Dining Al Fresco

Ahh, springtime is HERE! I don’t know about you, but gatherings with family and friends around the dinner table is one of my favorite things. With a bid and hopes for warmer weather soon, I am already thinking of all the al fresco lunches and dinners we will have. Beyond the importance of a delicious menu, the setting is also a beautiful and fun way to elevate the dining experience with those you love. How wonderful it is to gather, and how easy and fun it can be to set the backdrop with your tabletop!

Setting a table that reflects you, your family, and your meal doesn’t have to be over the top. Here are a few things that I like to keep in mind for dining al fresco.

1. Pick a theme

If you have a theme or holiday, keep that in mind regarding the color palette. For example, Easter. Pull from pastel flowers and select table cloths, placemats, napkins, etc., that reflect that concept.

Mary Hollis Huddlestone

2. Arrange a centerpiece

Put together a fun centerpiece or arrangement of pieces to create a personalized tablescape. This does not have to be extravagant. You could use drinking glasses with various florals from Trader Joe’s, or add carrots and accessories from places like Hobby Lobby or Amazon.

(I have these and love them!).

Easter Holiday Decor Amazon Leigh Seal & Co.

3. Make it personal

Think of pieces that have sentimental value to you. I love my purple pitcher that was my grandmother’s, and I use it all the time regardless of the occasion. Seeing and using it just makes me so happy! Do you have a family heirloom, something from a dear friend, or a piece from your wedding to add? You could even go to an antique store and pick out something random and eclectic for a great conversation piece.

4. Don’t forget to cheers!

Always have a pitcher or two for water (or wine) to share with your guests. There is just something about indulging in a refreshment outdoors.

5. Add those finishing touches

Create place settings with your guests’ names (to make your loved ones feel extra special or seat friends with similar interests together), layer in a few scented candles, or even a rechargeable table lamp with a few blankets, and you’ve got yourself a memorable and enjoyable time.

6. Layers

Just like any room in your home – think in layers of color, texture, pattern, and materials on your tabletop. Different layers will add dimension and help to tie everything together effortlessly.

7. Enjoy!

Voila! Just like that you can have a beautiful tablescape to enjoy with your friends and family. It’s little things like this that make a world of difference and show us how blessed we truly are.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes to share with your loved ones this spring.

Salad:
Grilled Corn and Bean Salad Recipe | Valerie Bertinelli | Food Network
Main:
Spicy Ribeye Steaks with Tomato Chutney
This dish holds a special memory for my husband Jordan and me. Weber’s Big Book for Grilling was given to him as a gift way back when, and when he made this recipe for me, I was blown away!
Dessert:
Hummingbird Cake
This is my favorite cake of all time and a Southern staple.
Hummingbird Cake Recipe (southernliving.com)
Beverage:
Edith’s Fizz
This beverage was the “Lady’s Cocktail” at my wedding, while the “Gentleman’s Cocktail” was a Mint Julep.
Edith’s Fizz | Cocktail Party (cocktailpartyapp.com)