3 Simple Outdoor Table Styling Tricks That Make Summer Entertaining Look More Expensive – And the 1 Mistake That Cheapens the Look

At the heart of every summer gathering is an outdoor table. Whether it's an intimate brunch setup or a grander evening of entertainment, an elevated tablescape is the secret to every successful soirée during the warmer months.

While the exact way to create an outdoor dining room differs depending on the occasion, there are things you should always add to your table for a memorable spread that feels expensive and high-end.

From beautiful table linens to layered placemats and chargers, designers and hosting experts say these three items should always be present at an outdoor table regardless of the event. Be wary of the one thing to remove, too, as designers say it can cheapen your tabletop in an instant.

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Add: Textured Chargers

While there are some new and beautiful table decor trends to inspire your design this summer, the secret to a truly good tabletop lies in one super simple detail: chargers.

'Start with the charger as your foundation, not just a placeholder,' explains Gregory Blake Sams, founder of Gregory Blake Sams Events in Charleston. 'It truly sets the tone for everything that follows. Outdoors, I like to build from there with texture. The goal is that your eye keeps moving before it ever reaches the food.'

'Charger plates are a great way to 'anchor' a table as you continue to build it up,' agrees Jessie-Sierra Ross, author of Seasons around the Table. 'Starting with a placemat, like a dark wicker woven version, add a glass or metal charger on top to bring texture and color to the table. I like to continue adding dimension with pretty vintage dinner plates and mismatched glass goblets, colorful linen napkins, and a pretty cheesecloth runner down the length of the table.'

Rattan table decor is perfect for creating texture. 'I always begin with the foundation of the place setting,' explains JJ Hornig, founder of Roxy Rentals. 'While charger plates are a beautiful way to anchor the table, I often use woven placemats outdoors because they introduce texture while feeling relaxed and natural in the setting.'

Add: Beautiful, Thought Out Linens

'The easiest high-impact move is investing in beautiful linens. They do more work than people expect,' Gregory explains. 'A great tablecloth or runner in an unexpected color or pattern can instantly transform a basic table.'

The best outdoor table linens are layered thoughtfully. Start with a quality tablecloth printed in a summery floral, then bring in some textured placemats and some colorful linen napkins. A mistake that makes an outdoor table look cheap is a lack of layers. 'Layering is what keeps an outdoor table from feeling flat against a backdrop that's already full of natural texture,' says Gregory. 'Without it, the table competes with the landscape instead of working with it.'

'One of the simplest ways to elevate an outdoor table is to introduce an element of refinement that contrasts with the natural surroundings,' says Kate Pechinka of Kate Kelly Interiors. 'Charger plates add structure and dimension, while handcrafted ceramics or crisp linen napkins create an unexpected juxtaposition with the organic elements. That balance between polished and foraged is what makes a tablescape so enchanting.'

Add: Appropriately Seasonal Greenery

Whether it's a vibrant bunch of peonies gracing your bistro table or a more dramatic garland woven with baby's breath, the best summer table centerpieces are made from fresh foliage or florals.

'After that, I'd say lean into what's already growing around you,' says Gregory. 'Clippings from the garden, even simple greenery, ground the table in its setting.'

Kyla Malkani, a floral designer and content creator based in Washington, DC, says her favorite part is the flowers. 'If the weather is cool enough, I’ll set them earlier, but during the summer, I usually wait until just before guests arrive so they stay fresh and out of the sun. Sometimes I’ll create one larger special floral centerpiece; other times I’ll scatter clusters of simple but chic bud vases throughout the table. It all depends on the mood I’m trying to create.'

'Flowers are the fun part, and you can make a whole entertaining experience going to a floral market, taking on the challenge of making grocery store flowers look elevated, or my favorite thing to do is go out to forage some foliage from trees and vines. A simple branch arrangement styled in a beautiful vase makes a special moment.'

Remove: Disposable Decor and Tableware

Unsurprisingly, the one golden rule when it comes to creating an expensive outdoor tablescape (whether it's for a long table setting or a more intimate setup) is leaving out disposable decorations.

Paper tablecloths, plates, and napkins instantly cheapen a table. Hovik Harutyunyan, founder of LA-based Harutyunyan Events, explains, 'One simple way to elevate your table is using linen napkins instead of paper napkins. In general, paper napkins will usually feel cheap and much more casual. Linen napkins instantly make the event feel intentionally designed and thoughtfully curated. They're also a great way to avoid having your guests chase napkins across the lawn.'

Instead of buying tableware you'll dispose of once the event is over, invest in quality pieces you can bring out for any occasion. Vintage silver napkin rings, ceramic platters, hand-embroidered tablecloths, and quality cutlery will always elevate a table. And if you are worried about breakages, there is some beautiful outdoor-friendly tableware available that looks far from plastic.

The Outdoor Dining Edit

The secret to a truly expensive-looking tablescape lies in one simple formula: layered linens, charger plates stacked on top of woven placemats, and a generous floral centerpiece. So don't overthink it for your next summer event, outdoor tablescapes are always meant to feel more relaxed and effortlessly put together.

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