Tips For Creating an Outdoor Dining Area

If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor area on your property then you have the opportunity to create a beautiful outdoor eating area. Enjoy eating el fresco whenever you want in your own backyard. But where do you start, and what do you need for an outdoor eating area?

Get Inspired by Outdoor Restaurant Areas

If you look at some of the most successful outdoor eating areas at restaurants you can pick up a few valuable tips. Visit some of these restaurants and take a seat on the patio. Then start noticing the type of tables they use, the layout, the plants, and other ornaments they use to enhance the ambiance. You’ll see that the best outdoor restaurant chairs are not the same as indoor seating. Chairs intended for outdoor use have specific features that you will need to look out for. 

Seating is Everything!

You want your outdoor seating area to have chairs that are just as comfortable as the best restaurant chairs. That means that you will probably need to invest in cushions or top-quality patio furniture. It should be weather-resistant, and not rust in the rain or fade in the sun. 

Offer your guests different types of seating, including regular chairs next to tables, a loveseat, bean bags, low seating, bar stools, or even a hammock! They will appreciate the option to choose where they sit, and how they spend their time in your outdoor dining area.

Give Your Outdoor Seating Area Atmosphere with Lighting

You can do a lot with lighting. The one thing you don’t want to do is have a single bright light source. Instead, opt for multiple smaller light sources. Perhaps with lights above or on each table, lights in the surrounding plants, and lights on different levels. Consider having pendant lights of different lengths.

Define Your Space

You need to demarcate your outdoor dining area. This can be done with planters, potted plants, and trees, a pattern on the floor ceramics indicating the outer borders of the dining area, or a carpet or rug showing where the dining area is. Consider a pergola, umbrellas, or hanging lights that tell guests where the dining area is. Not only do these added features mark the dining area they also add a cozy feel to the space. If there is no demarcation then your dining area can literally go on forever with no warmth, or intimacy. There are practical aspects that demarcating an area can provide. For example, the pergola or umbrellas provide shade, and the plants provide privacy from curious neighbors. 

It has to Be Practical

An outdoor eating area must be attractive, but it is even more important that the space is practical. Tips for keeping your outdoor dining space practical include:

• Having enough seating

• Having tables that are the right height for the chairs

• Having enough light so that you can see your food when you are eating al fresco at night.

• Have protection from insects and bugs. If your home is prone to mosquitoes then perhaps invest in screens to close off the eating area, or use attractive, unobtrusive, strategically placed insect-repellent devices. 

• If you have enough space then it is a good idea to have a sideboard. You can use this space when clearing plates from the table, placing food for a buffet, or simply placing dishes as you move from the kitchen to the outdoor area. 

• Non-slip floor surface.

• Pergola or umbrellas for protection from the sun.

• Outdoor patio heaters

• Weather-resistant patio furniture

• If your area is small consider getting folding chairs or stackable chairs.

A Focal Point or Point of Interest

Apart from eating outdoors, friends and family will enjoy points of interest in your eating area. This could be a fire pit, a statue, or an ornamental fountain. Plants can be a great focal point in outdoor dining areas. Add large potted trees, a herb garden in planters, or flower boxes overflowing with color. 

Create A Theme

If you don’t want to invest in big ornaments or expensive features, then you can have the same effect by creating a theme. If you use colors or patterns you can give your dining area focus. If your theme is Hampton’s beach house, then keep the larger pieces of furniture white and accessorize with blue cushions, throw blankets, and ceramics. For more Hamptons outdoor furniture ideas visit La Maison. If your theme is bold and colorful then you have free range to add color to everything. And if you’re looking for a mellow, sophisticated vibe then consider using pastel shades.

Create Areas

An outdoor eating area doesn’t have to be one open area. It can be divided up into several zones. Try making one area for sitting and eating at tables and other areas with a more casual feel, perhaps with bean bags, or low seating. There could also be an entertainment area with a small stage or a corner with a loveseat for people who want more intimacy. If you have the budget then try to create a multilevel outdoor eating space.

Here are Some Other Articles Related to Your Search:

Top Down: Best Outdoor Dining Restaurant

Top 6: Rooftop Restaurants