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Arguably, the best way to enjoy a meal during the warmer months is al fresco. And if you’re planning to host an outdoor dinner party this season, you’re probably starting to gather some inspiration for how you want to style your table. Whether you want to keep it simple or create a boho retreat, there are easy ways to make those visions come to life for you and your guests. Check out these tablescapes, and recreate them in a few simple steps.

Tropical Garden Party

If you’re hosting a tropical dinner party (like this one from Sugar and Cloth), you don’t necessarily need bright plates and serveware. Use the plates, glasses, and silverware you already have and add tropical accents in other ways. Bring those vibrant colors into the mix by going to your local flower market and picking up pink, orange, and yellow flowers to brighten up your dinner table. Take it an extra step by having bold drinks poured in tall glasses to add pops of color at every seat.

Alfresco Retreat

You don’t need to go all out with accessories if you have one bold statement piece like the tablecloth used for this Sacramento Street tablescape. Even though this table features black as the color of choice, it still feels summery thanks to rattan chargers and succulent accents. If you want to host a desert inspired backyard dinner, this is definitely the look to copy.

Midsummer Soiree

Whimsical summer parties are always a good idea. Mix and match different dinner essentials to give off an extra laid back aesthetic like this Camille Styles soiree. Use a dyed runner and individual napkins to introduce additional boho elements to the table.

Palm Fronds

This table by Studio DIY is so sleek and yet so playful at the same time. Opt for complete minimalism when it comes to the table itself, and add the fun by lining up tiny pineapples down the center as both decor and balloon weights. Find some fun balloons, like this palm style, and use them as the main design element at your dinner party.

Springtime Swooning

Here, Eye Swoon uses neutrals and lets the food speak for itself. Spring and summer are the best times to serve meals that incorporate bold colors. Skip the textiles and glossy serveware and really showcase what’s on the menu! By using neutral pieces, your table will look understated and gorgeous with minimal effort.

Boho Backyard

Summer dinner parties are the perfect time to really go bold, so do just that like Inspired by This. An abundance of bright colors, flowers overflowing off the table, and different shades of glasses and plates make the table come to life.

Citrus Styling

Work with what you’ve got—including oranges! This citrus table by The Jungalow is gorgeous thanks solely to fresh fruit. Gather fruit in bowls, cut some in half, and playfully display them or simply stack them. Don’t stop there: Use these centerpieces throughout the meal, as well. Whether you’re serving fresh juice, cocktails, or a summer salad, your display becomes your ingredients.

Rustic Charcuterie

This rustic table by Apartment 34 has everything you need. Use an extra large

charcuterie board

to display all the tasty treats you’ve set up for your guests. A natural wood board filled with meats, cheeses, olives, and fruit is what dreams are made of.

Simple and Modern

Simple, modern and understated is always a good choice when it comes to setting your table. Choose one piece to really be the accent, like these cloth napkins by Homey Oh My. While everything else is white, a napkin in a minimalist pattern and a sprig of greenery adds a small pop of color.

Easy Summer Setup

Follow Emily Henderson’s lead, and use oversized plants at your dinner table. Keep each place setting relatively simple, and let the plants shine. Just be mindful when you’re arranging them to ensure that all of your guests will be able to see and speak with one another.

Beach Party

Whether you’re by the ocean or not, you can still throw a Style Me Pretty-esque beachy dinner party that everyone will love. Add aquatic accents to your table and make sure everyone has their own linen tea towel for when they’re digging into some shellfish.

Bright and Fun

This simple approach to styling your dinner table by Paper & Stitch is so easy. Layer table linens in a mix of patterns and colors across your table to make a bright setting for the food you’ll be serving. Don’t overthink the placement of these tablecloths and towels. Rather, place them haphazardly all over the table to create a playful dining experience.

Pastel Party

Pastels are definitely having a moment, so why not incorporate them into your dinner party, as well? This feminine table by the Glitter Guide is so fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Glitter-dipped utensils, confetti, and bright drink strawers all make appearances on this table. We dare you to find anyone who wouldn’t love getting an invite to a dinner party like this.

Modern Farmhouse

This tablescape by Christina Lubarda can be achieved by anyone. There are no frills when it comes to the table itself, and yet it’s giving off major style. The rustic table and traditional candles mixes perfectly with modern elements. It’s simple, elegant, and ready to be the inspiration for your next dinner party.

Classic Table

Turn your table into a classic like this one by Honestly Yum by lining the center with all types of leaves and adding candles. Place lemons throughout this setup to add bright pops of color to the table. You’ll instantly feel like you’re in the hills of Tuscany rather than your backyard.

Read more:

• How to Host a Dinner Party in Your Living Room• 18 Things Every Dinner Party Should Have• How to Make Your Party Photo Ready

Published on April 19, 2017