Warmer days are just around the corner, and when vibrant color starts popping up in the garden it’s a sure sign that it’s time to set a stylish table for seasonal outdoor entertaining. These five ideas will have your table dressed and ready for its spring performance in a snap!

TIP 1: START WITH A TIMELESS PIECE

Start with a timeless piece like this lovely table. The sturdy aluminum is not only sleek and beautiful, but it’s also powder-coated to resist rust, fading, and chipping. I love that the rectangle shape is unexpected, but it provides enough room for six X-back chairs to scoot around—the perfect amount for an intimate gathering to celebrate this happy season! The chairs feature a classic medallion detail and—thanks to fade-resistant cushions—stay comfy from cocktails to coffee.

TIP 2: BUILD DIMENSION WITH LOTS OF LAYERS

Here’s one of my best pro tips:

Build dimension with lots of layers to make sure the table doesn’t feel flat. To boost up your setting, start with these pretty woven chargers— they bring in natural texture that reflects the outdoor surroundings. Stack a statement plate on top, and pair them with casual flatware that feels fancy. The two-tone mix of bamboo and stainless steel adds more dimension, while the handles sneak in another touch of texture. Plus, they’re just so pretty on an outdoor table!

I love, love, love these crisp linen scalloped napkins, because the green trim adds a just-right pop of color, and the hue is the perfect shade of manicured lawn! The scallop lines give a touch of softness and a dash of whimsy without being trendy. Pairing them with acrylic napkin rings is an easy and subtle way to create extra dimension. Finally, these tumblers shimmer with sophisticated texture. Extra-thoughtful additions like handwritten place cards and individual menus make for pretty, personalized touches.

And layering doesn’t just mean on top of the table! I added a cable knit rug underneath to anchor the table and soften the ground underneath.

TIP 3: LONG-LASTING CENTERPIECES

Down the middle of the table is a super-smart centerpiece idea: Handblown glass planters serve as the focal point, but instead of fresh flowers, I filled them with lush and economical greenery. Greenery is a great option that will last through the entire spring entertaining season. I surrounded the planters with colorful geraniums and citronella for earthy texture. It’s practical, too—keeps the mosquitoes away!

TIP 4: ADD LIGHTING

Sunsets and porch lights are nice, but for an extra-cozy atmosphere, turn on the lamp lights! You don’t need an outlet for these rechargeable lamps. Their simple silhouette makes them ideal for table conversation, and the warm light—controlled by a dimmer switch—will illuminate the table add glow-y ambience.

Tuck in final touches with trinkets like this silver wire cachepot as well as these salt & pepper cellars. The dressy silver sparkles in the lamp light. The sweet little cachepot will stow a bottle of wine or even a glass carafe filled with your favorite garden cocktail! I love the glimmer of the salt cellars running down the table’s center. I really like to offer my guests something to nibble on between courses—like nuts or crystallized ginger—and they are a darling display for those tiny bites too!