Cheap Outdoor Table Decor Ideas That Will Wow Your Guests

Don’t you love dining and entertaining outdoors? Half the fun is decorating the tables. Don’t worry; you don’t have to spend a fortune on these outdoor table decoration ideas. In fact, there are plenty of cheap outdoor table decor ideas that will wow your guests.

The good news is that most outdoor entertaining is casual, so the table decor can be rustic and simple.

Today I’m sharing how to style your outdoor spaces with some easy and Cheap Outdoor Table Ideas.

When planning a dinner party, the table arrangements can cost as much as the food and beverages.

However, here is how to decorate your tables and outdoor spaces without spending a fortune.

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Cheap Outdoor Table Decoration Ideas

With some DIY projects, thrift store finds, garden flowers, fresh herbs, and a bit of creativity, you can easily make outdoor table decorations without breaking the bank.

DIY Projects for Outdoor Table Decor

First, our outdoor tables are interchangeable, so the sizes will vary for each event.

Tablecloths and table runners in different sizes are difficult to find and can be expensive. Therefore, I choose to make custom table runners.

When choosing the fabric, I decided my cheapest alternative would be drop cloth fabric. You can see the tutorial on how to make hand-painted inexpensive table runners, plus how to make jute tassels also.

Customized DIY Tablecloths

Another alternative for outdoor table decor is to make a Kraft paper tablecloth. The fun thing about using kraft paper is the tablecloth can be customized for your event.

Check out this fun Low Country Boil Kraft Paper Tablecloth tutorial.

Another cute idea is to use a chalkboard paper roll to create a customized table runner for events like Father’s Day or Graduation Parties.

You can see more details on Father’s Day Old Fashioned Dinner Party Ideas.

These DIY Custom Tablecloths and Napkins are another budget-friendly outdoor table decoration idea. They can be customized for any party style.

Fresh Seasonal Flowers for Outdoor Table Decor

Another outdoor table decor expense is the centerpieces.

One of my favorite ways to create is centerpiece is with seasonal plant purchases. These mums can be transplanted into larger containers once the party is over. A large collection of thrifted clay pots are free to use and perfect for a simple fall centerpiece.

To fill your clay pots, purchase small containers of fall plants. Remove them from the plastic container and place them in the clay pots. Be sure to water them so they don’t become dried out while in the pots.

This outdoor table decoration idea combines a recycled tin can DIY project and fresh seasonal flowers. You can see how the flowers stay fresh here.

The DIY Over The Table Stand is also an inexpensive DIY project that you can use to decorate your outdoor tables.

Garden Flowers or Clippings for Outdoor Tables

In addition to the small containers of flowers, you may want to have a larger statement piece. For the inside table, I used this DIY Earthenware Vessel. It is filled with free cuttings from around the garden.

Begin by gathering and cutting any green plants or flowers from the garden or landscape that still look good. Fill the vessel with water and arrange the cuttings to form a pleasing centerpiece.

Here are the cuttings I used in this lovely centerpiece. First, fill the container with citronella plant and add some dwarf nandina.

Next, add some fresh flowers if available. This arrangement includes two types of marigolds.

Just look for any colorful plants or flowers around your garden or even wildflowers along your roadways.

Use Fresh Herbs for Centerpieces

Another inexpensive way to decorate your outdoor tables is with fresh herbs.

The centerpiece for the low country boil is achieved with fresh herbs in baskets and clay pots. You can see the full details on How to Make A Free Herb Centerpiece.

Mix Dishes For a Cheap & Creative Table Setting

Another cheap outdoor table decoration idea is to use thrift store finds.

Most people don’t have place settings for 15 people, and I certainly don’t. Therefore, pull out several dishes and just mixed them around the tables. I personally used all vintage dishes that I’ve collected over the years.

Pull patterns that remind you of your party theme, and any combination will be fun.

Mix & Match Flatware

In addition, most people don’t have unlimited sets of flatware in one pattern. I love to collect vintage flatware as well as dishes. Therefore, just mix the patterns and wrap them in matching paper napkins.

Use jute twine to tie the flatware together. This is a great way to keep the utensils sanitary.

Scatter More Fresh Flowers and Seasonal Decoration

In addition to the tables, you can add more flowers that will later be planted. Add to serving tables and around your outdoor spaces to create a budget-friendly seasonal style.

Let the party begin!

Once your party begins, you can relax knowing that you created a beautiful setting without spending a fortune.

Once the party is over, most of the table décor can be planted to enjoy all season long.

Resources

Get creative when planning your next dinner party or event. When you think outside the box and use interesting style combinations, you will wow your guests.

Pin It To Remember It

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