Outdoor Friendsgiving Table Decorating Ideas
Outdoor Friendsgiving gatherings might just be the perfect way to celebrate fall and Thanksgiving and loved ones this holiday season. Read on for lots of Friendsgiving decorating ideas!
How is it fall already?
More than ever, I think we are all in need of some time to connect with those special to us… And what better way right now than to host an outdoor Friendsgiving celebration?
Today I’m excited to share an outdoor Thanksgiving table complete with pumpkins, fall florals, candles and more friendsgiving decor ideas. Just add guests for the perfect Friendsgiving party.
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Outdoor Thanksgiving Table Ideas
Pumpkin Decorations
Large and small, pumpkins are the quintessential Thanksgiving decorations.
You can create a gorgeous Thanksgiving theme tablescape, even from a humble picnic table, with a few well-placed pumpkins.
Add some mini orange and white pumpkins to the tabletop to complete the look.
I prefer real pumpkins from the grocery store (Trader Joe’s has the best options in my area). But if you’d like something you can use year after year, then there are some pretty faux ones available.
GET THE LOOK:
Fall Florals
Speaking of pumpkins, I used my floral pumpkin planter again this year (best DIY project ever!) in the center of the table for a festive touch.
I just used a variety of grocery-store flowers for the arrangement this time. I look for colors that complemented the pumpkins I had found as well as some deep purple reds (which may or may not have matched the wine for the dinner party beautifully 😉 ).
A few extra blooms went in copper mugs to spread the color across the table.
As with pumpkins, I prefer real flowers… but you can absolutely get a similar look with faux flowers if you need it to last longer.
GET THE LOOK:
Candles
No outdoor table is complete without candles, in my humble opinion. It creates instant ambiance and elegance. Either day…
Or night. And I love how the candles melt as you approach the end of the night.
I love using tapers because they add height to the table without blocking sight lines like larger centerpieces might.
Because, after all, it’s the people around the table that really matter.
GET THE LOOK:
Serving Boards
Oh, and the food. 😉 When dining outside, instead of a traditional turkey, consider serving trays of appetizers, like charcuterie boards for your friendsgiving menu. They make it much easier to carry the feast outdoors.
Plus, they look beautiful on the table. I know it may sound extreme, but it was easy to choose foods like blueberry goat cheese and dried apricots that complemented the colors of the table. And they would go beautifully with your classic favorite desserts, like apple or pumpkin pie.
Food that looks amazing and tastes amazing is like the best of both worlds!
Plus, I think that beautiful food allows for extra simple Thanksgiving table settings, like classic white dinner plates and simple table runners, which is especially perfect for outdoor dining.
GET THE LOOK:
String Lights for outdoor dining
Of course, if you’ve been around here for a while, you know that I’m a sucker for string lights. There is nothing quite so magical as a backdrop of twinkle lights. They are like year-round party decorations.
We have been so pleased with these lights, and I have a full tutorial here if you’d like to hang some of your own.
And the best part is that they allow the party to continue as long as possible… Which is especially helpful for the early sunset on fall evenings.
But if your backyard doesn’t lend itself to permanent lights, then grab a couple of Christmas light strands and drape them around. Anything to create a little magic.
GET THE LOOK:
Special Friendsgiving Gatherings
I hope you enjoyed this sweet Friendsgiving table. Creating this picnic space last spring was so fun, and putting it to use for special occasions with friends this fall was even better.
For an extra special Friendsgiving outdoor gathering, consider some yard games like corn hole or our recent favorite new lawn competition. Party games are such a fun addition.
OUR FAVORITE YARD GAMES:
Feel free to bring out more furniture, too. A few more chairs and side tables can make an instant outdoor living area for a relaxed, comfortable evening.
Whatever you do on the actual holiday, I hope that you are able to connect with and enjoy gratitude for the loved ones in your life in new and special ways this year!
Be sure to pin this for later.
What is the source for the lantern stand?
I’m afraid it was left here by the previous owners of the property. I wish I had a source for you!
OK – thank you for responding!
Beautiful table! Have you posted anything on how to paint the green pumpkin for the floral centerpiece? Thanks!
Yes! You can read more about the pumpkin here: https://www.maisondepax.com/pumpkin-floral-centerpiece/
Thanks! Do you remember what type of paint and/or wax you used?
You can use any chalk or mineral paint and wax! Primer and a latex paint would work too, but it is easier to slap on some chalk paint. 😉
One more question – did you just use some linen fabric for the table runner? Do you have a source for that? Thanks!
I think it’s actually a brushed cotton (similar to a baby blanket). I found it on sale at Hobby Lobby and couldn’t resist. 🙂 I hope this helps!
I’m in love with this color scheme!
Thank you, Hannah!