Take Your Summer Dining Outside for a Fun Picnic on the Porch

Picnic on the Porch
Photography by Jim Bathie, Styling by Sidney Bragiel

Text by Bethany Adams

With water views and breezes blowing through, a sunny screened porch is a dream spot for setting your summer table. Planning an impromptu gathering? Pull in a beloved collection to decorate your tabletop with a splash of personal style. Shells gathered along the shore create a spontaneous runner, kept from feeling kitschy by the more timeless touches used throughout.

Porch on the Picnic
Photography by Jim Bathie, Styling by Sidney Bragiel

A multicolored palette showcases the spirit of summer, but focusing on a primary shade helps keep the design grounded. From napkins to place mats to throw pillows, blue-and-white elements bring in the beauty of blue skies and clear waters.

Picnic on the Porch
Photography by Jim Bathie, Styling by Sidney Bragiel

Embrace seasonal motifs for fun summer place settings. Vibrant fish patterns and rainbow-reminiscent stripes pop alongside natural elements like bamboo flatware and woven rattan lanterns.

Picnic on the Porch
Photography by Jim Bathie, Styling by Sidney Bragiel

Encourage your guests to sit and stay awhile with an extra touch of comfort. Denim blue throw pillows complement bright white porch furniture, contributing a dash of color and a softening element.

Picnic on the Porch
Photography by Jim Bathie, Styling by Sidney Bragiel

Save the crystal vases for another occasion and reach for your favorite vintage jars to display casually beautiful floral sprays. Varied sizes and shades of glass provide interest with a side of antique charm.

Picnic on the Porch
Photography by Jim Bathie, Styling by Sidney Bragiel

Make sure your guests always have a glass of iced tea—or their beverage of choice—in their hands before the food is served. A cozy spot near the table encourages conversation during last-minute preparation.

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