This summer- we are planning on celebrating some of those things that were put on hold last year. My husband retiring from law enforcement and celebrating a big birthday for example. The family reunion we had planned at the same time and even those dinners with the all the big kids in the house.

Today I am so excited to be joining several friends and sharing outdoor table setting ideas – big thanks to my friend Kristen Ella Claire Inspired for organizing!

This post is all about finding inspiration for those soon to happen gatherings- from what I love like those delicious gilded chairs, to choosing candles & flowers, to where to set the table in the yard and how one simple floral arrangement turned into a fancy table centerpiece with a magic wand and a little bippity boppity boo (or with a few additions.)

A Touch of Gold

Something that I don’t usually do is bring out the bling in the form of furniture for a table setting. But this occasion- called for all the pretty touches and those bamboo chairs coming out of storage.

You might remember the baby shower celebration I hosted a few weeks back- at the time with everyone here in the yard and being careful to maintain distance- we didn’t do a formal table. Which of course is one of my favorite things to do any day of the week. So I set one for just the close family that was here who stayed later into the evening to relax.

What I love about these chairs:

I love the touch of glam and elegance the gold brings to this setting. While mixed and matched chairs are always charming- sometimes you just want to elevate the look and bring in something extra elegant. The chairs did the trick.

Blush Taper Candles

With all things pretty in pink for a baby girl- it was all things pretty and pink on the table. I found these beautiful soft pale blush candles online and knew they were perfect for the look I was going for. Of course, buying candles online can be a tad iffy- you don’t know just what shade of a color you will end up with when they arrive. These did not disappoint.

Shop my favorite lace covered plates Here

Unfortunately- these particular ones are no longer available- but these look to be a pretty blush option. (affiliate) And something fun- I have ordered a few different candles to find THE perfect blush color and will share what I discover and which one it is when they all get here.

What I love about taper candles on the table

I love to vary the heights of them -with some taller than others for a beautiful look that reminds me of gatherings past. I also love those wax drips. Just protect your table by placing a small plate or parchment runner underneath if you are worried about them.

Tied with a Bow

For a special touch- tie your flatware with a pretty ribbon or a piece of jute twine.

What I love about ribbon tied flatware-

It just makes the flatware and place setting feel even more special. I love Velvet ribbon -for special occasions- you will even see it in my book Inspired Gatherings.

Flower Filled Fantasy

I mean… layers of beautiful blooms cascading down to the table- so beautiful.

What I love about these flowers

What is not to love about them? I love everything. But probably my favorite thing is the way that the flowers cascade to the table and then continue underneath the carriage. Floral filled oomph on repeat.

This actually didn’t start out this way- you might remember how it started for the treat table at the shower. It looks like this below:

I simply took that carriage and moved it to the dining table and added flowers. And then added some more flowers. And more.

And any that were falling apart and dropping petals- I let them do their thing and placed them underneath and the table was scattered with them. I am definitely not a subscriber to the ‘Less is more’ thought when it comes to flowers. I am basically more of a ‘The More the Merrier’ 🙂

Shop these Reusable/ Disposable lace plates Here

Twinkle Light Ambiance

Even though we have candles on the table for a warm glow- twinkle lights are kind of like flowers to me- they are a must. I love the ambiance they bring and as evening settles in- your guests will appreciate the glow and light they bring even more.

What I love about twinkle lights-

That warm glow floating from tree branches overhead just makes everything feel more magical.

The Setting

Under a big oak tree. On the back lawn. By the greenhouse- or in the greenhouse. In the vegetable or flower garden. On a pathway in the yard. On the patio or inside the screened porch.

There are so many options with where to set up a table for a gathering. Since every home and yard is different- the best to do is to look at your space with fresh eyes- meaning- don’t see it like you see it everyday. Look at it with ‘inspiration’ for what it ‘could’ look like.

A few things to think about with the setting

Look for an area under a tree if you would like twinkle lights overhead. Or a spot with a tree in the background for adding them there. If you don’t have that- consider a few LED trees placed in the background for that magic.

Set out a basket with throws for wrapping up as an evening chill sets in- or set up near a fire pit for warmth and a bit of s’mores fun for the kids or after dinner.

There are so many ways to enjoy backyard gatherings this summer- and with a sprinkle of your magic touch – you can create something that is an inspired gathering and a whole lot of memories in the making. For more inspiration- grab a copy of my latest book Inspired Gatherings – just $22 right now on Amazon.

Don’t miss the outdoor tables my friends are sharing today as well- and stay tuned for a tour of our new English Cottage Garden area coming your way.