You need not actually be in Napa Valley to entertain like you are! The secret is to pull together a dining table setting with that distinct “wine country look.” But what exactly is that look? Some call it California chic or modern-rustic, with vineyard, farmhouse or orchard elements. Sounds intriguing, right? Well, read on for our tips on how to assemble a Napa Valley or wine country style table setting—and see the fabulous examples we found to inspire you!
Table Setting Tips for Recreating that Wine Country Look
Casual yet decidedly chic, with vineyard and wine-inspired elements, and versatile enough for both outdoor and indoor entertaining. That’s the Napa Valley-inspired approach to setting your table!
Tip #1: Go for an al fresco venue, if possible, to simulate a vineyard or orchard setting. Think garden, patio, porch or at least a room with a view!
Tip #2: Start with a bare rustic-style table, showing gorgeous wood grain.
Tip #3: Add to the interest and charm with mismatched chairs around the table.
Tip #4: For table linens, use woven or burlap runners and fabric napkins in neutral tones or bright solids.
Tip #5: Assemble vineyard-inspired centerpieces—using wine bottles, bunches of grapes, garden greenery, wildflowers in vases.
Tip #6: For serve ware, go for an organic feel with earthenware, wood trays and bowls, baskets, woven chargers and place mats.
Tip #7: Use food as table decor, too—mini baguettes at every place setting, cheese boards, charcuterie trays and fruit baskets.
Tip #8: Have each guest bring a favorite bottle of wine. Then cover the labels with numbered kraft paper sleeves for a “blind wine tasting” game at the party.
7 Fab Wine Country-inspired Dining Tables
Now, to see how all those elements can come together with a distinct Napa Valley flair, come and marvel at these examples of dining tables we found!
1 – Easy California style, via Traditional Home
Laid back and non-fussy, but still definitely stylish. That’s the inviting impression created by simple elements in contrasting textures—porcelain china set on round woven place mats, groupings of glasses, bottles and votive holders laid on a rough wood tabletop.
2 – Casual country vineyard style, found via My Wedding Reception Ideas
How inviting is this long table under the trees, set with mismatched chairs (farmhouse kitchen meets iron garden set), vintage floral china and a mini buffet table to one side!
3 – Rustic al fresco table setting, from Elle Decoration
A truly woodsy look for this table set for hearty eating. Note the soup bowls and wooden handled cutlery, paired with rustic-wrapped baguettes—plus centerpieces of eucalyptus and wildflowers in bottles, graced by white pillar candles.
4 – Outdoor “farm table chic,” via Visit California
This casually elegant table setting would be perfect for vineyard, greenhouse or orchard entertaining. Such a relaxed arrangement of iron lanterns, wine bottles and candles—highlighted by orange napkins and enchanting glass “tea light orbs” hanging overhead!
5 – Vineyard Terrace setting designed by St. Dizier Design, via California Home Design
We love this modern take, with the light wood, textured place mats and linen napkins, knobbed glasses, the “nest” on each place setting, and the pop of the cobalt blue chairs.
6 – Modern, clean lines from Zara Home, via Alkemie
A bright and crisp setting for indoor entertaining, Napa Valley style! Mostly white elements set against the neutral tones of wood and basketry, and cooling touches of blue-grey. The bamboo dumpling steamer is a nice surprise, too!
7 – Wine country charm, from Williams-Sonoma
Such an authentic feel to this spread of pasta, cheeses, fruits, bread sticks and wine—thanks to a wine country collection of chinaware featuring sprigs of olives, along with rustic woven chargers and a farmhouse style table!
Which look would you go for when setting your table a la Napa Valley? If you have your own ideas and tips to share, do pass them on in the comments below!
