Hosting an outdoor dinner party can be so classy, easy and an event to remember. I’m showing you how to easily set up a table outdoors for dinner, and even recipe ideas of what to serve to keep things beautiful and low-stress.

All things here on Fantabulosity, are about keeping it “simple,” affordable, and adorable. This “Pop-Up” Outdoor Dinner Party, may just be the first event that you want to host this year.
What is a Pop-Up Dinner Party?
There are different types of pop-up dinners, or dinner parties. For instance, hosting a party in your backyard or an outdoor setting for a “pop up” dinner party is one way.
However, restaurants or commercial kitchens (think, “food truck” businesses) can also host pop-up dinner parties.
Either way, they’re both setting tables and chairs up for a dinner setting that normally isn’t in the location it’s currently in. They’re both so fun, and I loved hosting my own dinner party outside by “popping” a table up for our guests to sit around and enjoy.
How to Host an Outdoor Dinner Party
An outdoor dinner party doesn’t have to be a “pop-up” party. It can be a dinner served on your favorite patio table, or in your favorite outdoor location.

Don’t go overboard with “planning.” You may just be surprised how well a tablescape comes together using the items that you already have, or that you can find, around the house.

A Simple Table Set-Up:
If you’re hosting a party in a location that doesn’t currently have a table, you can create a table, easily!

Would you believe that using two sawhorses and a tabletop, can be your golden ticket to creating a platform for a classy & rustic dinner party?
- Sawhorses: IKEA
- Table Stop: This tabletop was custom-made by someone in my hometown, so finding someone who builds wooden furniture is an option.
Other Table Top Options:
- Folding picnic table – The picnic table that I used in my outdoor picnic set-up, could be used as a tabletop for sawhorses since the legs are detachable.
- An old door – A lot of times, an old door can be found at antique stores, which can be great for serving as a tabletop. Or, simply posting on Facebook, asking if anyone has an old door they’d be willing to sell, is an option. Just be cautious if the door has panels, as this could cause uneven levels for serving platters, and plates of food.

DIY Tabletop: If you’re a DIY connoisseur, you may be able to whip up a tabletop like this yourself.


What time of day should you host an outdoor dinner party?
Hosting your outdoor dinner party at sunset, not only makes for beautiful pictures, but this could also mean cooler weather and fabulous lighting ambiance. So depending on where your party will be, google what time sunset is predicted, and invite your guests about an hour before sunset, to allow enough time for mingling, before it gets too dark.

What kind of food should you serve at an outdoor dinner party?
- Appetizers – A charcuterie board or cheese board is always a great idea for an outdoor dinner. They’re easy for guests to snack on, and not too filling before dinner. A loaf of bread with oils and vinegars are classy as well.
- Dinner Ideas – Depending on your theme, you may choose to serve a heavy protein like this Best Steak Recipe, a pasta dish like this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna.
- Side Dishes – An impressive side salad or this bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe.
- Dessert Ideas – Keeping things simple, a classic no-bake cherry cheesecake is beautiful and delicious. Or, this delicious peach cobbler recipe is easy and a crowd favorite.

What kind of drinks do you serve at an outdoor dinner party?
Try keeping the beverage selection, minimal. This won’t crowd the table, and guests won’t feel overwhelmed with a ton of drink choices. But, taking everyday beverages, and serving them in easy-to-handle and “clear,” serving carafes, can make the beverages look elegant and easy to recognize.
Shop wine carafes here: Williams-Sonoma Wine Carafes
Drink Ideas:
- wine (red or white)
- tea (sweetened or unsweetened)
- water – flavored with orange slices, or lemons

Shop pitchers, here: Williams-Sonoma Pitchers

Place Setting Ideas:
Adding a pop of color to clean, white plates, is an adorable way to add decor to your dinner table. Throwing a Summer party? Use seasonal fruit as the place setting.
Keeping things neutral? Add fresh herbs such as chives, rosemary, or dill, for a “greenery,” approach.
Food place setting: Or combine a fun appetizer with a place setting by making a jarcuterie!
Fabric Napkins: Breaking up the “white on white,” of a dinner plate and a salad plate can easily be done with a fabric napkin. Have fun, using a patterned napkin, or keep it fairly neutral by using a solid color.

Table Runner:
Using a table runner with minimal detail can really enhance the look, without distracting eyes from the focal points of the table.
Layer long stems of greenery on top of a lighter colored table runner, and you have an easy, pop of color for a centerpiece. Splurge and visit your local florist for a few sprigs if possible, for an impressive touch!


I’m SO thankful that you came to visit! If you love entertaining and hosting parties, then you won’t want to leave without browsing the other parties that I have designed, here!
Then of course, don’t forget to save your free party planning checklist, that I use to style and plan ALL of my parties. Forgetting one detail can throw a kink in your party plans. Use the checklist to help prevent forgetfulness!
Laura says
I just love this!!! Do you take all your own photos? Your pictures are always so beautiful!!
Jessica says
Thank you Laura! I do! You’re so sweet, thank you! XOXO
Patti J. says
Wow! Beautifully done! LOVE that table top! Kings Creations does some amazing work.
Jessica says
Thank you! Yes they do!! It turned out fabulous!!!!
Chandice Probst says
It turned out gorgeous!! Love the simple yet elegant setting and floral as well as the clean, fresh table setting. Can’t wait to host my own. Thanks Jessica!
Jessica says
You’re so sweet Chandice. Thank you so much!!!