Effortless Outdoor Dining: Tips for Creating the Perfect Outdoor Tablescape

Summer is here, and you know what that means—time to take the dinner party outside! There’s nothing like sharing dinner with family outdoors, feeling the breeze in your hair, and watching the ducks paddle across the lake. I just love summertime, especially at the lake.

Whether you’re looking out over a beautiful lake or just soaking in the sights and sounds of your own backyard, outdoor dining is where it’s at. But, let’s get real for a minute. The whole process of moving everything from the kitchen to your deck or patio can be a major hassle. Who wants to lug around condiments, drinks, silverware, and napkins, only to bring it all back inside later? It can turn your laid-back dinner into a logistical nightmare.

But, don’t worry—outdoor dining should be about bliss, not stress. That’s why I’ve put together these simple tips to make your outdoor dining experience smooth and enjoyable. Follow these, and you’ll find yourself dining outside more often, without the headaches. After all, summer’s too short to spend it indoors!

Key to Easy Outdoor Dining is the Basket 

First things first, keep all your outdoor dining essentials in one spot. I like to use a sturdy bin or basket to store my outdoor dishes, utensils, tablecloths, napkins, and centerpiece items. Having outdoor dining essentials in one spot makes setting up your outdoor table so much easier. Pro tip: pass the basket off to your kids or husband and let them help set up the tablescape for a special dinner out on the deck.

Melamine dishware is my go-to for outdoor dining. My plates, tumblers, and trays are all made of melamine which is lightweight, durable, and perfect for outdoor use. Melamine is also dishwasher-safe, which is a huge bonus.  Plus, there is an endless amount of colors or patterns that make creating a beautiful tablescape easy. I couldn’t find my exact pattern, but here (affiliate link) is a really pretty set of bowls and plates for 6.

Confession time! Not all of our outdoor dining is met with a gorgeous tablescape, there are times when we eat outside off of disposable dishes. And if this is your jam too the same strategy works! Keep your disposable plates, cups, silverware, and napkins in a basket or bin. When it comes time to set the table, just bring the basket outside.

Serving Trays for Your Dining Table

This story is basically embarrassing to admit, but just in case you haven’t figured out the magic of serving trays and how they are key outdoor dining essentials, let me share a true story. When I first moved in with my now husband, we would eat outside all the time. It was the best! However, we would take so many trips from the kitchen to our outdoor table carrying all the things – ketchup, side dishes, silverware – you get it. Our arms were full, and remember it’s not just a one way cary. What goes out must go back in!

Then one day we were at my now in-law’s camp. My mother-in-law brings out everything for the entire family of 6 to eat on one serving tray. It was this light weight plastic, nothing-fancy, serving tray.  I was trying to act cool, but I couldn’t believe we didn’t have to do the kitchen shuffle (where you overstuff your arms and try to reduce the number of trips from the inside out). So just in case you are like me and haven’t figured it out yet, serving trays are the best, and they aren’t just meant for waitresses!

Get a lightweight, easy-to-store tray that can handle everything from salads to sauces. Trust me, it will change your outdoor dining game. I love my melamine tray and it’s lasted for years too! Plus, it’s cute!

Trash Management

Outdoor dining is supposed to be carefree, but it can turn into a mess if you’re constantly tracking dirty dishes back inside. My tip? Bring the garbage can outside (especially if it’s a disposable plate kind of night). This way, everyone can toss their disposable plates, cups, and napkins without a second thought. It keeps the cleanup outside, where it belongs, and makes your life a whole lot easier.

An Easy But Beautiful Outdoor Dining Tablescape

Here’s where you can get creative! I love setting up a beautiful outdoor tablescape to make even a simple dinner feel special. Keep your centerpieces and outdoor table decor in your dining basket, so you can easily add a touch of charm to your setup. Whether it’s a faux bouquet of wildflowers, a few candles, or some cute napkin rings, these little touches go a long way in creating a magical dining experience. My kids love to create the experience and are always proud of what they put together. 

With these tips, outdoor dining is enjoyable and hassle-free, plus you’ll be able to spend more time enjoying the meal and less time stressing about the setup. Get outside, and create some unforgettable summer memories with your loved ones.

Happy dining!

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