Who’s ready to host some backyard BBQs and neighborhood potlucks? Outdoor entertaining is one of my favorite topics because there is just nothing more relaxing than spending time outdoors, cooking and conversating over cocktails with friends and family!
If you’re looking for ways to revamp your outdoor patio, I have tons of blog posts and resources for you. We are now in the process of designing our third patio. See our first project before and afters here.
We went from a large 7-piece Martha Stewart dining set, to a smaller 50-inch table. Before, the table and chairs took up the entire space, and it felt a little too tight for mixing and mingling.
I am so happy with the way my outdoor dining area looks now. Read more below about how we styled the table, and why I am in love with melamine dishware for outdoor entertaining!
Southern Source Side Note: Melamine is a hard plastic material made from organic industrial compounds and is 100% dishwasher safe!
Outdoor Dining Tablescape Ideas
I’m so excited to share my love for outdoor with you all! Last year, I searched all Summer for the best outdoor tableware that is lightweight, easy to clean, and practically indestructible.
Melamine plates, bowls and glasses are ideal for outdoor entertaining. There is a strict no glass rule in our backyard! We don’t have kids yet, but with dogs constantly running around, it’s just for the best!
Last year I fell in love with a melamine brand called Relish. It reminds me of an indoor dining line from Vietri. I am now completely obsessed with all things melamine and a lot of places like West Elm, Pottery Barn and Target all make melamine dishes that are beautiful. So pretty in fact, that I use it for indoor dining as well. It’s so lightweight and easy to clean!
Outdoor Dining & Entertaining Essentials
Light, and easy to clean outdoor serving platters are a must for spring and summer outdoor entertaining in the South. This platter is perfect for serving burgers, veggies, and/or appetizers on.
I love this melamine set from West Elm — it’s on sale!
Here’s another great affordable dish set from Walmart – love the color options!
If you’re going to be entertaining, you’ll need somewhere to store drinks. This galvanized tub is beautiful (and on sale).
One absolute must-have for outdoor entertaining in the South is citronella. You and your guests will really appreciate having an outdoor citronella candle around when you eat all the yummy food. This citronella candle has a really incredible smell and I also love the design and packaging!
Spring and Summer Side Dishes
One of my favorite appetizers to make during the Summer are these Ina Garten inspired Tomato Tarts. This recipe is the perfect excuse to visit your local farmer’s market on Saturday and pick up some fresh heirloom tomatoes to make these delicious tomato tarts! Get the recipes for these other great side dishes below:
How to Style Outdoor Dining Space
The off-white melamine dinnerware adds a nice contrast to the greyish/green dining table, with two layered runners. First, I used this flat table runner from Target and then added a macrame table runner from Anthropologie to create more dimension. All in all, I’m extremely happy with the outdoor area I’ve created to entertain family and friends.
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Oh my gosh, I need that Target flower plate in my life!!
Perfect for getting ready to throw summer parties!
Loved reading this! I need a fire pit and I think I will be getting the one above!
What a gorgeous collection! If they are plastic, are they BPA free? Just curious
Great question! I’d have to check onsite in the description!
Great collection of fun pieces. I have some birthdays to shop for so these are great ideas.
I love your picks, some really nice items! Alfresco dining is so fun and relaxing x
I love the blue cocktail glasses! Must have them!
I love entertaining outdoors! These are all darling!
This is great! I like the pieces you’ve picked 🙂
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Wow these plates and glasses are so pretty! Thank you for sharing stuff that won’t break when entertaining outside. I love these options.
This is gorgeous! Thanks for making it easy to find 🙂 Now I really need that patio!
These look so lovely, and I love your tablescape! It just looks like a peaceful summer table.
Such a pretty collection! I love relaxing outside on the patio in the summer.