Creating a Unique Outdoor Dining Area

December 25, 2017

For many families, of the most enjoyable parts of fall is the ability to cook and dine while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. If you enjoy sharing a meal with family and friends out on the patio or deck, why not do it in style? Create a customized and unique outdoor living space for your dining needs. Here are some tips to follow:

Bring the Inside Out

Many individuals make the mistake of thinking that outdoor living spaces must remain separate from indoor spaces. This is not true. Actually, it is a good idea to bring some of the elements you enjoy inside into your outdoor dining area.

Drapery- Make your outdoor space seem like a home away from home with outdoor drapery. Use bright or earthy colours to separate your dining area from the rest of your outdoor living space.

Furniture- If your indoor furniture is comfortable, elegant, and cosy, why shouldn't your outdoor furniture be the same way? Because the furniture is outside, make sure the furniture is well-equipped to handle the elements as well. Whether you want to include furniture for outdoor dining, or also allow for extra seating, consider using synthetic wicker furniture. It is tough, beautiful, and, with the right cushions, can be extremely comfortable to sit on.

Indoor Decorations- When it comes to decorating your outdoor dining area, it is important to pretend you aren't outdoors. This will help you avoid limiting your décor. Choose elegant throws, soft pillows, and swags of fabric for your seating. You can also decorate the dining table with vases and hang mirrors around the area.

Outdoor Decorations-Since you are outside, this is the perfect time to use outdoor decorations to create a whimsical atmosphere. Hang wind chimes, place a bouquet of wild flowers in the vase on your dining table, or hang bird houses from nearby trees.

Light up the Area

With an outdoor dining area, lighting is key, and there are a number of lights you can use. Here are just a few:

Hanging lanterns
Torches
Pillar candles
Tea lamps
Strings of lights

With the right lighting, your outdoor area can not only be beautiful, but it will become a magical place to escape to once the night falls.

Style up Your Dining Set

In order to truly appreciate the dining experience outdoors, you should consider how you are going to set your table. While paper plates and plastic forks may be the best thing for a picnic, if you are going to make this a special area, you need to use the same sense of style for your plates and utensils as you did for the furniture. Visit a local garden store, shop online, or scour flea markets for dining sets made specifically for the outdoors. Use bamboo placemats and purchase cloth napkins that won't blow away with the slightest breeze. Many outdoor serving dishes are available as well, and some come with covers to protect your food from bugs.

When it comes to creating an outdoor dining area, almost anything is possible. Use your own sense of style and your imagination to create the perfect haven.