17 Beautiful Outdoor Table Decor Ideas for Elegant Spring + Summer Hosting

The Art of Hosting an Outdoor Dinner Party & Creating a Space to Enjoy the Outdoors

When was the last time you watched a Nancy Meyers movie and just longed for dining al fresco? The other day I spotted some gorgeous antique green terra cotta pots and my heart instantly went to outdoor dinner party. Ever since, I have had my eye on all the entertaining essentials.

There’s something undeniably magical about dining under the open sky. It makes life feel so dreamy. I’ve been working on my own outdoor space and turning it into a magical garden so that I can host an outdoor dinner party.

Whether it’s an intimate family dinner or a beautifully set outdoor gathering, stepping outside to eat transforms an everyday meal into a meaningful experience.

Hosting an outdoor dinner party—or simply creating a space for your family to enjoy the outdoors—connects you with nature, promotes wellness, and brings a sense of joy and presence to your daily life.

The Importance of Spending Time Outdoors

In today’s fast-paced, screen-filled world, we often find ourselves spending far too much time indoors. But nature has an incredible ability to heal and restore. Fresh air, natural light, and the soothing sounds of birds or rustling leaves can reduce stress, enhance mood, and even boost creativity.

Studies show that spending time outside improves mental clarity, lowers cortisol levels, and strengthens overall well-being. Simply put, making the effort to dine outdoors—whether solo or with loved ones—is one of the simplest ways to elevate everyday life.

Creating an Inviting Outdoor Space

You don’t need a sprawling garden to cultivate a beautiful outdoor dining experience. A small patio, balcony, or backyard nook can become a cozy and inviting space with just a few thoughtful touches. Consider these key elements:

1. Comfortable Seating: Invest in quality chairs or benches with cushions to encourage guests (or yourself) to linger longer.

2. A Beautiful Table Setup: A simple wooden table, a foldable picnic setup, or even a small bistro table can work beautifully. Elevate it with a linen tablecloth, stylish plates, and candles.

3. Soft Lighting: String lights, lanterns, or candles instantly add warmth and ambiance, making the space feel enchanting after sunset.

4. Natural Elements: Incorporate fresh flowers, potted herbs, or woven accents to bring in a sense of organic beauty.

5. Cozy Details: Blankets for chilly evenings, outdoor rugs to define the space, and even a small fire pit can enhance the comfort of your setup.

The Art of Hosting an Outdoor Dinner Party

Hosting an outdoor dinner party is less about perfection and more about creating a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Here’s how to set the tone for an unforgettable gathering:

1. Set the Mood with Music: A carefully curated playlist with soft jazz, acoustic melodies, or bossa nova creates an effortlessly chic atmosphere.

2. Keep the Menu Simple and Seasonal: Opt for fresh, local ingredients that highlight the beauty of the season. Think grilled vegetables, fresh salads, and light, flavorful dishes.

3. Serve Family-Style: Placing dishes in the center of the table encourages conversation and a sense of togetherness.

4. Offer a Signature Drink: A refreshing herbal-infused water, a pitcher of sangria, or a classic cocktail adds a special touch.

5. Be Present and Enjoy: The key to a great host is to actually enjoy the evening. Keep things easy and go with the flow—nature, after all, is wonderfully unpredictable.

The Wellness Benefits of Outdoor Dining

Eating outdoors isn’t just aesthetically pleasing—it also nurtures your well-being in profound ways. Dining outside encourages mindfulness, allowing you to slow down and savor your food with greater awareness. It also promotes better digestion, reduces stress, and strengthens social connections. Simply setting a table outdoors—even if just for yourself—can become a form of self-care, a way to ground yourself and embrace life’s simple pleasures.

Bringing the Experience into Everyday Life

While hosting a full dinner party is special, incorporating outdoor dining into your daily routine can be just as rewarding. Enjoy your morning coffee outside, have a picnic-style lunch in the backyard, or take a few moments in the evening to watch the sunset with a cup of tea. Making time for the outdoors in small but intentional ways can bring a profound sense of peace and balance to your life.

There is an art to outdoor dining—a rhythm, a beauty, and a simplicity that reminds us of what truly matters. Whether you’re gathering friends for a joyful evening under the stars or just stepping outside to enjoy a meal with your family, embracing outdoor dining is a way of reconnecting—with nature, with others, and with yourself. So light the candles, set the table, and take it all in—one beautiful, open-air moment at a time.

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17 Nancy Meyers inspired outdoor dinner party looks

01 | Classic Black and White

Style Me Pretty

A crisp black and white table setting always feels timeless and sophisticated. White plates, neutral linens, and soft textures allow the food and natural surroundings to stand out.

Hosting tip: White dishes are perfect for outdoor dinners because they create a clean canvas that pairs beautifully with almost any seasonal decor.

Recreate this look:

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02 | Cozy little corner

image source

Fresh flowers instantly make an outdoor table feel welcoming and seasonal. A simple arrangement using garden roses, hydrangeas, or wildflowers creates a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

Hosting tip: Choose flowers that reflect the natural surroundings of your outdoor space so the table feels like an extension of the garden.

Recreate this look:

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03 | Vintage blue

Alicia Lund

Natural wood tables add warmth and character to outdoor gatherings. When paired with linen napkins, simple glassware, and greenery, the look feels effortless yet thoughtfully styled.

Hosting tip: Keep rustic tables simple by letting the natural texture of the wood become part of the decor.

Recreate this look:

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04 | Coastal grandmother

Mary Klein

A coastal-inspired table feels relaxed and perfect for summer dinners outdoors. Think light linens, soft blues, natural textures, and simple floral accents.

Hosting tip: Incorporate woven chargers or rattan accents to give the table a breezy, beach-inspired feel.

Recreate this look:

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05 | Green and white gingham

French Country Cottage

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06 | Wicker and rattan

The Glam Pad

Sometimes the most beautiful centerpieces are the simplest ones. Fresh greenery such as eucalyptus, olive branches, or garden clippings can instantly elevate a table.

Hosting tip: Use greenery that’s already growing in your yard to create an organic and effortless centerpiece.

Recreate this look:

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07 | Country garden inspired porch

Liz Marie Blog

Layering flowers, candles, and soft linens creates a romantic garden party atmosphere that feels both elegant and inviting.

Hosting tip: Keep centerpieces low so guests can easily see and talk to each other across the table.

08 | Use gorgeous bamboo silverware

Credit: Morgan Werner

09 | Neutrals and citrus

Credit: Peppermint Press

Candles are one of the easiest ways to create a cozy and romantic atmosphere for evening gatherings.

Hosting tip: Use a mix of pillar candles and smaller votives to create soft layers of light as the sun begins to set.

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10 | Classic garden green

Studio McGee

Outdoor brunch tables should feel bright, cheerful, and relaxed.

Hosting tip: Add fresh fruit, pastries, or small bowls of berries to the table so the food becomes part of the decor.

Recreate this look:

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11 | Casual Pasta party

Sahar Fek

A Mediterranean-style table feels warm, vibrant, and inviting. Olive branches, rustic ceramics, and linen napkins help capture that relaxed European atmosphere.

Hosting tip: Serve dishes family-style so guests can pass plates and share food together.

Recreate this look:

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12 | Modern garden dining

Credit: pinterest . com

A minimalist table can feel incredibly elegant when styled with intention. A few beautiful pieces often make more impact than an overly decorated table.

Hosting tip: Focus on quality over quantity by choosing a few meaningful decor elements instead of filling the table with too many items.

12 | Ralph Lauren Home Blue and White

Ralph Lauren Home

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13 | Neutral gingham by the sea

Credit: Mary Klein

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14 | Cozy neutral dining next to climbing plant wall

Melissa Penfold

Neutral tones like beige, cream, and soft taupe create a calm and elegant foundation for outdoor dining.

Hosting tip: Layer neutral textures like linen napkins and woven placemats to keep the table visually interesting.

Recreate this look:

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15 | Earthy neutrals with clear glass

Bria Hammel Interiors

For more formal outdoor dinners, adding layered plates, cloth napkins, and thoughtful place settings can make the table feel special.

Hosting tip: A handwritten place card or simple name tag adds a personal touch guests will appreciate.

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16 | Book club bamboo

Credit: pinterest . com

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17 | Mother’s Day inspired floral tablescape

My One Hundred Year Old Home

Recreate this look:

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Simple Elements That Make Outdoor Tables Feel Special

Beautiful outdoor table decor often comes down to a few key elements:

• fresh flowers or greenery
• layered table linens
• candlelight for evening gatherings
• natural textures like wood or rattan
• thoughtful place settings

Even simple additions like these can transform an ordinary meal outdoors into a memorable experience.

Dining Al fresco

Outdoor dining has a way of slowing everything down in the most beautiful way. Whether you're hosting a relaxed brunch with friends or an elegant summer dinner under the stars, a thoughtfully styled table helps set the tone for the entire gathering.

The beauty of outdoor table decor is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Often the most memorable tables are created with simple elements — fresh flowers from the garden, natural textures, candlelight, and a few carefully chosen details that make guests feel welcomed.

With a little intention and creativity, your outdoor table can become more than just a place to eat. It becomes a space where conversations linger, laughter flows easily, and the simple joy of sharing a meal together turns into a moment everyone remembers long after the evening ends.

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Please feel free to email me at ashlina@thedecorista.com if you have any questions!  I’m always happy to help with decorating, life advice or even picking out a specific perfume!  Have an amazing day!!

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7 Wealthy Woman Wellness Secrets You Should Adopt

If you have seen my recent Wealthy Woman Walks video, then you know, I’ve sort of been on a journey of the wealth & wellness lifestyle and how the two relate.

For years, I’ve been studying the hobbies, habits and activities of women that are wealthy and one of the things I’ve noticed is that for women that are wealthy, wellness is a top priority. Abundance in all areas of life is the vibe.

Many celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Anniston or Jessica Chastain have those French Riveria like bodies that just scream wealth & wellness. So, I’ve always been one to study the wellness habits of these women.

Aside from having plenty of money to hire a chef, trainer, etc. They still have to have daily habits of discipline that help them to maintain the work they put in.

Also, I think it is a myth that you have to be wealthy (or spend a lot of money) to have good wellness habits. It’s really about being consistent, dedicated and committed to a lifestyle of wealth and wellness.

I am going to share with you what I have gleaned from studying these women and what I have incorporated into my life on my own personal wealth & wellness journey.

💕 WEALTHY WOMAN WELLNESS SECRET #1: The magical morning elixir.

The most magical little fruit you could ever digest, is the lemon. Lemons are packed with vitamins and nutrients and do so much for your body and digestion. Celebrities like Meghan Markle, Jennifer Anniston & Gisele Bundchen drink hot water with lemon in the morning.

In the Ayurvedic tradition, drinking hot lemon water first thing in the morning helps kick-start digestion and metabolism. Adding lemon helps aid the process.

When I started drinking water with lemon in it first thing in the morning, my entire morning changed. It actually helped me to slow down more in the mornings. Waiting to boil water requires you to practice patience which is so good for your inner health and then slicing the lemon requires focus and intention. The practice does so much for your body, mind and spirit.

💕 WEALTHY WOMAN WELLNESS SECRET #2: Good for you greens.

Celebrities swear by green juices. Kimberly Snyder ( one of my favorite nutrition authors ) has the glowing goddess smoothie recipe which will rock your world. I love her books. Her smoothie will make your body feel so healthy and glowing. Kylie Jenner, Reese Witherspoon &. Leanne Rimes all love her morning green smoothies.

I personally did a 7-day detox with the GGS and loved it.

After loving my morning smoothie, I switched up to a more protein filled green smoothie for my daily breakfast ritual and since then, I have been consistent with my green smoothie breakfasts. I can tell you that this has changed my mornings, I feel nourished, full and still light enough & not too full where I have enough energy to get through a work morning and satiated enough through the late afternoon.

Another green juice I have come to love is CELERY JUICE. Celebrities swear by this beauty secret, made popular by Medical Medium. The benefits of celery juice are endless. It helps chronic acid reflux, fights autoimmune disease, helps restore adrenals, neutralizes and flushes toxins out of the liver, supports a detoxification and is a powerful help to fight bloating. I love to drink celery juice whenever i’m having amid-day snack, I feel like it breaks up my meals.

💕 WEALTHY WOMAN WELLNESS SECRET #3 Digestive Enzymes.

I have always been a big fan of vitamins & supplements.. Every morning, I whip out my vitamin planner and take my supplements for the day. Drew Barrymore and several other health experts have come out raving about digestive enzymes. They support your body in breaking down your food without exhausting your gut.

Years ago, I would notice that after a big meal, my skin would always have some sort of allergic reaction to things. Sometimes, my fingers would just swell. That’s when I began reading about gut health and as someone who has learned how important gut health is, digestive enzymes became a go-to for me with every meal. I noticed that when I would take digestive enzymes, I stopped having skin irritations.

What I’ve learned is that when your body is having a hard time breaking down food, you can experience bloating, puffiness, fatigue and even skin irritations. So, for me proper digestion & food breakdown will transform your skin and body.

I also add Chlorophyll drops to my water which helps in the same way. It’s dark green and makes your water look funny but literally has zero taste to it. It speeds up health recovery, boosts immunity, helps clear skin, helps with digestion and improves your iron levels which is a must for women. I highly recommend trying this little wellness ritual.

💕 WEALTHY WOMAN WELLNESS SECRET #4 Wealthy Woman Walks.

For at least a year, I’ve been doing 3 mile walks in the morning. It started with 25 minute walks and then quickly became 45 minute walks because over time, I found myself addicted.

Now, here is the benefit of walks versus hard core cardio workouts. When your body is in walking mode, your heart rate stays at about a 60-70% of your maximum heart range (zone 1 & 2) which keeps you at prime fat burning mode for an extended period of time.

When you get into high intensity cardio, your body goes into calorie burning mode, not fat burning mode. But walking, keeps your body at a steady fat burning rate. This is ideal for weight loss and keeping it off.

Walks also help you stay grounded. It helps you process emotions through your body and move energy that was previously stagnant. I recorded a podcast episode about a few rituals like walking that I use to help me stay grounded and balanced.

Also, on these walks are a few key essentials. It is an optimal time to be listening to audiobooks or podcasts to expand your mind and learn new things. You must remember to wear your sunscreen and even wear an ever bigger hat. Every wealthy woman is covering herself properly from sun damage. Proper shoes and waist bag are also included. I am obsessed with these walking shoes, they are like walking on clouds.

💕 WEALTHY WOMAN WELLNESS SECRET #5: SETTING INTENTIONS & JOURNALING

Did you know that J-lo credits her success to setting the right intentions? Jennifer Anniston uses journaling as a form of therapy and so does Jessica Simpson, Lady Gaga and Emma Watson according to this article.

My favorite way to start my day, Morning Pages. In the book, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron speaks about “Morning Pages”, a journaling method that helps to inspire your creativity for your life and career.

“Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing,
done first thing in the morning. *There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages*–
they are not high art. They are not even “writing.” They are about
anything and everything that crosses your mind– and they are for your eyes
only. Morning Pages provoke, clarify, comfort, cajole, prioritize and
synchronize the day at hand. Do not over-think Morning Pages: just put
three pages of anything on the page...and then do three more pages tomorrow.”

— Julia Cameron

I have always been in love with journaling as a way to clear my mind so I can prepare myself to be present during my workday. The benefits of journaling are endless. I also use journaling as a tool for manifestation, which by the way is incredibly powerful, especially as you write out the things you want to attract into your life, I explain it in detail here.

💕 SECRET #6: MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION

Mindfulness is a Buddhist concept that means being fully present. I once read that Goldie Hawn, 70, has shared that one of the secrets to glowing at her age is eating mindfully. She credits that eating mindfully helps her determine whether she is actually hungry or just eating for emotional reasons.

Oprah Winfrey previously admitted that learning how to meditate was one of the "most life-enhancing things I ever did,” she told comedian Amy Schumer in a 2018 interview for Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations. Oprah practices TM, Transcendental Meditation.

Beyonce Knowles credits using “tools like acupuncture, meditation, visualization, and breathing exercises” to in her lifestyle to keep herself in top mental and physical shape.

I personally began using mindfulness and meditation at the start of my own wellness lifestyle makeover and haven’t gone back since. Chakra meditations are my weekly must do ritual, I share all of my mindfulness tool inside of my monthly membership program, the House of Bliss.

💕 SECRET #7: GRATITUDE, AFFIRMATIONS & SELF-CONCEPT WORK

One of the many things I teach the women inside my membership is the foundational work on gratitude & affirmations. We flourish when we have a solid foundation in ourselves. When we are confident in who we are and what we are doing.

Billionaire and entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria, you may know him as the co-founder of Paul Mitchell hair products and Patron tequila), spends his mornings expressing gratitude. “The very second I wake up, I stay in bed for about five minutes and just be. I do, at times, reflect on what I have in life and for what I am grateful. For the most part, I can’t tell you how important it is to take those first five minutes and be thankful for life.

Practicing gratitude for your life and for yourself is a habit of highly abundant women.

In addition to gratitude, affirmations have supported the most successful people on their journeys to becoming the best in their industries. Jennifer Lopez, Oprah and Jim Carrey all have a consistent affirmation practice to help them succeed. Affirmations are powerful, positive statements that aim to direct your conscious and subconscious mind, challenging previously held unhealthy and negative thinking patterns.

Here are a few of the affirmations I have used and fallen in love with….

+ I accept myself for who I am & I accept my life as it is. 

+ I loving release anything that is no longer serving me. 

+ I only focus on the things I can control. 

+ I feel my best in a clutter free space. 

+ I prioritize my well-being and emotional health.

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I’ve been studying the lifestyle secrets of wealthy women for years, (watching Real Housewives counts too, right?). And through all of my studies on personal development, spirituality, wellness, self-love and self-care…I put it all together, break it down to cliff’s notes so you don’t have to do all the digging. I hope you enjoyed this post and get to try out some of these secrets for yourself. Each one is a practice I have personally adopted into my lifestyle regime and I can attest to the results.

If you would like to take your wealth + wellness journey a little deeper, grab my 21-day Soul Alignment workshop + Soul Aligned Wealth workshop. Every morning for 21 days you will receive a big sister, pep talk info video (under 15 min) to help guide you along your journey into becoming the best version of yourself. The best part, you can start today!
START HERE!