When designing an outdoor space, I always like to include a console table. The console table, on its off time, serves as a place for a lantern, potted plant, and an interesting object or two (as in the photo above). However, when there is entertaining going on, the console becomes the perfect place for food & drink.

A great example of this, is Bunny Williams’ patio area. She has a lovely huge console table that can easily transform into a buffet table when entertaining.

Here, for a friend’s garden, I had a potting table and mirror made for the patio area. When entertaining, the table becomes the perfect place for beverages and food, otherwise, it displays the owner’s fabulous plants and objects.

Breaking it down…

an antique table moved outside

a potting table

old picnic table

indoor table

folding bistro table

proper console

The table you use for you buffet doesn’t necessarily have to be a proper console table, you could use an old picnic table, potting table, small bistro table or even your outdoor coffee table — it all depends on your needs/space.

Items for your buffet…

beverage container

a table cloth

napkins

platters

boards for cheese or bread

food dome

trays to hold your glasses

something to hold silverware

lanterns

Tomorrow – The Bar

*all goods from Jayson Home & Garden, Pottery Barn, Terrain, Serena & Lily, One Kings Lane & Inner Gardens

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