to have + to host

Christmas Table Setting: Dinner in the Garden

Al Fresco· Christmas· Dinnerware· Garden· Glassware· Holidays & Special Occasions· Table Linens· Tablescapes· Winter

Ah, the joys of living in Arizona! This is the time of year where we get to brag about our sunshine and fabulous weather. In the summer not so much, but now is when most of us who live here take advantage of our amazing climate and enjoy alfresco dining as much as possible. This is what I had in mind when I planned my Christmas table setting in the garden: I can’t think of a better backdrop than amongst our winter lettuce, hearty herbs, and sweet peppers to enjoy some precious time with our family. Although our gathering will be much smaller this year, and with fewer seats at the table, there’s no reason it can’t be just as special – and I’m determined to make to that way!

Christmas table setting
It’s cozy back here in the garden, and there’s a not a ton of room, but juuuuuust enough to squeeze in a narrow table. I borrowed our velvet-covered dining room chairs for an extra dose of comfort and glamour. Read on to see how I am planning on our family Christmas dinner table.
Gucci sweater

the place setting

I’m a big proponent of using what you already have and just adding in a few small elements to make any table setting special and different. Here, I used my beloved scalloped aqua and gold rimmed porcelain dinner plates (I’ve had these for 6 years), then put a black scalloped charger plate under it (it’s vinyl, by the way!), and a decorative floral salad plate on top. The eucalyptus-themed salad plates were new, and although they were very inexpensive, they became the inspiration for my Christmas table setting.

Links to the table top decor here:

Christmas table setting
This may be one of my all-time favorite tricks for a name card. I purchased these glass mosaic tiles in a set of 12 at my local big box home decor store. I cut them out individually from the mesh backer and use a chalk pen to write the names of my guests on them whenever I need a place card. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reused these and I think the entire set cost me less than $15!
Christmas table setting
An overhead view of my Christmas table setting in the garden. Blacks, aquas and pinks – not your traditional holiday colors, but I like to change it up!

florals & decor

holiday florals
I skipped bold reds and bright greens this year, focusing on a softer palette of pinks and aqua; black and dark purples provide a contrast. Mint-hued eucalyptus, blush roses, pink juniper berries, and deep burgundy Calla Lillies reflect my winter floral color scheme here.
charcoal glassware
A trio of faceted charcoal glassware makes a statement on my Christmas table setting – this is such a great neutral set of glasses that I will use year-round!
Christmas table setting
See that cute little red pepper that’s been growing in our garden for a few months? Our one-year old yellow lab, Murphy, helped herself to it right after this shoot and enjoyed it . . . what a rascal!
Christmas table setting

table & linens

Christmas table setting
Gold lanterns at the end of the table add ambiance (and light!) to the table in the garden while a faux eucalyptus garland is draped over the top and down each side to create drama.
Arizona garden
We keep our wood pile back here in the garden and had a huge metal frame built so that we could surround it with boeuganveilla – it thrives in the sun, so a perfect plant choice in Arizona. Bistro lights provide soft lighting and create a more intimate setting.

Thanks for visiting! I hope you enjoyed seeing how I am setting my Christmas table this year, and even if it’s too cold where you are to dine alfresco, maybe this will give you a little inspiration for your own table and maybe even a little hope for outdoor Spring dining!

To see a few other outdoor Christmas table settings that I have done in the past, check out my posts here:

A Nordic Christmas Celebration

Elegant Italian Holiday Dinner Party

A Nordic Christmas Celebration: Our Office Holiday Party
Elegant Italian Holiday Dinner Party

Related Posts:

Subscribe to get the latest

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Holly says

    How amazing to be able to dine outside during the holidays. This table is BEYOND gorgeous and I love it that you thought outside of the box with regard to the color palette! Dying over all of the plates! Merry Christmas my friend! XO

  3. Donna Mullen says

    Another beautiful, unusual, and elegant place setting. I could also see those plates used in a spring setting,

Get on the list…

Stay up to date with all the latest