Host a European-style garden party.

For this charming outdoor get-together, a rustic barnboard table is left uncovered, showcasing its rustic quality. New life is given to weathered chairs with white slipcovers and Breton-Stripe cushions. For a lush garden canopy right at the table, fill a tall vase with simple leafy greenery.

Find more entertaining ideas in our Summer Table Decorating photo gallery.

A weathered barnboard table is the perfect setting for an outdoor brunch.

No need for formal napkins or grand floral arrangements — keep the look casual with tea towel runners and a few potted succulents. Golden cutlery adds a sparkling vintage touch.

Find more entertaining ideas in our Summer Table Decorating photo gallery. Also, to learn how to make this DIY Tea Towel Runner yourself.

Touches of orange, turquoise, gold and white add tropical flair to this summertime setup.

A dainty chinoiserie bowl looks youthful when paired with contemporary floral-print napkins. For a budget-friendly centerpiece, place wild flowers in a vintage mason jar, creating a perfect casual-chic arrangement.

Bring a touch of Provence to your backyard.

A juicy palette of citrus hues dazzles under the summer sun. Fresh bursts of yellow — found in the tablecloth, floral arrangements and plates — pop against the leafy green surroundings. Classic wicker chairs finish off the quaint French garden look.

Find more entertaining ideas in our Summer Table Decorating photo gallery. To find the delicious recipes found on this table, pick up our July 2011 issue.

Indoors or out, a Mexican-themed dinner table will add spice to your party.

Start with layers of organic linen or burlap fabric to use as tablecloths — don’t worry if their edges are rough. To avoid a gaudy Tex-Mex look, go subtle and natural: pair aqua-blue glassware with wooden bowls and serving plates for an authentic feel.

Find more entertaining ideas in our Summer Table Decorating photo gallery. To find the delicious Mexican recipes found on this table, check out our September 2010 issue.

Simple white plates keep the focus on the fresh seasonal food.

For a buffet-style party, keep costs low by using the glassware and dishes you already have. Create a big impact with colour, without commitment, by framing a large piece of wallpaper or fabric. Finish off the look with matching flowers and napkins.

Find more entertaining ideas in our Summer Table Decorating photo gallery. Also, try this delicious Cocoa Cannoli Cake Recipe (pictured here) at your next dinner party.

A fresh cottage look with nordic flair.

A crisp blue and white palette feels clean and light. Linen tablecloths layered over a weathered farmhouse table offer a casual look. The large ceramic bowl filled with fresh dahlias is a summer tabletop must.

Use fresh outdoor hues for a vibrant table.

To create your own enticing green feast, mix mossy or vegetal greens with hits of emerald or jade tones, incorporating dishes, glassware and other vessels with charming botanical shapes and motifs. As an earthy foundation for your repast, choose an appealingly “muddy” tablecloth in taupe or light brown linen. Accessorize individual settings with green-trimmed linen napkins and tiny transparent vases filled with sprays of cuttings such as Queen Anne’s lace.

Find more entertaining ideas in our Summer Table Decorating photo gallery.

A welcoming oasis for outdoor entertaining.

H&H style editor Michael Penney transformed the lacklustre 1950s addition on his old home with affordable lattice sheets and windowboxes he made himself. He painted all the wood an outdoorsy green, added a table covered in a bistro tablecloth, comfortable wicker chairs from Ikea, and fresh flowers. Learn more about the backyard transformation.

Read all about Michael’s new house — including before shots and DIY projects — in his blog, tour through each floor on Online TV, see the full story in our June 2011 issue, and browse all before and after photos in the online gallery.

An elegant space allows guests to dine alfresco high above the city.

TV hosts Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman initially wanted black wrought-iron dining furniture for their rooftop terrace, but happened upon a teak set with caned chairs and a glass-topped table. “The teak is just starting to fade into a gorgeous grey that matches the flooring,” says Steven. Rooftops are windy, so hardy trees that do well in containers — such as the evergreens placed on either side of the mirrored armoire — are a good pick for added greenery.

Channel a rustic, English look for your summer table.

This table setting is understated and modern – with just a dash of gratuitous adornment in the napkin rings and flowers.

A colourful poolside dining area greets guests with style.

Trend expert Karen Von Hahn’s patio is perfect for entertaining large crowds. An aluminum railing on the back deck overlooking the pool adds a dockside feel. The oversized table was made from a 19th-century French iron gate welded onto a custom steel base. Its glass top keeps the look airy and water-like. The tropical table setting features vintage wood plates and colourful lilies, adding whimsy to this elegant dining area.

Get more fresh decorating ideas in our Perfect Patios gallery.

Greenery, cheery accents and rattan furniture add style to a backyard terrace.

Hits of sky blue enliven a muted black, white and grey tabletop palette. Succulents in textured ceramic bowls and surrounded by glass hurricanes make an elegant centrepiece, as well. Generous armchairs with striped pillows invite guests to linger long after the dishes have been cleared away.

For more outdoor decorating and design ideas, see our Tropical-Inspired Outdoor Spaces gallery.

Unusual glass containers take centre stage with these airy arrangements.

Add sparkle to your table with elegant glass vases like the unique examples shown here. Their narrow, long necks are perfect for supporting flower stems, making it easy to display flowers with plenty of height. Choose flowers such as delphinium and gladiolus, which offer gorgeous blossoms on stiff stems, to create a similar look.

See more beautiful blooms in our Easy Flower Arrangements photo gallery.

Choose watery hues for a seaside feel.

A fresh blue and white table setting coordinates with the upholstered dining chairs. Using a contrasting colour for the floral arrangement allows the flowers to pop.

Modern teak furniture and feathery exotic plants give this back deck's dining area a distinctly tropical air.

The furniture and accessories are in sync with the home's interior, both in their clean lines and black and white palette. The colours also blend in with the spectacular waterfront.