Rustic Outdoor Table Setting

Let these simple ideas from Sam's table inspire you to create a stunning setting of your own.

We've partnered with One Kings Lane to help you get Sam's style. During our special sale, buy everything from the place mats (One Kings Lane Delectable Designs, $25/50) featured in this tablescape to similar vintage flatware and dishes. Shop now through November 1.

• Shop the look with One Kings Lane

Bring the indoors outside. To give this casual porch the feel of a dining room, Sam surrounded his rustic picnic table with six Windsor chairs and two upholstered wingbacks from his own home.

Choose china and silver that is hardy enough for outdoor use. Here, brown transferware salad plates sit atop vintage ironstone plates. Simple and weighty silver adds sparkle to the table.

Give humble materials a high-end treatment. Here, a kraft paper place mat anchors each setting, while extra-large grain-sack napkins and a simple burlap runner complete the elegant yet rustic look.

Make a statement without hindering conversation. Sam centered one large flower arrangement in a silver bowl for impact and placed handsome pewter candlesticks down the table.

Mimic fall foliage with orange and red blossoms. Simply arranged in vintage mustard jars, these dahlias and garden roses are both eye-catching and easy.

Send dinner guests home with seasonal treats. Here, Sam tied inexpensive butter knives to jars of apple butter ($14.50; blackberryfarm.com).

Offer guests meats and cheeses before dinner. Serve them on a cutting board with pickled vegetables, and garnish with herbs.

Sam grew up on the farm and devoted years to culinary training before taking ownership. He says, “Great wine is the key to a memorable outdoor party.”

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Find information on the products featured in this Rustic Outdoor Table Setting in our Source Guide.

We're pleased to announce that this family-run retreat in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains is a charter member of our new Southern Living Hotel Collection, a select group of editor-approved hotels. (Learn more info at southernlivinghotelcollection.com.) While nights here do not come cheap ($795 per night for two, including meals), you'll understand why when you enjoy the resort's signature epicurean delights, including cheese tastings, truffle hunts, cooking classes, and more. blackberryfarm.com