5 Ways to Get This Look: Elegant Outdoor Dining

When it comes to outdoor dining at my house, we keep things pretty casual.  Paper plates, plastic utensils…you know the drill!  With little kids running around, I like to keep things simple when we entertain.  But that doesn’t stop me from oohing and ahhhing when I see an al fresco tablescape like this one at The Sweetest Occasion.

This pretty table was set for a bridal shower, but the decor could work for any nice event that warrants more than checkered plastic tablecloths and paper cups.  I love the rustic look of the mismatched chairs and the burlap table runner.  And I really like that the rustic elements are paired up with elegant touches like a drapey tablecloth and vintage milk glass vases.  It’s all so pretty, and definitely perfect for occasions like a supper club, girls night in, a brunch party, or even a graduation party.

I selected five elements of this pretty tablescape and found tutorials by other bloggers that you can follow if you want to recreate the look for less.  Follow their instructions, and you’ll be well on your way to being known as the hostess with the mostess!

1.  Golden Candle Holders

Joanne of Double Wide in the Sky loves the look of gold leaf but hates the high price.  She discovered that she could achieve a similar look with Rub ‘n Buff and thrift store candle holders.

2.  DIY Milk Glass

Vintage milk glass is a hot item right now for collectors.  But if it’s just the look you are going for–not an authentic collection–you can save some money by following this tutorial for making your own “milk glass” at The Happier Homemaker.

3.  Striped Burlap Table Runner

There’s a tutorial for a burplap table runner at Mason Bay.  It includes instructions for how to paint on the contrasting stripe that makes it look like vintage sacking that has been repurposed.

4.  Rustic Dining Table

You can’t see the table for all the linens on it, but I like to think it looks a lot like the one built by Shanty 2 Chic.

5.  Chairs Painted White

I really like the use of mismatched white chairs at dining table in my inspiration photo.  If you’d like to paint a few chairs of your own, A Bubbly Life offers an excellent tutorial for painting chairs.  (Don’t you love the dipped effect on these chairs, too?)

Tell me what your outdoor dining style is.  Do you like to eat outdoors very casually, or glam things up a bit?  What’s the fanciest meal you’ve ever had out of doors?  If something a little more casual this is what you love, check out this post for child-friendly picnicking ideas.