Outdoor Table Ideas: beautiful tablescapes and stylish outdoor dining sets
Photo credit: OKA
Living in the UK’s unsettled climate, eating outside always feels like one of the real joys of summer. As you may have seen from my outdoor features on rugs, cushions, daybeds and, more recently, outdoor sofas, it’s surprisingly easy to transform an area of your garden or terrace into a true outdoor room.
You can now dine outdoors in style and entertain guests around beautifully designed outdoor tables and dining chairs like the set pictured here, which is a far cry from the mass-produced green or black dining box sets we once associated with garden furniture. Those overly matching sets were often in the shape of cubes featuring square tables, straight legs and angular chairs. Today’s outdoor furniture is far more sophisticated, with sculptural silhouettes, tapered legs and the soft organic shapes more commonly associated with indoor furniture. Brands and designers have become increasingly successful at blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living, with the main difference being the materials used.
The image above, showcases a stunning outdoor dining set from OKA, featuring a contemporary conical table base paired with stylish organically shaped chairs. Crafted from durable woven synthetic rattan combined with teak, the set is designed to withstand the elements with the style and comfort you would expect from your indoor furniture.
The good news is that you don’t need the latest designer piece to create a beautiful outdoor dining space. So as well as looking at modern table designs, from statement bars to bistro sets for small spaces, I’ll also share ideas on how to create a simple yet stylish tablescape that makes eating in the open air even more special.
Photo credit: Sophie Allport
Creating an al fresco dining moment
Whether you lay a tablecloth down in the park for a picnic or bring a small table and chairs to the beach, you don’t need your own outdoor space to enjoy dining al fresco. Even if you live in a high-rise apartment without a balcony, you can still create you very own little outdoor dining moment almost anywhere.
Sometimes all it takes is a couple of thoughtful accessories to make eating in the open air feel special. I remember going to an outdoor concert where the requirement was to bring a table, tablecloth and candelabra complete with candles. As the event was held in the grounds of a castle, everyone arrived with a simple fold up trestle table, but it was the flowing tablecloths and candlelit candelabras that completely transformed the setting. As the day turned to dusk, I’ill never forget the magical sight of hundreds of beautifully dressed tables with flickering candles lighting up the grounds.
This tablecloth by Sophie Allport, with its timeless blue and white striped design and soft linen, is a stylish addition to any outdoor setting. It works just as beautifully for casual picnics on the beach as it does for formal dinner parties, proving that a tablecloth can upgrade even the simplest setting.
One table styled two different ways
The table above is a simple white outdoor table in a villa in Portugal, but the two ways it has been styled look completely different, yet both are equally attractive The table on the left features soft neutral tones and, like the villa itself, was styled together with homeowner Maria Myers, and photographed for Portugal’s leading interior magazine, Casa. There are a few takeaways from this professionally styled tablescape. Firstly, the blend of different shades of taupe, combining ceramic plates alongside more decorative plates, creates a cohesive look. Everything has been styled on three linen table runners in complementary shades, while the baskets of bread also add to the beauty of the naturally toned tablescape.
To the right, Maria has set the table for her own family and friends, starting with a blue runner with a darker trim, napkins and plates all in different shades of blue. Along the centre of the table, she has displayed small potted herbs which not only create a fresh feel, but also echo the surrounding greenery. As the table is positioned close to a swimming pool, Maria has used melamine plates and plastic glasses, both of which look remarkably convincing and closely resemble ceramic tableware. Today’s melamine designs are far more sophisticated than they once were and make a great alternative, especially where safety needs to be taken into consideration.
Everything you need to create an outdoor dining spot
Whether you are having a simple lunch or a full-on dinner party depends on what you will use to dress the table. Here is a list of the essentials as well as extras that will help turn your dining experience into something special
Table and chairs - whether the table is round, square or rectangular, look for an interesting design that resembles an indoor table
Tablecloth or runner - in a soft linen, plain, striped or patterned, these will instantly upgrade your table
Table mats - natural jute or linen table mats really elevate your tablescape
Napkins - linen napkins help make your table and dining experience feel more sophisticated
Tableware - ceramic or melamine, especially if you are by a pool
Lanterns and candles - for all evening suppers, choose from candles, tea lights or small lanterns
Portable outdoor lamp - choose from simple metal solar lamp to beautiful designer lamp
Vases of flowers or small potted plants - for day and evening, flowers and foliage bring nature to the table
Outdoor cushions - if the chair or bench is spacious enough, a cushion adds comfort to your dining experience
Throws - a wool or linen throw is ideal for when the evenings turn cooler
Choose a contempoary table for that outdoor room feel
This contemporary table really blurs the lines between indoor-outdoor living with a dining table that’s every bit as stylish as its indoor counterparts. With a sculptural base, oval-shaped top and soft neutral tones, this standout design from Rowen is crafted from durable concrete.
It ticks all the boxes for me - the quality, tone, material and shape as the perfect modern table that works equally well for both indoor and outdoor use. Ideal for relaxed dining, it has been styled with flowers in a ceramic vase and a wooden fruit bowl as the centrepiece, elevating the setting further.
Styling takeaway: For a special occasion, set your outdoor table as you would indoors with flowers, ceramic tableware, elegant glasses and napkins for a tablescape that will be sure to impress your guests.
Photo credit: Rowen
Dress your table with beautiful linens
Here is a gorgeous summer setting layered with linens. This rustic country table has been styled with lanterns and stone pots filled with greenery, herbs and flowers to echo the surrounding foliage. The checkered tablecloth by Sophie Allport, really brings a refined touch to the table, while her linen napkins feature ripe, juicy, hand-drawn strawberries in a watercolour effect.
Whether hosting a summer lunch or evening dinner party, linen napkins, rather than paper ones, really elevate the look of the table and the whole dining experience.
Styling takeaway: A tablecloth is a great way to cover up an old table. Or, if you don't have a table to hand, simply use a trestle table and dress it with a beautiful tablecloth to create an inviting outdoor dining setting for the summer months.
Photo credit: Sophie Allport
Set your table for a divine dinner party
When the weather permits, there’s nothing like throwing a dinner party outdoors. Situated on a sleek terrace is a dining set laid beautifully for a dinner party, with a silver candelabra as the focal point, ready to come into its own when dusk falls and the candles are lit.
This whole dining experience is uplifted by an elegant table, like the N1 Collection Table by Nth Degree, pictured here. Inspired by mid-century modern design, it’s crafted from premium stained teak, combining durability with refined style. The angled legs give it that contemporary look, while the rich, warm tones of the wood bring a sense of understated elegance to the space. The furniture and overall setting show how entertaining outdoors in style has come on in leaps and bounds.
Styling takeaway: A new or vintage candelabra will take your table setting to another level. You can find these in flea markets, antique or vintage shops, often in silver or glass.
Photo credit: Next
Bring in Parisian-style bistro set perfect for small spaces
Bring the charm of a Parisian café to your garden, patio or balcony with this elegant bistro set. This two-seater set is perfect if you only have a small space. It includes a round table topped with tempered glass for a sturdy surface, along with two matching chairs in a classic basketweave design in white and fresh mint green.
I have four similar bistro chairs in black and white for my own outdoor table, and I like the fact they are casual but make every lunch or glass of wine feel a bit more special, giving you that feeling that you are sitting outside in a brasserie or bistro, not just on your own patio.
Styling takeaway: A small table and chairs can also be made to look more appealing with something as simple as a vase of fresh flowers, as in the image here.
Photo credit: Graham and Green
Enjoy lunch down the garden at a picnic table
For that real outdoorsy feel, a picnic table complete with attached benches works particularly well. The Rowlinson picnic table has a relaxed, sociable feel that brings to mind summer garden parties, village fetes and family gatherings. It’s ideal for families and children’s parties.
If you want to dress it up a little or require shade, this picnic table like most, has a central hole for your parasol. You can also add seat cushions to the benches and a tablecloth if you want to smarten it up ready for entertaining.
Styling takeaway: Style your picnic table with a decorative parasol, or you can cover the hole in the centre with a vase of flowers for an attractive focal point.
Photo credit: Next
Sophisticated dining on a contemporary Circular table
If you have the space, a circular table looks fabulous and will instantly upgrade any terrace. Designed as an indoor-outdoor table with the base resembling an artichoke, the Artichaut table from Oka is a statement in both form and craft, featuring reconstituted stone in soft Nordic grey.
Its beautiful form catches the eye, as does the styling on the table top, with a mix of ceramic candle holders, a portable lamp and gorgeous tableware, it makes an inviting setting for entertaining.
Styling takeaway: Even a beautifully set table can feel bare and benefit from a couple of decorative accessories, such as an attractive portable lamp or candle holders, which add colour, depth and height to the table. To echo the shape of the table, arrange your accessories in a circular display.
Photo credit: OKA
Enjoy breakfast outdoors around a sleek breakfast bar style table
When the weather is warm, having breakfast outside is one of my favourite things, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than gathered around a beautiful dining set. Instead of a typical dining table, a bar-height table can be an ideal solution, allowing your guests to serve themselves food and drinks while still sitting on bar stools.
This elegant marble effect bar set by Maze features a sleek grey frame, while the bar stools have sweeping curved backs, knotted rope detailing, and tapered legs. They look stylish and are also just as comfortable as most indoor dining chairs with plush weather-resistant linen seat cushions, perfect for leisurely breakfasts or evening drinks with friends
Styling takeaway: This type of bar dining set up, with the extra tall table and chairs, creates a versatile more relaxed outdoor eating area where you can have just have drinks or set the table for dinner.
Photo credit: Next
Hang a pendant light in a covered area
If your outdoor dining table is in a covered area, a pendant light really brings the indoors out. Natural woven materials like rattan, such as the oversized pendant shown here, are perfect for coastal-inspired outdoor spaces and look just as striking even when not lit. This is on the terrace at a friend’s villa where we laid the table for a healthy salad lunch. Although there were only three of us, the table comfortably seats six, so a Lazy Susan in the centre was a great feature of this marble table and very useful for helping yourself to various dishes.
Styling takeaway: There are many different pendant lights that you can hang over your table that are IP-rated for outside use and look as stunning as their indoor counterparts. Choose a pendant light that echoes your interior scheme and colour palette to bring a cohesive feel from indoors to out.
Photo credit: Sandra van Aalst
Create five-star dining under a pergola
A pergola is not only a standout feature in a garden, but also a wonderful spot to create a dining area. What I like about pergolas is that you have the option to cover them so the seating area becomes waterproof. Alternatively, you can grow trailing plants up and over the structure, such as ivy, wisteria, clematis, roses or even a grapevine. You can also add floaty sheer curtains that give that retreat hotel vibe and also create a feeling of privacy.
The square dining table and dining chairs pictured here by Bridgman have been hand-woven using waterproof rattan in a versatile weave, allowing them to withstand the elements and be left outdoors all year round.
Styling takeaway: Curtains will transform your dining experience into a more intimate and inviting setting. Simple white sheers work well and can be found inexpensively at IKEA.
Photo credit: Bridgman
Light up your evening with candles
Candles create an atmosphere wherever you place them. These TruGlow candles from Lights4fun are actually waterproof outdoor candles, so you don’t have to worry about bringing them indoors after every occasion. Available in a variety of sizes, they have wax appearance and flicker just like the real thing.
Placed on the floor and table, even during the day, this gorgeous tablescape looks more enchanting with the candles switched on. After dark the setting transforms into something truly magical.
Styling takeaway: These types of faux outdoor candles look particularly effective grouped together in different sizes. Use larger candles on the floor, either clustered together or displayed inside a lantern, and smaller ones on the table to create a warm, layered glow.
Photo credit: Lights4fun
Style your table with a portable lamp
So you can enjoy dining late into the evening, a portable lamp is the perfect accessory, whether your table is on a terrace, patio or right at the bottom of the garden. There are now so many different styles of portable lamps available, either battery-powered or USB rechargeable. Outdoor solar lights tend to be more basic in terms of design as they are made to stay outside and withstand the elements.
This sustainable and rechargeable lamp by Tom Raffield is a perfect example of how far portable lighting has come, combining natural materials and handcrafted skill. Made from twelve individual, sustainably sourced ash slats, it is designed to cast golden light upwards and outwards.
Styling takeaway: For a stylish modern design, look at the many outdoor lamps available rather than relying on the more traditional outdoor solar lights. These add a stylish, creative atmosphere and will light up your table wherever it is in the garden. If you would like to check out a whole array of outdoor lights, head over to my feature: Portable lamps - Stylish Cordless Designs to Light Up Your Home.
Photo credit: Tom Raffield
LET’S SUM UP
I hope this article has given you plenty of ideas and inspiration for your outdoor dining set. If you would like to read more about outdoor styling in general head over to my Outdoor Living Space Styling Ideas for Patios, Terraces and Gardens or check out the blog posts below on more specific outdoor styling ideas.
Outdoor Rug Ideas to Transform Your Patio, Terrace or Garden
Outdoor Sofa Ideas: The Stylish Centrepiece for your Outdoor Space
Outdoor Cushion Styling Ideas to Elevate Your Patio, Terrace or Garden
I’m Sandra, and this blog is about interior styling for real homes. If you love interiors and want your home to feel stylish, pulled together, yet still personal, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll be sharing styling advice to help you edit, layer, and finish your home with confidence, alongside articles on what’s happening in the interiors world — from design events and colour stories to features on interior gurus - so you get the full picture.
I also take you on tours of beautifully styled homes from around the world, offering inspiration and styling ideas to steal for your own space. Ultimately, I’ll show you how a little bit of styling can be transformational and take your home to a whole new level.
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