Outdoor Table Settings - Southern Living

Photography Laurey W. Glenn

Relaxed

These dishes have a hand-painted Americana feel and are perfectly suited for use outdoors. The plastic utensils come looped with fabric, which doubles as an informal napkin ring.

Solid Blue Outdoor Dinner Plate, $7, and Patterned Blue Outdoor Salad Plate, $5, from Pottery Barn; www.potterybarn.com or 1-800-922-5507

Picnic Utensils Set, $4.99, by Keep it Simple With Katie Brown; www.shopkatiebrown.com

Photography Laurey W. Glenn

Rustic

Inspired by the Bandera River in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, these plates evoke memories of floating in inner tubes and picnicking on the riverbank. Lively yellow utensils brighten up any meal.

Bandera dinner plates, $50 (set of four), and salad plates, $40 (set of four), from the Texas Hill Country collection by Jill Fenichell for Bongenre; www.bongenre.com

Colorful Plastic Utensils in Mimosa, $3 (pack of 24), also from Plum Party

Photography Laurey W. Glenn

Bold

The square shape, vibrant color, and whimsical pattern put this plate, designed by a former Savannah College of Art and Design professor, in a class of its own. The flatware is pretty, plastic, and purple―what more could you ask for?

Ben Collection Dinner Plate in Teal, $11, by Working Class Studio; www.shopscadonline.com

Orleans Plastic Purple Cutlery, $16 (service for four), from Plum Party; www.plumparty.com

Photography Laurey W. Glenn

Classic

Check out this updated Southern icon: a traditional monogram on a graphic plastic plate, perfect for an outdoor luncheon. The pressed-wood flatware has a look that’s both formal and casual.

Modern Plate in Brown with Orange Circle monogram, $22, by La Plates; www.laplates.com

Wooden Picnic cutlery, $8 (pack of 10 knives, spoons, or forks), by Seletti, from The Conran Shop; www.conranusa.com or 1-866-755-9079

Photography Laurey W. Glenn

Night Lights

Set a festive scene with a collection of colorful lanterns. Stagger them down the center of a table, or dangle them from low-hanging tree branches for a romantic glow. Tip: Opt for mosquito-repelling citronella votives or pillar candles, which will keep you and your guests comfortable on muggy Southern evenings.

Festival Lanterns, $36 (large in Pink/Orange), $32 (medium in Blue/Green), $16 (small in Blue/Green), by Roost, from Ray & Baudoin Interior Design; (901) 791-0138 or e-mail info@rb-id.com

Glass & Rope Hanging Lanterns, $30 (set of three lanterns; Yellow, Blue, and Green), by Patio Companion, from UncommonGoods; www.uncommongoods.com or 1-888-365-0056

Fiesta Palette Citronella Votives, $9.99 (package of eight), by Patio Companion; 1-800-521-0505 for retailers