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How to Set Up an Affordable Outdoor Dining Area

With the warmer weather moving in, this is the time of year when we start moving outdoors. Our evenings are spent eating on the deck and sipping on a cocktail while we watch the sun set over the mountains. It’s also the time of year when I start craving outdoor parties and BBQs. It’s no secret that I love to entertain but there’s something so fun about entertaining outdoors, in God’s beautiful creation!

Tips for how to set up an outdoor dining area that's beautiful and affordable | Ask Anna

Last year I added a seating area on the deck off our living room, but this year I wanted to add some outdoor eating space too. I would LOVE to build a farmhouse table for this space but we’re a little project’d out this spring (after finishing up the bedroom/bathroom remodel and the downstairs floors) so for now I decided to go simple, and use one of our folding tables. Setting up my outdoor table got me thinking that it would be fun to show y’all how to set up an affordable outdoor dining area for your family too!

Tips for how to set up an outdoor dining area that's beautiful and affordable | Ask Anna

If all you have is a cheap plastic table, like me, don’t worry, you can still have a fabulous, magazine worthy table setting for your family and guests! Set the stage (and hide the table) by covering it up with a pretty tablecloth, like this indigo border tablecloth from the Better Homes and Gardens line at Walmart (only $11.88!). I love the colors of the table cloth and it coordinates perfectly with our breakfast nook on the other side of the wall. And you’d never know this was one of those cheap tables once it’s all decorated!

Tips for how to set up an outdoor dining area that's beautiful and affordable | Ask Anna

Outdoor dining should always be fun and these melamine plates and bowls are the perfect way to make it fun and pretty! At a mere $2.48 a piece you can set an entire table very affordably!

Tips for how to set up an outdoor dining area that's beautiful and affordable | Ask Anna

After you’ve got the plates set up then it’s time to add lots of serving dishes for the food. This bamboo serving bowl was less than $20, and I’ve used it for everything from salads to chips!  I also love these ceramic oval bowls because they are super cute and can be used to serve a variety of things too.

Tips for how to set up an outdoor dining area that's beautiful and affordable | Ask Anna

Tips for how to set up an outdoor dining area that's beautiful and affordable | Ask Anna

And of course every meal needs drinks and at less than $12 (what!?) this adorable drink dispenser is the perfect way to serve them. I use mine ALL THE TIME so I was stoked when I found the drink diffuser because now I won’t have to spend time picking berries out of the spigot. 🙂

Tips for how to set up an outdoor dining area that's beautiful and affordable | Ask Anna

And of course flowers; every dinner party must have flowers, and sunflowers are so “happy”. They are an inexpensive way to dress up any table and make it look like you spent a lot of time and money on it. But don’t worry, the secret is ours that we just set this entire table for less than $60, and I’ll be sure to use all these items time and time again!

Tips for how to set up an outdoor dining area that's beautiful and affordable | Ask Anna

I seriously love this time of year and I’m so excited to enjoy lots of dinners out here. Does your family dine outside when the weather gets nice? To help you set your outdoor eating area, I’m giving one of you a $100 Walmart gift card, so you can buy all this stuff AND have money left over for something fun for you! 🙂 Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter to win and GOOD LUCK!!!

Tips for how to set up an outdoor dining area that's beautiful and affordable | Ask Anna

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shop this table –

  • Folding table
  • Table cloth
  • Teal plates
  • Bowls
  • Bamboo serving bowl
  • Ceramic oval bowls
  • Drink dispenser
  • Drink diffuser (in stores only)

Follow Better Homes and Gardens at Walmart to see what’s coming out soon!

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Disclaimers – I am part of the BHG Live Better Blogger Network; this post is sponsored by BHG at Walmart. All opinions are my own.

I have included affiliate links to the products I used for this makeover, if you buy through the link I get a small commission but you don’t pay a cent more than you normally would. Thank you for supporting Ask Anna!

Decorating// Giveaways// Our new home// Outdoors// Sponsored posts

About Anna

"Hi, I'm Anna! Wife, mother, child of God, and the founder of Ask Anna. I have always enjoyed cleaning, organizing, decorating and helping people, so I've put that all together on the pages of this blog. I truly hope my tips help you in your home and make sure to contact me if you have a question!"

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Comments

  1. Julie Wood says

    May 18, 2016 at 7:08 am

    Your outdoor area is gorgeous and I am going to get a new tablecloth, dishes and a flower pot with pillows for my outdoor dining area! Thanks so much for a fun giveaway!

  2. Kimberly M. says

    May 18, 2016 at 7:22 am

    I would love to have a drink dispenser and some bamboo serving bowls. I also could use a new grill accessory set.

  3. LaTanya says

    May 18, 2016 at 7:43 am

    a rug and an umbrella for shade

  4. Elle says

    May 18, 2016 at 8:10 am

    I like their different pillows like the Chenille Swirls Decorative Pillow in turquoise.

  5. Elena says

    May 18, 2016 at 8:12 am

    I would get an outdoor sofa for my backyard

  6. Lee Mckeon says

    May 18, 2016 at 8:16 am

    A few new chairs and pillows!

  7. tammy shelton says

    May 18, 2016 at 8:38 am

    I think I need a pretty rug to pull everything together.

  8. Betsy Barnes says

    May 18, 2016 at 8:51 am

    If I won, I will purchase a new indoor/outdoor area rug and a few pillows for our patio set. 🙂

  9. Kyra says

    May 18, 2016 at 8:53 am

    I’m going to buy a fire pit set.

  10. Kathy says

    May 18, 2016 at 9:06 am

    We love to eat outside. I need a new umbrella this season and a new colorful tablecloth. Will be in Walmart later today. Must check out the options. Thanks for sharing.

  11. Megan says

    May 18, 2016 at 9:23 am

    Love the colors! I would love some fun summer dishes for an outdoor soirée! Well, at least a family dinner al fresco. 😉

  12. Lauren says

    May 18, 2016 at 10:53 am

    I would purchase a patio umbrella.

  13. Renee says

    May 18, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    I would love to purchase some outdoor place settings!

  14. Amanda Sakovitz says

    May 18, 2016 at 12:47 pm

    id purchase dishes

  15. Mami2jcn says

    May 18, 2016 at 2:18 pm

    I would buy dishes.

  16. Janet W. says

    May 18, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    I would love to purchase a large umbrella for our patio area.

  17. Kelly D says

    May 18, 2016 at 3:05 pm

    I will purchase a bench.

  18. courtney b says

    May 18, 2016 at 3:10 pm

    I would get some ceramic bowls and dishware

  19. shelly peterson says

    May 18, 2016 at 6:05 pm

    I would purchase a tablecloth and out door dinnerware. My email I follow with is cshell090869 at aol dot com, I entered it wrong in giveaway form.

  20. Cheryl B says

    May 18, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    I would buy new placemats, plates and bowls. New decorative pots and bright, bold flowers.

  21. Susan Christy says

    May 18, 2016 at 8:23 pm

    I need a patio rug.

  22. Steve Weber says

    May 18, 2016 at 8:28 pm

    I need a really good outdoor rug.. they have an amazing selection.

  23. Elizabeth J. says

    May 18, 2016 at 10:43 pm

    I love that tablecloth! Thanks for the great inspiration!

  24. Cheryl says

    May 19, 2016 at 3:07 am

    I would buy a tablecloth, melamine plates and bowls, and flatware.

  25. Natalie says

    May 19, 2016 at 5:12 am

    I really need to purchase new patio furniture because mine is getting very old!

  26. HS kraftmaking says

    May 19, 2016 at 10:52 am

    I would get Better Homes and Gardens Matte Swirl 12-Piece Dinnerware Set.

  27. Ellie Wright says

    May 19, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    My first purchase would be an umbrella. Mine was torn up during a storm.

  28. Stephanie Phelps says

    May 19, 2016 at 1:10 pm

    One of the things I would get is the Better Homes and Gardens Color Rim 19 oz Tumbler, 6-Pack and some fresh fruit!

  29. Tabathia B says

    May 19, 2016 at 6:55 pm

    I really want an outdoor rug

  30. MJ says

    May 20, 2016 at 5:32 am

    I am decking out our deck right now with fresh paint, would love set my sights on some of your melamine dinner plates and have our guests sip a refreshment from the spigot of that beverage dispenser!

  31. Laurajj says

    May 20, 2016 at 8:19 am

    Oh I would love to purchase the Better Homes & Gardens 9′ Market Umbrella, Cabana Stripe to put over our table! So pretty!

  32. lesley says

    May 20, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    can’t wait for new pretty dishes and cups as well as colorful pillows

  33. Kristen says

    May 20, 2016 at 8:50 pm

    I’ll purchase a market umbrella for some shade over our patio table.

  34. Heidi B says

    May 21, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    I will be buying flowers and pots for the deck.

  35. Michelle Richardson says

    May 21, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    I’d purchase cushions and an area rug, and some serve ware~

  36. Barbara R. says

    May 21, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    After reading and seeing how easy it is to set a beautiful table. I am going to buy some bright blue plates. They really add something to an outdoor table with the yellow accents of sunflowers.

  37. Melissa S says

    May 21, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    I would love a pretty outdoor rug, I love the way they look.

  38. Tina W says

    May 21, 2016 at 11:49 pm

    I want an outdoor rug, some melamine dishes and a mason-jar style drink dispenser.

  39. Tina M says

    May 22, 2016 at 8:42 am

    I would purchase some outdoor chairs.

  40. mita says

    May 22, 2016 at 12:47 pm

    A few new pillows!

  41. Jenny says

    May 22, 2016 at 2:18 pm

    Love these colors and your seating area is stunning! I’ll be getting those cool dishes!

  42. Julie Ruam says

    May 22, 2016 at 6:32 pm

    we need more chairs!

  43. kim kihega says

    May 23, 2016 at 6:08 am

    I will but a new fire pit.

  44. Donna says

    May 23, 2016 at 7:59 am

    I’d love to get additional outdoor lights!

  45. Terri Irvin says

    May 23, 2016 at 11:11 am

    I would get a outdoor umbrella and stand or the firepit.

  46. Tamra H says

    May 23, 2016 at 2:15 pm

    We need a new outdoor rug!

  47. Rita O'Dwyer says

    May 23, 2016 at 3:19 pm

    Your table looks so lovely. I’d love to win the gift card because I’d love to have friends over for a lovely summer lunch, but since I only have $400.00 a month income, that may not happen. Anyway, thanks for the chance to win!

  48. Thomas Murphy says

    May 23, 2016 at 8:19 pm

    I would buy new chairs.

  49. Starla B says

    May 23, 2016 at 8:53 pm

    What a colorful, beautiful set up there! I love it! I would put this towards the Better Homes and Gardens Bird Hollow Cabin-Style Gazebo, 10′ x 12′, which I have been wanting.

  50. Birdiebee says

    May 23, 2016 at 9:04 pm

    I would love to purchase a drink dispenser and metal ice cooler.

  51. Jason says

    May 23, 2016 at 9:22 pm

    Dishes and a rug

  52. Stacey B says

    May 23, 2016 at 9:38 pm

    I need a nice patio set with chairs.

  53. Bridgett Wilbur says

    May 24, 2016 at 9:06 am

    I would purchase some new patio furniture.

  54. Christina A. says

    May 24, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    I would love some outdoor pillows!

  55. kelly tupick says

    May 24, 2016 at 3:32 pm

    I want to buy two new chairs to go with my white bistro table i have.

  56. Kim Henrichs says

    May 24, 2016 at 6:27 pm

    I really need a nice pitcher and glasses!

  57. Tee says

    May 24, 2016 at 7:09 pm

    I love the plate and bowls. They are pretty shades of blue.

  58. Christina Z says

    May 24, 2016 at 7:17 pm

    I would buy an umbrella and chairs for my back porch

  59. Kathy says

    May 25, 2016 at 5:15 am

    Brightly colored talecloths

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