This Week On Instagram I have been focusing on Backyard Picnics.
It was so fun to set up tables and seasonal decor in the backyard. By the end of the day I am always a little exhausted but feel so happy to have used some creative energy to do what I love.
What are the Key Elements
I always look to several elements when I think of setting tables and creating the atmosphere. It really doesn’t require a whole lot of talent just a little imagination.
1. Candles
Whether it’s a romantic setting or not, I believe candles are always appropriate. They can be chunky, brass, crystal, tea lights, tall or short. I always think they add a special touch to the tablescape. Plus at night they make everything feel absolutely magical.
2. Creating a Focal point
When you’re creating your table, think about the story you’re telling in this space.
Is it a romantic dinner party for 2?
A garden party with a friend?
Or maybe a fairytale woodsy setting?
I always find the backdrop helpful to ultimately decide the tablescape. This feels like summer, even though we’re already almost at the end of October, so I surrounded the table with a garden of greenery. I knew the table could include fresh seasonal flowers like roses and hydrangeas.
For a wedding or special event, the table always gets a little more attention. This table was arranged for a wedding we hosted in our backyard. The greenery was from a creeping vine I use often for tablescapes and the florals were arranged by my talented friend Kathy.
Last Spring we hosted a table full of Sophie’s friends for her senior prom The arrangement was simple but felt elegant with all the pretty dresses and handsome suits. Again Greenery down the center with crystal candle holders and fresh flowers scattered here and there. But really the fancy lemonade bottles were the highlight of this tablescape.
Fall feels like a natural time to find a spot in the woods to read a book, have a snack, or sit and have a conversation with a friend. The cattails and pears along with the scarf feel appropriate with the fallen leaves
And here I set a Thanksgiving-themed table in honor of the season fast approaching. I love this time of year and all that harvest brings. Some Additional color and fruit felt like a good way to honor the season of giving thanks.
3. Don’t be afraid to Keep it Simple
While I think a table full of beautiful elements is so wonderful for inspiration, reality often says less is more when setting a table. Truthfully, I often like it when my tablescapes are simple which allows people to just breathe in and relax. When seated outside, guests often feel relaxed and nature becomes the focal point where a busy table may feel like too much.
When we serve a shrimp boil we keep the center of the table open for the food to be served right down the middle of the table. I always serve French Bread and dipping oil with this meal so bowls of oil and baskets of bread are added to the center, making the food the focal point.
The Most important thing to remember
I hope this post gives you some ideas and inspiration for hosting your own backyard picnics.
Never forget in the middle of all the talk of what the table looks like remember the most important thing is to relax and enjoy the people you are serving. Whether you are sitting down to dine with them or simply serving them in a hostess capacity you and your guests will enjoy the moment better if you aren’t stressing over the details.
When your guests arrive look at it as a train running down the tracks. When the train leaves the station there is no going back. You’ve planned and prepared and now it’s just time to sit back and enjoy the ride. If things aren’t perfect if you run out of something, if there’s a spill, or starts to rain…Just move into the unexpected and roll with it. It’s not only for your mental state but also your guests will take their cues from you. In most cases, a relaxed hostess will make a relaxed guest.
What you can do to connect with me here
First, I’d love to hear your comments below as a way of connecting. This week I ran into two of you in separate settings that told me you read my blog. Believe it or not, it gives me motivation when I know I’m not just putting thoughts out into space 🙂 When I know someone is actually here and reading it gives me a nudge to post more frequently. So thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to be here and also letting me know you are! 🙂
Second, Pinterest is a great way to save recipes and pictures you may want to refer to later. I have tried to set up my blog so you can easily tap on a picture and save it to Pinterest.
Third, I am on Instagram stories almost every day. I share recipes, DIY’s, Inspiration, Decor ideas, and home and living tips every week over there. You can find and follow along with me there @JennyWrenDesign
