Nesting With Grace

by Brooke Christen

10 Favorite Things for Backyard Dining

April 25, 2025

We’ve had a couple warm and sunny days, so we started bringing out the patio furniture and cleaning things up in the yard. We love eating meals and hosting get-togethers with family and friends in our backyard when the weather is nice! I feel like we have got a good system and it doesn’t require too much time to get ready. Sharing my entertaining favorite items and some of our backyard favorite items.

Find it all here

Outdoor Dining Table-

We’ve had this Terrace Cement Table (all fog) since we moved in. I knew I wanted a big and sturdy table. I love that we can fit 10 people around it! These green chairs are my favorite to add some character and color.

Our outdoor kitchen bar has the same style barstools to blend both spaces together.

Statement Centerpiece-

I like one large centerpiece rather than lots of little things making the table feel crowded and messy. I also make sure it isn’t too tall. I want to see the people sitting across from me. This long gold trough planter (36″) was perfect! I planted hydrangeas in it for color and bulk. Not too tall and not too short. Love how it turned out!

Somewhere to Serve Food and Drinks-

I have a vintage “wedding table” behind our dining table for serving food on. “In a former life, these reclaimed vintage wood folding tables were used as wedding rental furniture in India. Each one unique has unique character from countless celebrations.”

We also use this rolling bar cart as a designated spot for drinks, food, plates and utensils. A place separate from where we are eating to keep counters and tables open.

I prefer using non-disposable plates, cups, napkins and utensils. They last longer, less waste of paper products, and you can find really cute options!
tumbler // melamine dinner plate // melamine side plate // fruit napkins // water pitcher // daisy pot

Outdoor Rug to Define the Space-

Love this colorful rug! When there are no walls, rugs with contrasting colors or patterns can help visually separate one area from another, making each space feel distinct and purposeful!

Cozy Place to Linger Longer-

We’ve have had a hanging daybed since we moved in (our Hanging Daybed with cream cushion, or this daybed is less without a cushion). I layered a bunch of these stripe pillows, stripe on stripe, just says FUN!!! I did swap the cream cushion with the stripe cushion we already had on a daybed by our pool, unfortunately I can’t see it in stock to order again, it was from HERE). It’s everyone’s favorite spot to relax and chat.

striped ruffle pillows

Great place to nap, read, or just enjoy the swaying swing.

Mood Lighting-

Exterior lighting is a must! We hung these Outdoor String Lights around the edge of our patio.

And the chandelier over our table is from Stray Dog Designs, my favorite chandelier!

Flowers to match the colorful pillows. Love the big terracotta pots!

Outdoor Dinnerware-

Love all the colorful dinnerware! tumbler // melamine dinner plate // melamine side plate // fruit napkins // berry basket // serving bowl

Sometimes I will have place settings ready so I can make sure everyone has a spot and also I just really love the look, sets a fun ambiance.

Shade-

We like having a place to sit and eat closer to the pool also. Just got this darling white table and chairs, nice for when we need extra seating too. I use these ruffle stripe pillows as a cushion or back support on the chairs. An umbrella for shade is a must! I love how this one has the same ribbon edge as the girls curtain panels. Fun detail! (Our umbrella is older from here).

I hope this gave you ideas on how to entertain functionally and don’t shy away from color!

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