Eating Out: 10 Essentials for Alfresco Dining

With summer upon us, now is a great time to get yourself set up for celebrating a season of food and fun in your outdoor spaces. Once you've covered the basics, adding some no-fuss dinnerware, comfortable seat cushions, or special decorative accents can make your outdoor gatherings truly special. Ready to get started? Here are 10 alfresco ideas that will make you and your guests want to eat every meal outside.

Start at the Top

1/11
Gingham Tablecloth

With a brightly colored tablecloth on your outdoor table, you'll feel like celebrating even before the food comes. There are many spill- and stain-resistant options available, so you can use it in or out, rain or shine.

cceventdecor.com

Elegance Underfoot

2/11
Outdoor Rug

Just like a tablecloth makes an aboveboard statement, a rug will bring beauty from down below. Attractive and durable, outdoor rugs can totally transform a space. Choose a rug made with polypropylene, which will allow it to better withstand rain and prolonged sun exposure.

smwdesign.com

Caddies, Buckets & Trays, Oh My!

3/11
Drink Bucket

One of the less convenient aspects of outdoor dining is the kitchen-to-patio shuttle factor. Make your life easier by stocking up on a few great-looking galvanized storage pieces to house drinks, ice, flatware, and more.


Related: Bar Art—17 DIY Minibars to Mix Up Your Decor

potterybarn.com

Serene Seating

4/11
Striped Seat Cushions

Aside from the food itself, a comfortable, inviting chair is what lures you to the table. If you adorn your outdoor dining chairs with pretty padded seat cushions, you'd better be prepared with dessert...guests will want to linger for as long as possible.

furnitureforpatio.com

Zippy Zappers

5/11
Citronella Candles

When we dine outside, we often have a few unwanted guests. Keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay with citronella candles, which can even add to the ambience when placed in sand-filled mason jars.


Related: 10 Natural Ways to Make Your Home Critter-Free

pinterest.com

Unbreakable Beauty

6/11
Outdoor Tableware

You know that no-glass-by-the-pool rule? No worries. Be sensible yet stylish with a coordinating set of melamine plates and acrylic stemware.  Outdoor dining never looked so good.


Related: 9 Incredibly Cool Pool Houses

chiccoastalliving.com

Alfresco Aglow

7/11
Hurricane Lamp

Hurricane lamps are perfect for the outdoors, because their glass chimneys help keep candle flames from blowing out. Bonus: In addition to providing light, they also just happen to create a gorgeous, dramatic effect.


theenchantedhome.co

Create a Canopy

8/11
Outdoor Canopy

As an alternative to a traditional table umbrella, a canopy can be an informal way to score yourself some shade. It need not be complicated; this one was fashioned with a plain tablecloth tied to four bamboo dowels.

realsimple.com

Extend the Garden

9/11
Flower Centerpieces

If you have some pretty plantings to show off, consider setting your outdoor table with elements straight from the garden. In addition to some cuttings, choosing tableware in complementary colors will make you feel like you're dining right amongst the flora.

homecoalition.org

Never a Cloudy Day

10/11
Paper Lanterns

Battery-operated and available in just about every color you can think of, hanging paper lanterns are an easy way to add a festive touch to your outdoor dining area. If the large globes don't suit your style or space, go for the string light miniature version.


Related: 13 DIY Lanterns to Illuminate Your Porch, Patio, or Garden

hgtv.com

For More...

11/11

Don't Miss!

1pixel

If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!