How to Set a Table for an Outdoor Party

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:SetTableOutdoorParty
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How to Set a Table for an Outdoor Party

Introduction

Decorating for an outdoor party can be challenging and costly, so when planning your next gathering, why not use items from your own garden. Without spending a dime, you can design a beautiful table setting. The following ideas can open your mind to the possibilities.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

  • Tablecloth
  • Large green leaves
  • Napkins
  • Vining plant
  • China
  • Silverware
  • Glasses
  • Glass vase
  • Flowers
  • Ribbon

Steps

1

Step One

Make a table runner using greenery. Large magnolia or hosta leaves work well for this. Remove the stems so that the leaves will lay flat. Angle and layer them in a decorative manner down the length of the table. For the prettiest effect, use a white tablecloth underneath the runner of leaves.
2

Step Two

Create a floral centerpiece using a clear glass vase filled with water. Add greenery and fresh flowers. Hydrangeas and roses are the good choices, but the idea is to use anything you have growing in your landscape.
3

Step Three

Use colorful caladium leaves for coasters. Trim the stems so they lay flat underneath the glasses.
4

Step Four

Twist a strand of big-leaf periwinkle, morning glory, or other supple vine around napkins to form napkin rings.
5

Step Five

Complete the outdoor table setting with indoor items using pretty china, silverware, and silver candle holders.
6

Step Six

Form nosegays by wrapping big leaves--hostas are great--around sprigs of fresh flowers. Wrap the stems with narrow ribbon and lay the completed nosegay in the center of each plate. These make great favors for your guests to take home.
7

Step Seven

Scatter flower petals down the center of the leaf runner. Do this at the last minute as the petals wilt quickly. Your elaborate, but simple table setting is now complete. Your friends will be impressed and they will think you spent a fortune.

Tips & Warnings

  • Certain plants have been offered as suggestions for your outdoor table setting. Be creative and use whatever you have.
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