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Dining Al Fresco with Vintage Finds and Flowers

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Outdoor dining ideas using vintage and found items

outdoor table with vintage items and flowers

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Summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime. Yes, it definitely feels like we skipped right over spring and landed smack dab in the middle of summer here in Tennessee. Complete with 90° temperatures and 90% humidity. But that doesn’t stop us from wanting to spend time on the deck relaxing and eating. We’re just happy we have a ceiling fan out here!


We’re in the second week of the Outdoor Extravaganza, hosted by my friend Shauna at Satori Design for living. There are over a dozen of your favorite home bloggers who have joined Shauna are we’re sharing ideas this week for outdoor decorating and entertaining. Last week we shared various thoughts on outdoor plants and flowers. You can see that HERE. And all of this week’s ideas are at the bottom of this post so be sure to visit everyone and get lots of wonderful tips.

If you know me at all, then you know that I have a thing for vintage and found items, and am sharing how I’ve used a variety of them out on the deck for summer entertaining. I also love flowers and have incorporated a few in our summer deck decor. And since I can’t always find a vintage version of what I need, I have a few newer reproductions that look like they’re from a long time ago. 

There are so many ways to add a vintage vibe to your outdoor decor. Old wood bread boards have such charm and warmth and I’ve used this reproduction wood cheese board from my shop as a base for flowers and a bowl of fresh strawberries. You could also use a candle (on a dish or in a jar) or small lantern for a nice centerpiece.

bowl of strawberries and jar of flowers on a wooden cutting board

For keeping beverages cold, a large vintage white ironstone wash basin is perfect as a unique ice bucket. Old ironstone crocks or galvanized buckets also make a nice way to chill wine or champagne. And if you have lots of individual bottles or cans, a large galvanized tub is an ideal place for them.

wine bottles on ice in a vintage wash basin

Did someone say flowers? Our peonies started blooming last week and they make such beautiful decor. Just clip and plop into a vase, jar, or flower bucket. So simple but so stunning. 

peonies in a metal flower vase

For easy outdoor entertaining and dining, use tiered stands and cutlery caddies. On our deck I’m using a reproduction white enamelware caddy and a galvanized 3 tier serving stand, both from my shop. The stand is great since it doesn’t take up much space on our table. And the caddy keeps everything organized and portable.

Speaking of tables, the antique white wicker one is a favorite piece of mine and it’s perfect for the wall of our covered deck. I bought it from a former neighbor several years ago. She had it on her front porch and I always admired it from our house across the street. When she moved into a nursing home, her granddaughter sold it to me, along with some other nice vintage pieces. 

white enamelware utensil caddy and galvanized tiered stand

Another favorite vintage find is this block print tablecloth. It’s lightweight and adds a fun pop of color to our table. I bought it at an estate sale several years ago and it’s in perfect condition. I’ve seen similar ones HERE and HERE

outdoor table with vintage items and flowers

Back on the wicker table, an arched wood wall hanging is leaned up against the wall as a backdrop for the plants and other decor. Sometimes I hang a small wreath from it, but since there are so many flowers it really didn’t need it for now. 

On the dining table, some thrifted vintage blue willow dishes bring out the blue in the tablecloth. Blue and white dishes are great for summer dining but are a classic any time of the year.

outdoor table with vintage items and flowers

Can you ever have too many flowers? Not at my house. A few more peonies in a white pitcher borrowed from my shop add a tiny touch of romance to the deck. You can almost always find pretty flowers at the grocery store or many times in your own yard. They really add a nice touch to outdoor spaces.

white peonies in a white pitcher

Do you love vintage items too? See my best tips for shopping at estate sales HERE. Or you can always search for whatever item you’re looking for on ETSY.

Now it’s time to see all the other ideas from the Outdoor Extravaganza! Click on the links below and visit everyone for some great ways to spruce up your outdoor spaces.

Satori Design for Living | Craftberry Bush | Finding Silver Pennies | So Much Better with Age

Zevy Joy | Amber Tysl | Postcards from the Ridge | The Happy Housie

Casa Watkins Living | City Farmhouse | Clean and Scentsible | Vinyet Etc.

Maison de Pax | A Pretty Life | Life on Virginia Street | On Sutton Place | The DIY Mommy

Thanks for dropping by! Happy outdoor entertaining!

14 Comments

  1. Angie, I love this patio area! So cozy and welcoming. It would be so lovely to sit and have tea & breakfast there too. You must enjoy this space so much.
    Hugs, Jamie

  2. Gorgeous flowers Angie! You have such a beautiful tablescape that really has that alfresco vibe. So pretty.

  3. I LOVE this and you know I'm all gaga over your peonies and your vintage, I simply adore those bowls!

    1. Thanks Laurie! The bowls are a new favorite of mine! Have a great weekend!

  4. What a lovely and inviting space…I love all of your vintage details! And I agree, you can never have too many flowers!

  5. I love all your vintage and antique finds. LOVE them and I'm so jealous of your gorgeous weather. It's still cold here in Massachusetts. Those peonies just took my breath away.

    1. Thanks Danielle! We don't really get a spring here these days but seem to jump right into summer! The peonies are my favorite!

  6. What a great table setting for outdoors. I have been enjoying some out door snack time, haven't had anyone over yet but i love being outside.

  7. Your peonies are blooming and mine are just poking out of the ground lol. Such a lovely space. Of course, I'm admiring your vintage touches 🙂

    1. Enjoy your peonies when they do finally bloom! They don't last long enough. Thanks for the sweet comments.

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