Use creative containers for your centerpieces.
A rustic style works well when combined with outdoor entertaining, since natural elements influence both. Create a look that is both rustic and elegant for a casual get-together or for a more sophisticated event. Making modern patios and patio furniture match your rustic theme requires creative table decorating to set the mood. Does this Spark an idea?
Decorating Theme
Select your color palette and basic theme before you begin collecting the materials for decorating your tables. Use the materials you have on hand to help guide you in selecting the colors for your rustic look. A rustic cabin in the woods style requires rough-woven fabrics and deep natural colors, such as dark greens and browns. A rustic farmhouse style of decorating works well with lighter colors, including blue and white tableware and delicate white tablecloths.
Table Covers
Determine whether your outdoor table requires a full tablecloth. Modern looking patio tables benefit from a full cloth to camouflage them and make them appear more rustic, while a wood or wrought-iron table can look rustic without a covering. Drape the table with an oversized length of rough-woven fabric in a solid color to create a backdrop to the rest of the tabletop decor. Alternatively, use a table runner of woven fabric on less modern tables.
Centerpieces
A collection of wildflowers displayed in tin watering cans or metal buckets adds a quaint touch to the rustic table. Look for unusual containers to hold flower centerpieces -- the more vintage the better. For nighttime entertaining, use candles as your centerpiece. An old, working kerosene lantern adds a soft glow of light. Alternatively, paint empty tin can in colors that match your decor. Use cans of varying heights and sizes. Punch holes in the sides with a nail. Place lit candles inside so the candle glow shines through the punched holes.
Place Settings
Rustic decor lends itself well for mixing and matching plates and flatware. Use vintage plates and old silver for a rustic farmhouse or cottage look. Stoneware and pottery pieces also add a rustic touch to each place setting. Use wood, ceramic or stoneware serving bowls and platters instead of the fine silver. Set a pine cone tied with a ribbon, a small bunch of acorns or pretty stone at each setting. Create a rustic place card by writing the guest's name on the stone or other object with a paint pen or tie a card with the name on it to the object.
Tags: look rustic, match your, rustic farmhouse, works well, your rustic
