Outdoor Summer Tablescape: Tips, Tricks & Grilled Dinner!

There’s just something magical about gathering outside for a summer meal, isn’t there? Today I’m sharing my outdoor summer tablescape in our backyard, complete with easy decorating ideas, budget-friendly hacks, and a family dinner menu that’s as simple as it is scrumptious.

Creating the Garden-Inspired Outdoor Summer Tablescape

The star of the show this time was my gold over-the-table rod stand—I’m seriously obsessed with this thing! It hooks onto the ends of the table and is fully adjustable. You can find the same one I used here on Amazon. I already have big plans to use it for everything from birthday parties to baby showers!

To give it a soft, garden-like feel, I wrapped the poles with faux eucalyptus garlands and tied them in place with green twine. I wanted to hang little votive candles from the rods using wire or ribbon… but I ran out of time. (Next time I’ll plan ahead better!)

Budget-Friendly Table Runner Hack

Here’s one of my favorite tricks: I used green masking paper as a table runner! Yes, the same kind painters use. It’s 12″ wide, comes in a 60-yard roll, and costs under $5! You can cut the ends in scallops or a cute “V” shape to dress it up. Grab it here.

I love the soft green color—it goes with everything and gives that fresh, natural look. I lined the runner with clear glass votive candles to add some glimmer as the sun went down.

Layered Place Settings

You probably guessed it… I pulled out my round rattan placemats again! I use them all the time. On top of each mat, I layered:

• A classic white dinner plate
• A nature-inspired cloth napkin, folded into thirds and laid across the plate
• A pink salad plate for a pop of soft color

I finished each place setting with my everyday silver flatware. (Just pretend you can see the bubble glass goblets—I forgot to photograph them in the midst of marinating chicken and prepping salad. 😄)

What’s being served on this outdoor summer tablescape?

This tablescape wasn’t just pretty—it surrounded a meal the family loved!

Main dish:

Grilled chicken thighs marinated in olive oil, beer can chicken seasoning, kosher salt, pepper, and a splash of raspberry vinaigrette. So simple and full of flavor!

Salad:

Mixed greens with raspberries, strawberries, mandarin oranges, and slivered almonds, topped with a creamy poppy seed dressing.

Corn on the cob:

Here’s my go-to grilling method!

1. Wrap each ear of corn in a moist paper towel
2. Then wrap it in aluminum foil
3. Grill, rotating often, for 15–20 minutes

Serve it hot with butter, a squeeze of lime, salt, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. It’s never tough—just crisp and delicious!

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Final Thoughts

Between the warm breeze, the twinkling candlelight, and the colorful food, this little backyard summer dinner was a hit. Whether you’re hosting a family meal or a full-on garden party, this outdoor summer tablescape is easy to recreate and budget-friendly too.

Here are few other summer tablescapes that you might like –

• Blue and white outdoor tablescape
• A summer tablescape to inspire you

Let me know in the comments—would you use green painter’s paper as a runner? Or do you have any summer dinner party tips I should try?

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