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Cheap Outdoor Table Decor Ideas That Will Wow Your Guests

Don’t you love dining and entertaining outdoors? Half the fun is decorating the tables. Don’t worry; you don’t have to spend a fortune on these outdoor table decoration ideas. In fact, there are plenty of cheap outdoor table decor ideas that will wow your guests.

The good news is that most outdoor entertaining is casual, so the table decor can be rustic and simple.

Today I’m sharing how to style your outdoor spaces with some easy and Cheap Outdoor Table Ideas.

When planning a dinner party, the table arrangements can cost as much as the food and beverages.

However, here is how to decorate your tables and outdoor spaces without spending a fortune.

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Cheap Outdoor Table Decoration Ideas

With some DIY projects, thrift store finds, garden flowers, fresh herbs, and a bit of creativity, you can easily make outdoor table decorations without breaking the bank.

DIY Projects for Outdoor Table Decor

First, our outdoor tables are interchangeable, so the sizes will vary for each event.

Tablecloths and table runners in different sizes are difficult to find and can be expensive. Therefore, I choose to make custom table runners.

When choosing the fabric, I decided my cheapest alternative would be drop cloth fabric. You can see the tutorial on how to make hand-painted inexpensive table runners, plus how to make jute tassels also.

DIY Hand painted Table runner for cheap DIY Table Decor

Customized DIY Tablecloths

Another alternative for outdoor table decor is to make a Kraft paper tablecloth. The fun thing about using kraft paper is the tablecloth can be customized for your event.

Check out this fun Low Country Boil Kraft Paper Tablecloth tutorial.

Another cute idea is to use a chalkboard paper roll to create a customized table runner for events like Father’s Day or Graduation Parties.

You can see more details on Father’s Day Old Fashioned Dinner Party Ideas.

These DIY Custom Tablecloths and Napkins are another budget-friendly outdoor table decoration idea. They can be customized for any party style.

Outdoor table decor using custom painted table cloth and napkins in a greenhouse spring fling party.

Fresh Seasonal Flowers for Outdoor Table Decor

Another outdoor table decor expense is the centerpieces.

One of my favorite ways to create is centerpiece is with seasonal plant purchases. These mums can be transplanted into larger containers once the party is over. A large collection of thrifted clay pots are free to use and perfect for a simple fall centerpiece.

Cheap and Easy Outdoor Table Decoration Ideas

To fill your clay pots, purchase small containers of fall plants. Remove them from the plastic container and place them in the clay pots. Be sure to water them so they don’t become dried out while in the pots.

DIY Pottery Barn Dupe Vessel with gathered flowers for Cheap outdoor table centerpiece.

This outdoor table decoration idea combines a recycled tin can DIY project and fresh seasonal flowers. You can see how the flowers stay fresh here.

The DIY Over The Table Stand is also an inexpensive DIY project that you can use to decorate your outdoor tables.

Alfresco Dining table creative DIY tableware ideas with recycled tin and aluminum cans.

Garden Flowers or Clippings for Outdoor Tables

In addition to the small containers of flowers, you may want to have a larger statement piece. For the inside table, I used this DIY Earthenware Vessel. It is filled with free cuttings from around the garden.

Outdoor Table Decor for Cheap centerpiece with gathered flowers

Begin by gathering and cutting any green plants or flowers from the garden or landscape that still look good. Fill the vessel with water and arrange the cuttings to form a pleasing centerpiece.

Outdoor Table Decor for Cheap centerpiece with gathered flowers

Here are the cuttings I used in this lovely centerpiece. First, fill the container with citronella plant and add some dwarf nandina.

Next, add some fresh flowers if available. This arrangement includes two types of marigolds.

Just look for any colorful plants or flowers around your garden or even wildflowers along your roadways.

DIY Earthenware vessel - Pottery Barn Dupe filled with fresh garden flowers for outdoor table idea

Insider Tip

Use what you have and make it work.

Before purchasing anything new for a dinner party, inventory what you already have on hand.

The most interesting tables are created with a mixture of unexpected decor.

  • Mix and match dishes, glassware, and silverware.
  • Gather plants, flowers, and herbs from your garden, landscape, and roadside.
  • Create DIY projects that are unique and one of a kind.

Use Fresh Herbs for Centerpieces

Another inexpensive way to decorate your outdoor tables is with fresh herbs.

The centerpiece for the low country boil is achieved with fresh herbs in baskets and clay pots. You can see the full details on How to Make A Free Herb Centerpiece.

Fresh herb centerpiece for outdoor table decoration ideas with kraft paper table runner.

Mix Dishes For a Cheap & Creative Table Setting

Another cheap outdoor table decoration idea is to use thrift store finds.

Most people don’t have place settings for 15 people, and I certainly don’t. Therefore, pull out several dishes and just mixed them around the tables. I personally used all vintage dishes that I’ve collected over the years.

Mix and Match Thrift Store Dishes on outdoor table.

Pull patterns that remind you of your party theme, and any combination will be fun.

Mix and Match Thrift Store Dishes on outdoor table.

Mix & Match Flatware

In addition, most people don’t have unlimited sets of flatware in one pattern. I love to collect vintage flatware as well as dishes. Therefore, just mix the patterns and wrap them in matching paper napkins.

Use jute twine to tie the flatware together. This is a great way to keep the utensils sanitary.

Outdoor Table Decor for Fall in outdoor kitchen

Scatter More Fresh Flowers and Seasonal Decoration

In addition to the tables, you can add more flowers that will later be planted. Add to serving tables and around your outdoor spaces to create a budget-friendly seasonal style.

Let the party begin!

Once your party begins, you can relax knowing that you created a beautiful setting without spending a fortune.

Friends gathered around the fire pit for outdoor entertaining ideas.

Once the party is over, most of the table décor can be planted to enjoy all season long.

Outdoor Fall Dinner Party with fire pit and string lights.
See how to add outdoor string lights.

Resources

Get creative when planning your next dinner party or event. When you think outside the box and use interesting style combinations, you will wow your guests.

Pin It To Remember It

Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? Hover over the images you’d like to save and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button.

Outdoor Table Decor for creative entertaining ideas.
Outdoor Table Decor for creative entertaining ideas.

Norma

Saturday 17th of August 2024

This is awesome stuff. I never really thought to decorate my patio table for fall. I'm excited to do something. Thanks. 🙂

Rachel

Sunday 18th of August 2024

Norma, Thank you for stopping by. I'm so glad you found something that inspired you. Have the best day.

Kim | Shiplap and Shells

Sunday 23rd of July 2023

your outdoor table ideas are so inspiring Rachael.

Rachel

Sunday 23rd of July 2023

Kim, You are so sweet. Thanks for stopping by.

Stacy Ling

Friday 21st of July 2023

Wow so many great ideas! I love them all!

Rachel

Friday 21st of July 2023

Stacy, I really appreciate this.

Renae

Thursday 20th of July 2023

Great tips! You are so creative.

Rachel

Thursday 20th of July 2023

Renae, You are so kind. Thanks for your encouragement.

stacy

Saturday 26th of September 2020

so pretty Rachel! I love all the arrangments you made!!! Looks like a fun party! xoxo

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Monday 28th of September 2020

Stacy, I really appreciate this. Rachel