The weather is officially heating up and outdoor hosting season is soon to be in full swing. And whether you’ve been counting down the days until summer or simply love the vibe of al fresco dining, now’s your time to shine.
Fresh air, a relaxed atmosphere, and laughs all around. What could be better? Even the simplest of meals feels elevated when enjoyed outside with those you love. But taking things outdoors doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. In fact, you can make those patio tablescapes look just as curated (and stunning) as those you normally create indoors. The secret to success every professional stylist swears by? Repurposing high-quality, patterned tea towels intentionally to set up the perfect al fresco dining setup your guests will be raving about for years to come.
At Geometry, we specialize in just that, offering Tea Towels that work hard, look great, and make for the perfect base to your summer tablescapes. Explore five practical outdoor entertaining ideas for using our favorites to create the space of your dreams, so you’re ready to tackle every upcoming patio party like a pro.
1. The Oversized Cloth Napkin Hack
This summer, skip the flimsy paper napkins that inevitably blow away before the gathering even starts. Whether you’re having a backyard barbecue or pool party, your event deserves the very best, and we have the outdoor entertaining ideas to make it happen.
By folding a vibrant Geometry Tea Towel of your choosing and placing it under flatware, you can create a place setting that’s functional and beautiful. Now, your guests have access to oversized, luxurious, (and wind-resistant) lap napkins there for when they need them most. Need a hand deciding? You can’t go wrong with the Checkmate Tea Towel, the perfect piece to help you curate an elevated summer picnic aesthetic.
2. Lining the Bread or Fruit Basket
Bringing some fresh fruit or warm dinner rolls to your al fresco dining setup? Take your table (and summer hosting game) to the next level when you use one of our Tea Towels to line the woven basket holding them. This will add a pop of color to the center of your setup, right where everyone gathers. That means they’ll get to enjoy your delicious creations and admire your design skills all at once. Bonus points: The food will stay insulated and your beautiful tablescape will remain crumb-free. Curating a classic aesthetic? Give our Lattice Bows Towel a try.
3. The Elegant Wine Bottle Wrap
Nothing pairs better with an outdoor gathering than a crisp bottle of chilled rosé, especially as those temps rise. Want to ditch the pesky condensation that may damage your tablescape? Try wrapping your bottles in a patterned tea towel to keep your table dry and make the pouring process super chic. Try this Seventies Retro Flower favorite that makes for a fun, conversational bar accessory at any event.
4. The Centerpiece Base
If you’ve picked out a nice floral arrangement for your table, you can elevate it even more by folding a tea towel under its base. Styling tea towels in this way will highlight your centerpiece and keep your table safe throughout your gathering. Have a different style or vibe in mind when summer hosting? Whether you’re displaying a cluster of patio lanterns, candles, or succulents, you can’t go wrong with the earthy Sage Garden Tea Towel, sure to complement all your outdoor arrangements.
5. Serving Tray & Chair Accents
If you’re bringing out dessert, cocktails, or another delicious offering, you’ll want the platter to look as beautiful as the food. Line it with a Geometry summer favorite, like Graphic Flowers, Stars and Stitches, or Melon Market.
Want to really take your al fresco dining setup to the next level? Drape different tea towels across the backs of chairs to let your guests know where they are sitting. Feel free to mix, match, coordinate, and decorate your way as the sky is truly the limit.
FAQs: Outdoor Dining Linens
Are tea towels safe for outdoor stains?
Yes! Geometry Tea Towels are designed to tackle tough messes, from BBQ sauce stains to wine spills, without missing a beat. Each towel is created from our tightly-woven Geoweave™ fabric that is ultra-absorbent (holding 7x its weight) and quick-drying, so you can clean up and accent any outdoor gathering with ease.
Prep Your Patio
Entertaining outdoors doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. Make the most of the summer and soak up patio season in style. Effortless summer hosting comes down to using clever, multi-purpose essentials you can reuse time and time again. Explore our outdoor entertaining ideas and start styling tea towels your way. Stock up now to have everything you need for kitchen prep, patio styling, and beyond, no matter what the summer brings.