How to style your outdoor table for the perfect garden party

The summer party season is just around the corner—and here at Lazy Magazine, we can hardly believe it’s already spring. It doesn’t seem like five minutes since we were writing our Merry Christmas posts!

But as the days grow longer and the garden begins to bloom, it’s time to turn our attention outdoors. And this month, we’re sharing how to style your patio table so it’s ready to impress at your next summer garden gathering.

As the renowned American chef and TV personality, Julia Child, put it, “to set a table is to set the scene for joy”—and there’s no better place to do it than under the open sky, surrounded by family, friends, and flowers.

Whether it’s a cosy brunch with friends or a big family BBQ bash, your outdoor table is the heart of the party—and with a little planning and flair, it can truly steal the show.

Why our garden tables deserve the 5-star treatment

No matter the occasion, a beautifully styled patio table sets the tone. It’s your chance to get creative, tie in your theme, and make guests feel welcome and special.

From casual BBQs to elegant outdoor dining, a well-dressed garden table elevates the entire experience—and yes, even makes the food taste better!

As outdoor table experts (we work with them every day), we believe every setup should be designed to entertain. So, let’s explore our top five tips for transforming your garden table into something unforgettable.

1. Plan your garden party like a pro

Every unforgettable garden party begins long before the first guest arrives—it starts with a thoughtful plan.

Take a moment to consider the type of gathering you’re hosting. Is it a laid-back pizza night with friends, a chic baby shower with bunting, or a full-blown garden soirée under twinkling lights? The occasion will naturally guide the look and feel of your outdoor table—from the theme and colour palette to the tableware and décor.

Set a realistic budget from the get-go to keep things stress-free. As a rule of thumb, we suggest planning around a price of £20–£30 per guest to comfortably cover food, drinks, and styling touches. Of course, it’s all flexible depending on your event—what matters most is creating something that feels special and is within your means.

Once you've nailed down the kind of party you’re throwing, pick a starting point to inspire your setup. This could be a colour you love, a flower in bloom in your garden, or even the colour on your parasol or cushions. Let that spark of inspiration shape your tablescape and ripple out to the rest of your outdoor space.

And don’t stop at the garden table—take a step back and imagine the full picture. How will the patio look as guests arrive? Will there be ambient lighting, fresh garden blooms, or maybe a signature summer drinks station nearby?

Thinking big-picture early on helps everything come together beautifully, creating a seamless flow from garden gate to place setting.

2. Focus on a theme that fits your outdoor space

When it comes to setting the scene, your garden party theme doesn’t have to be extravagant—sometimes the simplest ideas have the most impact.

A theme can be as subtle or as playful as you like. Think: a single signature colour, a rustic summer countryside vibe, Mediterranean café charm, or even something as breezy as an “al fresco brunch in the sun.” The key is cohesion—choosing one clear aesthetic and letting it guide your choices in décor, dinnerware, and garden table styling.

Start with your table—it’s the focal point, the heart of the party. A well-themed table instantly pulls everything together, making your setup feel intentional and effortlessly chic. Plus, it’s guaranteed to be Instagram-worthy (and yes, your guests will notice).

Not sure where to begin? Dive into YouTube channels like Style My Sweets—their video “DIY Flower Garden Party ideas” (below) is packed with creative, budget-friendly styling ideas that can help bring your vision to life.

Remember, the goal is to create an inviting, relaxed space that reflects your personality—not to impress with extravagance. If it feels authentic, your guests will love it.

3. Dress your table with flair

Now comes the fun part: dressing your outdoor table. This is where your creativity and our patio dining range can shine, and small details make a big impact.

Start with the base—your linens. A crisp tablecloth or a patterned runner instantly sets the tone and anchors the entire look. If you're going for something a bit more relaxed, individual placemats can keep things light and breezy while still adding structure to each setting.

Next, bring in texture and height to give your table depth and dimension. Mix natural materials like jute, linen, ceramic, and wood for a laid-back yet stylish vibe. A layered centrepiece or thoughtfully stacked dinnerware can add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

As you build your tablescape, look for opportunities to echo your theme. Cushions, parasols, and floral arrangements can all help tie the look together. Even the smallest details—like coloured napkins or tinted glassware—can nod to your palette and make the setup feel cohesive and considered.

If you have our cushions or parasol, use their colours as a starting point for your theme. They’re perfect for pulling your whole look together effortlessly.

4. Set the outdoor table thoughtfully

Setting your outdoor table properly—yes, even outside—goes a long way in showing your guests that you care. It doesn’t need to be fussy or formal, but a thoughtful layout adds a touch of polish and makes everything feel just a little bit more special.

Start with the basics: a tablecloth or placemats will define each setting and create a clean, organised look. From there, centre a dinner plate on each mat, making sure everything feels balanced.

Next, place the napkin to the left of the plate, with the fork neatly on top. The knife should go to the right of the plate, with the blade facing in toward the centre, while glassware sits just above the knife, ready for a refreshing pour.

Whether you’re keeping it minimalist or embracing a more eclectic boho-chic vibe with mismatched china, getting these simple details right helps guests feel comfortable and cared for, setting the tone for a relaxed, enjoyable meal.

5. Don’t skip the table centrepiece

No garden table is truly complete without a centrepiece. It’s the final touch that ties everything together and makes your guests stop and say, “Wow!”

A simple vase of fresh garden flowers is always a winner, bringing vibrant colour and a touch of nature to your table. If you’re looking for added functionality and flair, a Lazy Susan turntable is perfect for holding flowers, drinks, or condiments—plus, it makes it easy for everyone to reach everything without interrupting the flow of conversation.

When choosing your centrepiece, keep it low and subtle so guests can easily chat across the garden table. For an after-dark garden party, consider adding lanterns or candles to create a warm, inviting glow. Think about using natural textures like wood, stone, or ceramic to complement the outdoor setting.

For that extra touch of charm, scatter flower petals or eucalyptus leaves down the centre of the table, or group mini floral arrangements in mason jars or teacups for an eclectic, fun vibe.

Our final thoughts for when you're ready to party...

With just a little creativity and some thoughtful planning, you can turn any outdoor gathering into a garden party to remember.

The right setting, a cohesive theme, and carefully chosen details—like your table, centrepiece, and lighting—help create an atmosphere that will leave your guests feeling special and inspired.

It’s not about perfection—it’s about creating a space where everyone can relax, enjoy good food, and make lasting memories. So, take these tips, have fun with them, and make your next garden party a truly unforgettable experience:

1. Plan

Choose your theme, set a budget, and think about your outdoor space as a whole.

2. Theme

A cohesive theme doesn’t need to be elaborate—think colours, textures, or a vibe that suits your occasion.

3. Dress

Start with linens, then layer textures and height to create visual interest.

4. Set

A well-set garden table makes guests feel cared for—focus on the basics with thoughtful details.

5. Centrepiece

Whether it is fresh flowers or a Lazy Susan, a stylish centrepiece adds the finishing touch.

Remember to add those finishing touches and a sprinkle of your personality to transform a simple garden table into a memorable, uniquely you party table setting.

Now, get ready to host your perfect garden party at your perfectly styled outdoor table—one that reflects your style and makes everyone feel at home.

Just don't forget to tag us on Instagram or Facebook @LazySusanFurniture, or upload your photos here for our Do Some Good charity campaign.