set a chic (and cheap!) outdoor table

Summer is my favorite time of the year to entertain.   I love bringing the indoors outside to enjoy a yummy meal with my friends in the warm summer sun or under a sky of stars (and a ton of candles!).  So when my good friend asked for help setting a beautiful outdoor table for a small, intimate birthday lunch at her home, I jumped at the chance.  The best part?  Everything we found costs less than $50! For this gathering, we kept the color palette to cool blues and soft greens and added lots of texture that make a soothing setting, sure to drop the temperature on even the hottest day!

The best place to start is with an oversize, flowing tablecloth that reaches the ground.  It’s a great way to add drama and elegance to even the most casual get together.  We found 8 foot by 8 foot pieces of burlap at a local feed store for $8 each, or you can order by the yard for super cheap here.  I love the texture:

Water hyacinth placemats from Ikea are understated and summery…and at $4 a pop, you can’t beat the price:

Simple white plates with beaded detail add an elegant touch:

To create a beachy feel, skip the kitchy details and opt for silver faux bamboo flatware for a chic, summery alternative:

Aqua highball glasses add a pop of color:

Mini potted succulents double as guest favors as well as a centerpiece when set in the middle of the table.  We found a tray full of different varieties at Home Depot for less than $4 a piece:

Striped, yarn-dyed napkins add a touch of whimsy:

No table is complete without some candlelight.  We found a bunch of simple, round glass hurricanes in different sizes, similar to these, at TJMaxx and Walmart (of all places) to place in the middle of the table.  We didn’t spend more than $8 on each one and made sure they weren’t too tall to hinder conversation across the table.  Unscented white candles add an elegant touch:

Have a wonderful weekend!