5 Epic Outdoor Table Setting Ideas for Father's Day

“Any man can be a father, but it takes a special man to be a Dad.”

Dads play such an important role in society. In fact, they are often the backbone of the family and the unsung heroes. Their influence is powerful.

Dads are providers, instructors, carers and encouragers.

One Australian study sought to find out the impact of fathers on their children’s development. The findings showed that a father or father figure living with a child from the ages of 4 to 12 years increases the child’s:

• Learning outcomes
• Emotional wellbeing
• Likelihood of having fewer behavioural problems

If this doesn’t speak to the importance of fathers, what does?

Because of their amazing impact, we should celebrate fathers every day. However, Father’s Day offers an extra special opportunity to show them we care. It is a day set aside each year to honour fathers for their contribution to families and society.

Different countries mark the day on different dates. Some countries commemorate Father’s Day in June. Others, like Australia, celebrate Father's Day in September. It is a day to honour not only fathers but also father figures.

Some people celebrate the day by eating out or doing fun family activities together. Others celebrate by giving gifts.

Research shows that, on average, Aussies eat out twice a week. Father’s Day is a great opportunity for restaurants to go all out with their table settings.

Restaurant owners can set tables in a theme that speaks to masculinity. This is a sure way to impress all the dads being celebrated.

Here are some epic table settings ideas that will make your restaurant stand out this Father’s Day.

1. Wood and Metal Themed Table Setting

Image from: Lina Kivaka

Who said wood and metal are only useful in a workshop? They are a great way to add a natural and macho touch to your dinner tables.

Create a family communal setting using long tables. There is nothing more magical than a long table stocked with greenery and flowers. Opt for fresh and hardy cuttings that will hold up without wilting.

Wood is a natural decorative element. Keep it simple by placing cross sections of wood on your tables as your centrepieces. Then top them with metal vases.

Place candles of varying heights on metal candlesticks. They will bring some warmth and elegance to your setting.

Lay a wooden charger at each place setting, topped with brass plates. The contrast between wood and brass will look spectacular.

Accent your tablescape by placing metallic cutlery tucked into a heart-folded napkin. It's a celebration of fatherly love, after all.

As you plan your decor, always maintain a balance between functionality and appearance. Ensure your table setting is both beautiful and comfortable for your guests, so they can enjoy every aspect of their dining experience.

2. Barbeque Style Table Setting

For dads who love beer, meat and the great outdoors, a barbeque theme will be a smash hit.

Go gingham or go home! Dress your tables with red gingham pattern tablecloths and matching napkins.

There is no need for fine china because this is an informal setting. Here is the cutlery you will need:

• Dinner plate: This is the first item to set on the table.
• Forks. You will need a dinner fork and salad fork. Place these on the left side of the plate.
• Knife. Place a dinner knife to the right of the plate. Ensure its sharp edge faces inwards.
• Spoons. You will need a soup spoon and teaspoon. Place them on the outside of the knife and in the order of use.
• Glasses. Place your water and wine glasses at the top right of the dinner plate.
• Table napkin. Fold and place it at the centre of the dinner table.

Hang string lights around the dinner table. This will allow your guests to dine outdoors even when darkness creeps in.

For your centrepiece, use natural elements. Make a bold statement by using a bundle of greenery as your centrepiece. You can add a punch of colour to your tables with some bright yellow lemons.

Complete the home-grown look by adding a metal bucket filled with ice and a few beer bottles.

And remember, it’s not an Aussie barbeque party without red meat. Ensure there is meat on the menu. With these punchy elements, you will surely impress your guests.

3. Vintage Fishing Table Setting

For dads who love fishing, this theme will grab them hook, line and sinker!

Opt not to cover your dinner tables with linen. Instead, use bare tables. They look simple and masculine.

Decorate your tables with fishing net table runners. Place lanterns on your dinner tables as centrepieces. Nothing feels more peaceful than the gentle glow of a lantern.

This is a formal dinner setting. Create some interest on your dinner tables using woven plate chargers.

Use vintage white and blue dinner plates and soup bowls.Then add rustic napkins atop the dinner plate, like these offered by Australian Linen Supply.

Tie your napkins with vintage napkin rings for an elegant touch.

This video will give you some creative ways to fold your table napkins.

Make the dessert table the highlight of your dining area. Set it up with delicious treats such as cupcakes and an assortment of gummy worms.

Decorate your cupcakes with some Father’s Day fishing phrases. A good example is “hooked on dad.” You will capture the hearts of the fathers in the house.

4. Spring Themed Table Setting

Florals are synonymous with spring but skip the flowers this year. Decorate your tables with a masculine touch for Father’s Day.

Set your tables outdoors with a colourful umbrella to create some shade. This plays both a functional and an aesthetic role.

Line the centre of your dinner table with a natural tablescape. Place garden pots with plants or wicker baskets with twigs as your centrepiece. These make a bold statement.

Mix and match candles of varying heights. For a personal touch, place a metal plaque on the table with each guest’s surname.

Play with your tableware. Use a woven charger with a white dinner plate for your place setting.

For added texture and brightness, use coloured table napkins. The pop of colour will bring some elegance to your spring tablescape.

5. Superhero Table Setting

If you have a father or a father-figure who is your superhero, it is important to celebrate them.

But what makes a super dad?

For this theme, harness all of your imagination into the table setting.

Pick a colour scheme that pops. Red, blue and yellow is a great choice. Spruce up the venue by decorating it with pom-poms in these colours.

Details make all the difference in a table setting. Make your tables colourful with yellow tablecloths. Add another splash of colour with a red table overlay.

This theme gives you a good excuse to dress up. Have your restaurant staff wear superhero accessories.

You can also place themed accessories on superhero characters on each table setting. This will bring some fun to the dinner table.

For your dessert table, keep up to the theme. Serve cupcakes with yellow and red icing.

Get in Touch With the Linen Experts

Now you have no reason to scratch your head over how to set your tables for Father's Day. Pick one of the above inspirations and let your imagination run wild.

Table linens can go a long way in helping you achieve the setting you desire.

Wondering where to get affordable table linen in Australia?

Australian Linen Supply sells quality table linen and their prices are pocket-friendly. Pick a colour and style that will complement the theme you have in mind.

Happy Father’s Day, Australia!

Feature Image: Pxfuel