Create a beautiful dining area outdoors to enjoy the rest of the cooler fall weather.
FALL | Published October 6, 2016
Fall is the perfect season for enjoying a meal outdoors. The weather is cooler than the humid summer months. The backdrop of nature with it's changing leaves is awe inspiring. And you might as well take full advantage of being able to be outdoors as much as possible before the snow starts falling, right?!?!
It doesn't take much work at all to set up an enjoyable table to dine al fresco with friends and family tonight.
While shopping at Pier 1 Imports about a month ago, I came across some copper napkins rings that I thought were pretty and perfect for fall. And then my eyes fell on these gorgeous plates covered in green oak leaves and acorns. Fall has a beautiful array of colors, but I'm always drawn to oak leaves that haven't lost their vibrant green. So, here I was in the middle of the Pier1 store, grabbing wicker chargers and cloth napkins that I already had at home setting their table to see just how my fall tablescape would look.
My centerpiece is made up of both real and faux pumpkins and some dried (green) oak leaves and acorns gathered earlier in the season. I also tucked in a few candles because who doesn't like to dine by candlelight as the light of the day starts to dim?!?!
If your guests will be spending any time at all sitting down before the meal is served, it is nice to have a few things for them to snack on while they wait. A loaf of bread has been displayed on a (clean) wood slice to give it a more rustic touch than a traditional bread board. A plate is full of concord grapes picked up at the farmer's market. You can have dishes with olives or maybe some crackers and cheese. Anything like this will keep your guest occupied without spoiling their appetite.
Because the fall nights get cool, it is thoughtful to have a few cozy throws to offer. It is your job as a hostess to keep your guests comfortable!
There is nothing elaborate about any of what I put together. And the scenery around the table is what I already shared earlier as part of my porch tour. (I just moved the table to the other side for these pictures.) Part of dining al fresco is just enjoying what is already there. Spend the time sitting around the table with friends and family relaxing and creating memories.
I'm grateful that this fall has kept the warmer weather around longer allowing me to enjoy the outdoors a few more times.
GET THIS LOOK FOR YOUR FALL TABLE
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