Cheap Outdoor Table Ideas

Hey y’all I’m back to share more details about our Welcome to Fall Dinner Party. I shared all the planning details on Monday and you can see the 5 tips here.

Today I’m sharing how to style your outdoor spaces with some easy and Cheap Outdoor Table Ideas. When planning a dinner party of any type, 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.

DIY Projects for Tables

First, our outdoor tables are interchangeable and therefore the sizes are all over the place. Tablecloths and table runners in the different sizes are difficult to find. Therefore, I decided to make some custom table runners. When choosing the fabric, I decided my cheapest alternative would be drop cloth fabric. Here is the tutorial on how to make the inexpensive table runner’s. You can also see how the tassels were made here.

Fresh Flowers

Another concern is the centerpieces for the outdoor tables. These tables are narrow and will not allow for large centerpieces or there would be no room for the plates. Since I have a large collection of clay pots and they are free to use, I decided they would be perfect for the outdoor tables.

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

Once the party is over, these lovely plants can be transplanted into larger pots or placed in the ground.

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 the DIY Earthenware Vessel and filled it with free cuttings from around the garden.

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

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

Mix dishes for a cheap & Creative Table Setting

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 and I was careful to use patterns that remined me of fall.

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 string to tie the flatware together. This is a great way to avoid everyone touching each other’s utensils.

scatter more fresh flowers and pumpkins

In addition to the tables, you can add more flowers, that you will later plant, to the serving tables and around your outdoor spaces to create a fun fall feel.