How to Set an Outdoor Table to Make Dining Al Fresco Even More Enjoyable

While entertaining al fresco is always fun, there are more factors you need to consider than when hosting indoors. A backyard party opens itself up to bugs, sun, wind, and other elements that can quickly turn a lovely evening into an uncomfortable one. However, with some forward planning, you can eliminate many of the nuisances that make outdoor dining tricky. A lot of the preparation starts with how you set your table. To help, we tapped several entertaining experts who shared their best tips for setting an outdoor table in a way that's convenient for you and your guests.

Put Your Table in a Shaded Area

While it may be tempting to place your table in the prettiest area of your backyard, there are other things to consider beyond aesthetics. "Your outdoor table should be in the shade in some capacity, whether that’s a large tree, an umbrella, a canopy, a tent, or a patio overhang," says Liz Curtis, entertaining expert and the founder of the first rent-the-table service, Table + Teaspoon. This not only keeps your guests from getting sunburned during their meal, but it's also important to keep food out of direct sunlight, where it can easily spoil or become unappetizing. 

Use Shatterproof Dishware 

Give yourself and your guests peace of mind and set your table with shatterproof dishware—not fine china. When a piece breaks outdoors, clean-up is challenging—it's harder to tell if you've picked up every piece, says Curtis (and if you don't, you could quickly have a safety concern on your hands). Luckily, there are plenty of stunning dish sets and glasses made from melamine or bamboo that will still look gorgeous on your tablescape.

Opt for Stemless Glasses

While stemmed wine glasses are a great way to elevate your tablescape, they can be impractical for an outdoor party. Less sturdy than normal drinkware, these glasses can easily be knocked off balance, leading to unwanted spills. Skip the stress and stick to using stemless glasses to keep glasses right where they should be—on the table or in guests' hands—says Anthony Navarro, the creative director of Liven It Up Events.

Place Napkins Under Plates 

No place setting is complete without napkins, but they can easily blow away should a gust of wind roll through your backyard gathering. "If you set the table with a charger or base plate, you can place the napkin under the plate and have the napkin hang down in front of the setting," says Navarro. "This way, it will keep the napkin on the table." Using heavy linens will also help keep your napkins in place. 

Use a Tablecloth

Not only are tablecloths the base layer of a beautiful tablescape, but they're also highly practical when it comes to cleanup. "At the end of your party, the last thing that you want to do is spend time scrubbing your surfaces," says Curtis. By using a tablecloth, you can scoop it up, shake it out, and launder it once your guests leave.

Serve Food on Trays 

Planning a party already requires a lot from the host. Make things easier by serving food on large trays and platters. "If you are far from the kitchen, big serving trays with handles can be helpful to transport food and drinks," says Rebecca Gardner, entertaining expert and founder of Houses & Parties. This also allows for easier cleanup at the end of the evening. If you don't like the look of trays, consider lazy Susans instead. "Lazy Susan trays are the best way to keep your table elegant while avoiding forcing your guests to handle heavy dishes to serve themselves," says Curtis.

Provide Multiple Serving Utensils 

If you're setting up a family-style meal where guests are responsible for helping themselves, make sure you set out multiple serving utensils. This will allow people to fill up their plates simultaneously rather than going one at a time, which can delay your meal.

Provide Water Pitchers

It's easy to get warm while dining al fresco, which is why water should be readily available at your party. "Staying hydrated at parties is important generally, but even more so when the sun is a factor," says Curtis. "Thoughtfully place lidded water pitchers with ice on your table."

Set Up a Bar Station

Rather than keeping all of your drink offerings on the table, consider setting up a designated bar area separate from where guests are dining. "Setting up a bar away from the dining table is helpful as it will help keep any critters away," says Navarro. To do so, fill a big galvanized tub with canned and bottled drinks, as well as pitcher cocktails. "The best way to serve outdoor beverages is via a dispenser with a lid and spout for serving," says Curtis. "A dispenser can be both beautiful when filled with fruit, citrus, or edible flowers, and also keep debris and insects out of your drinks."

Cover Your Food

Food will inevitably attract pests to your backyard, but you can deter them by protecting each dish with food covers. "If you are serving on platters or family style, using serving pieces with lids (clear is great so you can see what is in each piece) also helps keep bugs away," says Navarro. If your platters didn't come with lids, there are many beautiful covers you can buy separately that won't disrupt the aesthetics of your tablescape.

Used Potted Plants as Centerpieces

While filling your table with bouquets of in-season flowers may be tempting, this isn't an ideal choice for outdoor parties. Not only will they wilt in the sun, but they can also draw bees, mosquitoes, and other insects. Instead, use potted plants (look for varieties that repel bugs) in various sizes. "They are a gorgeous way to highlight the outdoor nature of your party without attracting pests," says Curtis. However, if you have your heart set on cut flowers, choose ones that naturally repel insects, like lavender.