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9 Outdoor Dining Ideas & Tips

9 Outdoor Dining Ideas & Tips is sponsored by The Christmas Tree Shop and That

Y’all know I love dining alfresco as often as possible. When we added the gazebo pier, it quickly became an area for impromptu dining.

Here are 9 Ideas For Outdoor Dining using items that I found at the Christmas Tree Shop and That. I was able to purchase everything I needed to create an affordable and stylish dining experience. I can’t wait for you to see all that I found and how I’m using it to entertain on the pier .

Outdoor Dining Table

First, I wanted to find the perfect tableware for an impromptu outdoor dining. The Christmas Tree Shop and That has a great selection of every changing seasonal plates, napkins, glasses and tableware all designed for casual outdoor dining.

Serving Pieces

The most important thing to remember when dining outdoors is the wind. It can completely ruin a dinner party especially when you are dining over water. Therefore you want to use serving pieces that will not blow away.

The metal cutlery holder is heavy and great for keeping your utensils in place as well as straws and napkins.

Another thing to consider when dining alfresco is bugs are attracted to sweets. The beverage dispenser is a must for keeping the lemonade bug free. Plus, it’s an attractive addition to the table.

OUtdoor Place settings

In addition to the serving pieces, you want to consider your plates and glassware. When dining outside, it’s best to use products that will not break. Therefore, I choose these adorable pineapple plates and napkins from The Christmas Tree Shop and That. I fell in love with this fun Black, White & Glam summer line because it’s perfect for outdoor dining. You can see many additional options at these locations.

In addition, I found these acrylic glasses in a perfect shade of green to serve the lemonade in. Don’t they look so pretty with the pink lemonade?

All of these products are practical and safe to use around a pool as well.

We love entertaining on the pier and enjoyed spending Mother’s Day here last year. You can see more inspiration from Memories of Mom!

Practical Centerpiece

If your space is limited, a practical centerpiece is best. Here, I used the battery operated woven candle that I fell in love with at the Christmas Tree Shop. It’s perfect for an outdoor dinner. In addition, I added a real pineapple and some additional fruit and nuts to complete the centerpiece. It’s festive, but will hold up to the wind. As the sun dips behind the mountain, the light will come in handy as well.

I love the texture of these lanterns and couldn’t believe what a great value they were. I plan to pick up a few more for other outdoor spots.

Last fall we made some portable posts for string lights, however the plan didn’t work out exactly as we had hoped. Therefore, having battery operated lights like these is a must.


Comfortable seating

The selection of outdoor cushions and pillows was amazing. There were so many to choose from and the assortment is changing constantly so it’s like a treasure hunt every time you go shopping. I chose these fun fern pillows to add to our existing Adirondack chairs. They are perfect for softening the wooden frames.

The texture and attention to detail is amazing.  I purchased 3 of these pillows for what one would have cost at most stores.  

Outdoor Area Rug

In addition, I added an outdoor area rug to pull the space together and create a cozy atmosphere for the dinner.

The Christmas Tree Shop and That had so many outdoor rugs to choose from. This is a Waverly Rug which is an exclusive line at The Christmas Tree Shop and That. I love how well it works with the cushions, as well as the plates and napkins.

Planter’s

The Christmas Tree Shop and That has a wonderful selection of planters and garden accessories and the prices can’t be beat. To decorate the space for our dining experience, I wanted to add some plants and found this great metal planter that works perfectly with other vintage galvanized containers I like to use for my plants.

I hope you enjoyed seeing these outdoor entertaining ideas. You can find a Christmas Tree Shop and That near you at these convenient locations.

If you’d like to see more tablescape ideas for outdoor dining, check out How to Set an Outdoor Table or Easy Outdoor Kitchen Table Setting. See the latest 5 Inspired Picnic Table Setting Ideas.

Thanks for stopping by today!

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Miche Ortega

Tuesday 20th of April 2021

What a wonderful place to dine. Love all of your suggestions, and those plates are adorable. Thanks, Rachel.

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Tuesday 20th of April 2021

Miche, Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm so glad you liked this.

Cindy@CountyRoad407

Tuesday 20th of April 2021

I never think to use stuff from Christmas but that green is perfect! Love that color with that gorgeous view.

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Tuesday 20th of April 2021

Cindy, Thanks so much sweetie.

diana

Tuesday 20th of April 2021

So pretty and welcoming. Have a wonderful spring.

Cindy

Tuesday 20th of April 2021

Pretty and welcoming.

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Tuesday 20th of April 2021

Diana, Thanks so much for stopping by.

stacy

Tuesday 20th of April 2021

It looks so pretty Rachel! xo

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Tuesday 20th of April 2021

Stacy, Thanks so much.