Who else loves dining al fresco? There is nothing I enjoy more than dining outdoors in the fresh air, relaxed in the company of friends. When I first moved to Portland, I was so happy to discover that the summers were perfect for dining outside. So, when my friend Lydia moved away, it was an easy choice to take her going-away party outside. She got to say goodbye to her gorgeous backyard, and I got to host an outdoor soiree with a Shibori Tablescape! Read on to find out how I set up this simple summer setting.

Table Decor

For this goodbye garden party I used a modern yet relaxed color palette of deep indigo and crisp white, with splashes of summery yellow. I shibori dyed my own table runner, and then added white candle holders, gorgeous florals in terrariums, ceramic lemons and beer bottles as table decor. Then, for a functional centerpiece, I used a personalized chopping board with assorted appetizers on it for guests to snack on before dinner was served.

TIP: Make use of product packaging as table decor. The bold yellow labels on the beer bottles I used added the perfect pop of color!

Place Settings

My place settings utilized chic shibori chargers with indigo plastic dinner plates and white plastic dessert plates layered on top. I then added gold cutlery and clear plastic wine glasses. I gave each guest a stylish white paper fan to help them keep cool. Then, for the final touch, I created fun Shibori Napkin Wrapped Party Favors and placed them at each setting. Learn how to create your own shibori napkin favors HERE.

TIP: Plastic tableware is perfect for outdoor dining – easy to clean up, doesn’t break, and still looks chic when styled well!

Refreshing Drinks

I used carafes on the table to hold wine. For a thoughtful touch, I added personalized stamped leather jewelry tags to each. Then, I set up a drink station by setting out chilled champagne on a white outdoor table with a gold tray on top. Gold dotted white paper cups and another shibori dyed napkin completed my drink station.

TIP: Use a clear ice bucket and add bright edible florals to the ice to create a beautiful way to keep your drinks chilled.

Above the Table

Finally, to make the whole scene feel a bit more magical, I filled gold terrariums with bright florals, and used craft wire to hang them from the tree branches above the table.

TIP: Use green craft wire – it will blend in with the background and make it feel like your terrariums are magically floating above the table!

Your guests will love joining you for this small and intimate dinner party nestled in the heart of your garden. You’ll find all the details on setting a gorgeous shibori style table on Fun365 at Oriental Trading. Everything you need to See It, Shop It and Make with the click of a button!

When does it get warm enough to dine outside where you live, and what are your favorite al fresco dining tips? Let me know in the comments!

And, for more outdoor garden party inspiration, check out my Preppy Green and Pink Outdoor Garden Wedding post!

Happy Partying!

As an OTC blogger, I received compensation and/or products in exchange for my styling and crafting services. As always, all project ideas and any opinions expressed here are my own. For further information on our disclosure policy please check out our disclosure page.