Dining Outside During Summer Months

This article shares inspiration for dining outside during the summer months and provides an idea for a table setting.

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Back Story

After 6 months of winter in the northeast, summer is truly cherished. Every moment I can get, I spend outside. This includes dining outside during the summer months. Rather than continually use paper plates or risk breaking real porcelain dishes, I have switched to using melamine. Oh my goodness, I was wondering why it took me so long. It’s such a practical and pretty way to eat meals outside.

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Here are some tips on how to make the most of dining outside during the summer.

Dining Outside During Summer

Below are some suggestions for creating a beautiful yet easy outside dining experience.

Garden Flowers

If you have flowers in your garden, cut some and put them in a vase. If you don’t have a garden, then head to your local farmers market to get some seasonal blooms.

Melamine Dishes

For years, I used our regular porcelain plates outside. Until, I broke a few which in turn inspired me to buy some melamine plates and bowls. I was pleasantly surprised at the wide variety available! There are some charming designs and some styles look as though they could be porcelain. Also, many brands are dishwasher safe. Plus, now I don’t have to worry about sweeping up chards of broken procelain.

Here are some links to similar styles of affordable melamine:

• Similar melamine dish set
• Similar acrylic drinking glasses

Tablecloth & Cloth Napkin

Adding a simple tablecloth and cloth napkin elevates any dining occasion. This sweet little eyelet tablecloth is perfect for summer dining outside. It’s machine washable which helps with any accidental spills.

• Eyelet tablecloth
• Matching eyelet napkins

Add Some Candles

If you are dining outside in the evening, candle light creates a magic environment.

• Votive candles in clear glass

Use Napkin Rings

Finally, it’s always fun to use napkin rings. The ones used here were from a set I made for Mother’s Day several years ago. They are an easy DIY. However, here are some similar napkin rings you can buy.

• Similar napkin rings

Conclusion

Dining outside during the summer months doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few essentials and some planning, almost any outdoor dining experience can be elevated.

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Leather and Lace Tablescape

DIY Napkin Rings