Image details: Lavender Anthropologie plates, Rattan placemats, Green salad plates: vintage, Libbey water glasses
Spring is the perfect time of year for hosting outdoor brunches, dinners and dining al fresco. The warm, but not too hot temps make it the perfect setting for sipping bellinis and eating charcuterie under twinkle lights on the lawn.
This year, I'm leaning towards fresh, light, natural & pastel colors to accentuate the beauty of nature in the springtime. Greens, lavenders, light yellows and baby blues are coloring my home and yard this season.
In today's post I want to share with you how to create the perfect Spring table, and guide you through the essentials of outdoor hosting.
Color Scheme
For a Spring dinner party or brunch, you'll want to start by choosing your colors. As I mentioned, leaning towards lighter, brighter colors will enhance the beauty of Spring around you and create a warm and inviting space.
Colors like soft pink, pastel blue, yellow, and mint green are popular choices for this season, as they bring about a feeling of joy, excitement and the promise of brighter days after a long Winter season.
Ambiance
Dining outdoors is a perfect opportunity to create an ambiance utilizing fun, outdoor-approved decorations like flower arrangements, candles, and string lights. These elements will create that whimsical feeling that the fairies are out and the magic of life is back.
For seating, comfort is key. Make sure you have you can provide comfortable seating like cushioned chairs, benches or even outdoor sofas. I'm very into whimsical, eclectic outdoor spaces that have sofas and even day beds outside with lots of patterned blankets and throw pillows. This will encourage your guests to get comfortable, and enjoy themselves for however long they stay.
Flowers
Yes, I know I already mentioned flowers but of course they have to have their own section. Spring is the most fun and beautiful time for flower arranging and creating beautiful arrangements to go on your dining table, your outdoor table setting or next to your bedside.
Roses are beautiful, but there are so many other varieties to look into to create that whimsical, beautiful, and wispy look. Some of my favorites include: Ranunculus, Iris, Dahlias, Cosmos, Tulips, and Peonies.
For flower arranging tips, check out this blog post and this video.
Spring Menu
Appetizers:
Fresh Garden Salad with Spring Greens, Cherry Tomatoes, and Cucumber Ribbons
Caprese Skewers with Mozzarella Balls, Cherry Tomatoes, and Basil Leaves
Main Course:
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Spring Vegetable Risotto with Asparagus, Peas, and Parmesan Cheese
Side Dishes:
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest and Parmesan
Roasted Baby Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
Beverages:
Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
White Wine Sangria with Fresh Fruits
Dessert:
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Fresh Fruit Platter with Seasonal Berries and Mint
After-Dinner Treat:
S'mores Bar with Assorted Chocolate, Marshmallows, and Graham Crackers
*Tips for a Beautiful Table
More is more! Tables should be a fun expression of the season. Include fresh elements like fruits, flowers & branches! Stack your setting with chargers, dinner plates, and salad plates to create a full look.
Use what you have! You don't have to go out and buy something every time you want to host. That's not only unsustainable, but it's unrealistic. Scour your cabinets for pieces you can repurpose and kiss over-consumption goodbye!
Thrift first! If you must buy, head to antique stores and thrift shops first. While not always that much cheaper than buying commercial, you're sure to find unique and interesting pre-loved pieces. There's something so romantic to me about buying a piece that holds a lifetime of stories, and continuing its legacy.
I hope these tips help you in your Spring/Early Summer hosting endeavors and that you have outdoor gatherings all season long!
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