Décor Tips for Dining Alfresco

When setting an outdoor table, it’s important to think about harmonizing your décor with your surroundings. I love hosting a dinner party for six to eight guests; that way it’s easy to keep the party intimate, but it also leaves room for interesting conversation.

• INSPIRATION PIECE. An inspiration piece is the star of the show and dictates how everything else will be styled around it. In this instance, the charming floral plates were my inspiration for this whole tablescape.

• A FOUNDATION FOR THE TABLE. It’s important to have an interesting texture or pattern in the tablecloth, table runner or placemats as a foundation for the rest of your tableware. The understated linen fabrics at this table are subtle but add the right amount of contrast with the plates, glasses and placemats.

• BRING IN SOMETHING NATURAL.

It helps ground the table. In this instance, the twig placemats provide the texture needed to complement the porcelain and glass components.

• FRESH FLOWERS ARE A MUST AT EVERY TABLE. No vase needed here. The informal garland at the center of the table is started with a layer of eucalyptus sprays. Just before dining, I cut the blooms off select flowers and grouped them together on the eucalyptus leaves. The look I was going for is reminiscent of a flower crown.

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CANDLES. Candlelight brings the table to life and adds just the right amount of glamour to a table. Votives and hurricane lanterns are also great choices for outdoor dining.

• COLORFUL GLASSWARE. One of my favorite ways to add a little sparkle to the table is with colorful glasses. The facets of these vintage glasses catch the candlelight in the most beautiful way.