Tayler Dubé
Is it even a dinner party if your guests don’t gram your tablescape? While good company and great food are two essentials for entertaining, an impressive table setting is pretty high on the list (thanks, social media). Arrangements and flat top decor may look intimidating, but with a simple strategy and detailed eye, you too can create a picture-perfect scene. We’ll get to holiday and festive scapes later, but right now we’re focusing on how to set up for an outdoor party. Learn (and shop) all the elements you need to throw a chic event.
It’s important to set the area before your guests arrive. This way, you know every place setting is accounted for and you have the right number of utensils and glassware. Plus, a fully set table always lends a wow-moment for guests walking in.
Tayler Dubé
Tayler Dubé
Kourt uses the below Missoni dishes for entertaining in the backyard. Anything with a playful decoration or pattern is great for outdoor dining. She recommends buying an assortment of bright colors and prints for plates. When the table is set, you can intersperse solids and patterns to make the vibe visually more interesting.
Tayler Dubé
For silverware, you can either opt for modern stainless steel sets or use eclectic designs that have more of a statement feel. Since the plates here have a bold paisley look, the sleek silver flatware compliments it best.
Placemats are key to pulling a well-dressed table together. Kourt typically uses white linen napkins (as shown in these photos), but you can also use something with a bit of texture, like these round Raffia ones. A trick she learned from Kris is, if there are more people than coordinating napkins and placemats, you can blend in different styles by alternating each with a different design. The takeaway: if you’re having a big party, feel free to go a little rogue with mixing-and-matching.
Tayler Dubé
Don’t overlook a coffee and tea station. How often do you get to break out your cute cups and saucers? An outdoor brunch or dinner is the perfect excuse. Shop the essentials you need to host a fabulous outdoor meal.
