Do you love those drool-worthy outdoor wedding tablescapes you see on Pinterest and dream of backyard dinner parties with all the finery? Me! Me! You don’t need a ton of money or a holiday or wedding to get all Pinteresting and decoratey. Okay, I know neither of those are actual words. Still, you will feel like Martha Stewart (without the prison record) and get the biggest bang for your decorating buck when you create a beautiful fall tablescape using faux Christmas garland greenery – inside or outside.
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REALISTIC FAUX GREENERY GARLAND IS AN INVESTMENT
I love fresh evergreen garlands at the holidays, but I love to decorate for Christmas early and keep it up until January, and fresh greens dry out as garland. I say “invest” because getting realistic faux greenery often means being pricey.
Three ways I’ve found to get the most out of your faux garland investment are to:
Consider layering less expensive faux garlands with real evergreen cuttings and switch them out as they dry out.
Layer a single upscale garland with other varieties of faux greens that might be more sparse and cheaper. The mixed greenery look is very high-end!
Get more CPU (cost per use) by using faux garland greenery for more than just Christmas.
AND THAT BRINGS ME TO MY BEAUTIFUL DIY OUTDOOR TABLE
If you’ve been a subscriber here for several months, you may remember a newsletter when I told you Mr. Dimples finally made me a wooden patio table this summer. I’m in love with it, and I’m using this post to share those final results. It was pretty easy to build with this plan.
We’ve used it a lot this summer, and our cat loves to guard the yard from atop it. But my favorite thing to see is all my grandsons gathered together around it in their swimsuits. Listening in on those conversations is PRICELESS!
But as the weather has cooled down and the leaves are changing, I’ve been dreaming of creating a beautiful outdoor tablescape that makes our inexpensive table, made out of mostly 2X4s, look like a million bucks.
WHY A FALL OUTDOOR TABLE SETTING?
Now, this table setting will work indoors too, but I drool over those Pinteresty outdoor wedding reception tablescapes, and I thought, why not make a simple friends dinner something extra special?
Early fall chili suppers, a lady’s lunch or bible study brunch, or an outdoor Thanksgiving dinner, if you live in warmer climates, would be GORGEOUS.
I had plans to throw a fall lunch with my friends this year, but unfortunately, my mom’s health took a turn for the worse, and I had to leave town for an extended period. But since I styled this table for the photos, I now have a plan for next year!
Faux Garland || Similar Dishes || Similar Silverware || Water Goblets || Chairs || Similar Napkins
TIPS TO CREATE A BEAUTIFUL FALL TABLESCAPE WITH FAUX CHRISTMAS GARLAND
Okay, I know this looks fancy, but it’s very simple. Here are a few tips for how to create a fall tablescape with faux Christmas garland greenery, whether inside or outside:
- Start by laying the garland or greenery down the center of the table.
- Keep the garland a plate’s width away from the end of the table if you plan on seating anyone at the head.
- Simple can look just as lovely as going overboard, so you can leave the garland unadorned, or you can layer in dried flower clippings or candles.
- White dishes are my favorite, and I think they look striking against the natural elements of the greenery, natural wood table, and the backyard in its full Autumn glory! However, use what use have; it will look lovely.
- I chose not to use placemats and kept it simple with a plate, a folded cloth napkin draping the table and my everyday silverware.
- We rarely use these water goblets except for company (Do you guys say “company”?), but honestly, they make a fancy-looking setting, and they hold a decent amount of whatever your guests are drinking.
I’ll be sharing my non-alcoholic sparkling cider recipe soon.
BONUS:
An outdoor heater will let you extend your outdoor entertaining season a little longer if you live in cooler climates.
BONUS TIP TWO:
If it’s extra chilly, lay a blanket scarf over the back of each chair for your guests to grab if needed. You know you’ve got a bundle of them left over from the 2010’s. 😉
DON’T SAVE IT ALL FOR CHRISTMAS DAY
To quote the song, Don’t save it all for Christmas day. 😉 We’re not those fancy peeps who keep our tables set all the time; besides being too busy for me, it’s a cleaning nightmare.
However, there’s no reason to keep “fancy” for holidays. With only a little extra effort, you can get more use out of your faux Christmas garland greenery and make your guests feel extra special.
Would you bundle up for an outdoor fall dinner?
SHOP BEAUTIFUL FAUX GARLAND GREENERY
The table looks great. You make my somewhat shoddy work look really good. Love the pic with the littles.
Author
It looks amazing. I look out the window every day and think how much I love it; I should tell you more.
😄
One word: GORGEOUS!!! I love greenery on a table for decoration and I can see how easy this could transition to Christmas. YES, I do still say “company” when guests come- I grew up with that notion and it’ll be with me til I die! LOL! I looked at your 6 grandsons and thought, bless her heart!! I don’t know if I’d be a good Nana to 6 boys, because I’m not the athletic, outdoorsy type, but kudos to you, Paula!! I have 3 (a 12 year old girl and her twin sister & brother, who turn 4 today) and they keep me on my toes and on my game constantly! How wonderful that you have a great patio (and table!) to gather around with your family- God has blessed you!
Hugs,
Donna
I wouldn’t set this beautiful table outside. But I think it would look lovely inside too. I am already thinking of doing something at my inside every day table. Because every day is special and one to be enjoyed. Thanks for ideas!
Author
I was going to have kind of like a favorite things party with some friends and our weather was so gorgeous before I left it would have been amazing out there. But it will be way to cold when I get back and I don’t like to eat out there when it’s so hot. I love the cooler temps. But you’re right, it would be perfect in the house too.
Hugs,
Paula
I also love plain white dishes! That is what we chose when we got married 40+ years ago, and I still have the serving bowls and snack plates. They look good with EVERYTHING! Your backyard is so great! Mine is the size of a postage stamp, but that is California…
Author
I agree Julie. My main ones are from Pottery Barn probably 25 years ago and I love them so much I’m scared one will break.
Our previous yard was beautiful but small and tiered. We moved here (one minute from our old house) because of the giant back yard and the pool – for our 6 Littles.
Hugs,Paula
Beautiful! I’m praying for your mom’s healing and for strength for you. I know how you must be feeling, as I had to go through the blockage” thing ” and then stomach surgery a few months after that myself. It is scary, but all is well with me now, and I know it will be with your family as well. Many Blessings!
Author
Thank you ever so much Paula. It’s hard when you’re having to watch someone struggle with this kind of adjustment depression. Especially because before the surgery she really had decided to “give up” her cancer fight. I think she decided to go ahead with this surgery to make other people feel better. The struggle I have is balancing the need to allow her all the feels and keeping her from dwelling there.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated.
Hugs,
Paula
Beautiful!!!