Here at Lazy Susan, we think decorating one of our large 10+ seater outdoor tables for a summer garden party is a delightful and creative process.
The advantage of a large outdoor dining table is the tabletop real estate. It is a big blank canvas. If hosting a garden party, you can experiment with different colours, textures, and tablescape arrangements.
It's your garden table decor that sets the mood and the tone for your party. Whether you're aiming for elegant, casual, or a specific theme such as a bridal or baby shower, the table is a focal point that can instantly immerse your guests.
Call us crazy but we enjoy figuring out how to arrange a garden centrepiece, working out what we need for each place setting, and pulling all those different elements together to build a cohesive table setting is a fun puzzle we enjoy solving.
Ultimately, decorating a large garden table for a summer party is a rewarding process that can transform a simple gathering into a memorable event.
If you're decorating with friends or family, it’s also a great way to bond, and seeing your vision come to life and seeing how your guests react is always the best part.
Here’s how you can create a beautiful, inviting, and practical table setting on our 10+ seater tables that will wow your guests at your next outdoor gathering:
1. Plan your garden party
Start by setting your guest list as this will help you decide on the number of place settings and what theme, food, etc.
All of these steps influence the next. For example, the theme or colour scheme will guide your table decor choices, while the type of food you serve will influence your tableware and serving dishes, and so on.
Here at Lazy Susan, we’re a little old-fashioned. Pen and paper work best for us. It helps us to organise our thoughts to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Start with a date and time, estimate the number of people you plan to invite and list them down, set a budget, plan the menu, note down a shopping list, and set yourself a task list with timings. By popping it all down on paper, you can create a memorable event that will run without a hitch.
2. Think about the food and drinks you plan to serve
The food and drinks you serve will dictate how you set the table.
Al fresco meal for friends or family BBQ? Think about how you plan to serve the food. Buffet style can be more casual with bamboo plates and napkins while serving a meal needs a more formal setting.
With a large 10-seater garden table you’ve got plenty of space for food but you might want to set up a separate area for drinks, with ice, glasses, and various drinks.
If you do go buffet then presentation is still important, so use attractive bowls and platters to enhance the visual appeal.
3. Choose your garden furniture theme and/or colour scheme
Decide on a theme that suits your style and the vibe you want to create.
For example, a country garden theme, tropical, boho-chic, Alice in Wonderland, a classic afternoon tea party, or a Parisienne cafe-style bridal shower could set the tone for your decorations.
If a theme isn’t what you want, then work with a colour palette that reflects the summer or the style in your home and garden. It could be soft pastels, bright bold colours, or a combination of whites.
Pick what works with the space and your garden table set. If you have our stone cushions and parasol, then choose a colour that complements or contrasts.
4. Add a tablecloth, table runner or placemats to your 10-seater garden furniture set
The choice between a tablecloth, runner, or placemats for 10+ seater outdoor tables often comes down to personal preference.
Experiment with different options to find what suits your style and garden. Placemats are ideal for a laid-back atmosphere. A tablecloth can create a more sophisticated look. A runner can add a touch of style without being overwhelming.
Think about the setting too. If it's windy, then placemats or a runner might be better than a tablecloth as they're less likely to blow away.
With our larger 10+ seater outdoor table, we tend to find that a tablecloth or runner is a bit too much. They’re durable and we like to showcase our signature metalwork, so placemats are sufficient to add a touch of style.
5. Create the perfect large garden table centrepiece
No well-decorated 10+ seater outdoor table is garden party-ready without the perfect centrepiece. You need a focal point and you can create this with flowers, greenery, or other decorative items.
Create a stunning centrepiece with seasonal flowers like roses, hydrangeas, peonies, or wildflowers. Use a long, low arrangement to ensure it doesn't obstruct the flow of conversation across the table.
Place small potted herbs or succulents down the centre of our large oval and rectangular tables. They will not only add greenery but could also double as party favours for guests.
Add candles, lanterns, or other elements to create an ambience if you want to keep the garden party going when the sun sets. Opt for citronella candles to help keep bugs at bay. LED fairy lights intertwined with greenery will add a magical touch.
6. Set the table with the right number of place settings
We recently looked at garden tableware in detail in our favourite garden tableware and flatware for Summer 24 article. The right plate and cutlery are important, so opt for matching or coordinating plates and cutlery.
Modern outdoor tableware is both stylish and fit for purpose, so consider using melamine or bamboo for a more casual and durable option.
Cloth napkins will bring a touch of elegance and you can fold them neatly or tie them with twine or ribbon and tuck in a sprig of rosemary or lavender for a fragrant detail.
Set the table with the appropriate glassware, for the drinks you plan to serve, such as wine glasses, beer glasses, water tumblers, etc.
For a pop of colour, you could add some bold-coloured garden glassware or add in some decorative drink stirrers if you’re doing summer cocktails.
7. Don’t forget some decorative elements
We think that it is the personal touches that make all the difference. They are what will elevate your garden party from being just an outdoor meal or BBQ to a memorable experience.
When you add personal elements, you create a more intimate atmosphere. Guests feel valued and welcomed when they see that you've put thought into their experience.
They’re also a great conversation starter and a way to stamp your style and creativity on the gathering.
For a more formal touch, you could add personalised handmade name cards. You could use small chalkboards or rustic tags. Scatter some table confetti or petals along the table for a festive look (just make sure it isn’t going to be a windy day).
By incorporating personal touches, you can create a dinner party that is truly special and memorable for everyone involved.
8. Think about the practical needs of your guests
Also important is to think about the practical needs of your guests. As hosts, we need to ensure that everyone is welcome, comfortable, relaxed and that they have a good time.
This includes the obvious like providing adequate seating, but also the less obvious, like ensuring access to facilities, shade, and protection from the elements.
Cater to all tastes. Be sure to offer a variety of food and drink options and check for any dietary restrictions. It's also important to provide plenty of refreshments to keep guests hydrated.
Address any potential safety hazards, such as slippery surfaces or sharp corners. Provide adequate lighting and ensure the area is clean and well-maintained.
Prepare for the unexpected. The UK climate is always unpredictable. Pair your large garden table with a parasol or hire a marquee so that the party can continue outside if the heavens should open. Place throw blankets on the backs of chairs just in case the temperature dips.
Always have a Plan B! Have extra supplies on hand, such as napkins, glasses, and utensils. The aim is to create a garden party that is enjoyable for everyone, you included, and that will leave a positive impression on all of your guests.
Our final thoughts…
The best advice we’ve ever been given when it comes to decorating a garden table to host friends or family is just to keep it simple. Don’t overcomplicate your tablescape. Less is often more.
We like to pair our metal garden tables with natural elements like wood, leaves, or flowers to enhance the garden party feel too.
If you do want to move your garden table to another location, then select a spot that's level, shaded, and sheltered from the wind.
If the gathering includes children or fun-loving adults, consider adding a small game or activity at each seat, such as a trivia card, a mini puzzle, or some simple garden crafts.
If the party goes into the evening, soft background music and string lights or lanterns around the table can enhance the ambience.
By blending the 8 elements above thoughtfully, you can create a beautifully decorated garden table that reflects the summer season, suits the UK’s garden charm, and provides a welcoming atmosphere for your guests.
If you do decorate one of our 10+ seater outdoor tables for a garden party, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
