How to Decorate a Patio Table

Enjoying a long, luxurious patio dinner on a warm summer night surrounded by friends family and fresh air is one of life's great pleasures. The centerpiece of any patio is the patio table. A well-designed patio table can wow guests, set the tone and even serve useful functions. You can be certain that your patio table looks inviting, elegant and interesting by following a few easy decorating tips. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Decorating a Patio Table

1

Choose a theme, and decide what type of mood you want to create. What type of event are you having? Is it formal or informal? Will it be loud and casual or quiet and elegant? Think of a restaurant that has a similar mood, and try to recreate the feeling. What type of decor do they use? Patio tables lend themselves to themes. If you are serving dinner, choose a theme that matches the food you are serving--Italian bistro, Spanish seaside, French countryside or Napa Valley vineyard. Other favorite themes for patio tables include tiki, beach and nautical.

2

Pick a tablecloth, china and silverware. Decorating a patio table is not very different from decorating an indoor table. In fact things like table cloths and fine silverware stand out all the more in an outdoor setting because they aren't expected. At the same time, patio tables aren't expected to be as complex as indoor tables. Focus on a few simple elements, and the table will look beautiful. The tablecloth and china set the tone. Bright colors and patterns are more informal and exciting while whites and light colors are more formal.

3

Buy quality cushions. Because patio furniture is made to stand up to the elements, it is often made from hard materials. A soft cushion that matches your table's dcor will be more comfortable and let you linger at the table a little longer.

4

Look at your surroundings. Matching the color of your flowers, plants and other yard dcor will help your patio table feel like a part of a whole design. Using natural elements--twigs, rocks, sand and plants--will connect your table to the outdoors.

5

Choose candles and lights. Lighting may be the most important part of a patio table. Candles always make a patio table stand out and add drama as night falls. Small votives placed around the table look nice but because they melt quickly you may want to use them for short meals or events. For longer dinners, choose large pillars in glass containers weighted in some sand or rocks. If you choose candles meant to keep bugs away, choose unscented candles that won't irritate guests or overpower any food or drinks you are serving. Stringing paper lanterns or outdoor lighting from the patio umbrella or tall supports create a festive, engaging atmosphere.