How to Set Up a Gorgeous Outdoor Dinner Spread
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
After spending Fourth of July weekend having as many meals as possible outside, let's keep going that as long as we can! I was lucky enough to get out of Atlanta, which Whoopi Goldberg recently described as "Africa hot" and hit the New England coast this weekend, and all of you who are lucky enough to be somewhere with a decent breeze should be taking advantage of it as much as possible.
It's fun to set up a table outdoors with a picnic mentality. When it's right outside of your home, you can get a little bit more fancy than a typical picnic - vases full of flowers, access to as much ice as you need, and lovely linens make you feel like you scored a great private outdoor table at a nice restaurant. Have some friends over, serve some spirits, and enjoy the outdoors.
It's fun to set up a table outdoors with a picnic mentality. When it's right outside of your home, you can get a little bit more fancy than a typical picnic - vases full of flowers, access to as much ice as you need, and lovely linens make you feel like you scored a great private outdoor table at a nice restaurant. Have some friends over, serve some spirits, and enjoy the outdoors.
| Use a brightly colored garden as an excuse to brighten up your tablescape. The picnic table takes its cue from the lavender plants, and the chartreuse glasses are a great contrast. |
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Create a Space. Even the most boring of carports can be turned into dinner party central with a few paper lanterns and the right furniture.
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| Decorate that Table! Extra room outside means more freedom to go bananas with centerpieces and lanterns - not the way these are hung from the pergola. |
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| Use portable card tables for an outdoor buffet or bar, and cover it up with tablecloths or even a simple white sheet. |
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Consider taking a can of rustoleum in a bright color to your metal outdoor furniture! Turquoise is the perfect bright summer color.
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Look for Inspiration. Search "Dining Al Fresco" in the Ideabooks section of houzz. No houzz "dining al fresco"-themed ideabook would be complete without this shot. I think every single one of us uses it every time we compile one!
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by huntley & co
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| Provide comfy seats. Sunbrella fabrics are great for your outdoor furniture. |
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| Be prepared for chillier nights. You can get the same heat as this fancy outdoor fireplace from a fire pit or even a little chiminera (chiminea? What the heck are those things called?) |
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Make the entire area inviting. I'm guessing from the thriving cactus here that July is not the best month to eat at this table, but it's so darn cute on this patio, I might just do it anyway!
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Make sure you have ample lighting (you won't need much, but people will be able need to see their plates!). Remember that you will likely need protective hurricanes or lanterns for candles when you are outdoors.
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by decordemon
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| Make a community roofdeck fabulous so that you can get to know your neighbors. This one was a group effort. |
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Consider small spaces. A cozy balcony with a simple set of cafe chairs and a table is a great spot for that third date you've been looking forward to.
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Not in the mood to entertain? It's perfectly acceptable to relax with a cocktail table, complete with a cheery flower, nearby!
Ideabook published on July 6, 2010.
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Rebekah, I am now old enough to remember TWO summers of the 17 year cicadas in Ohio. Here in Georgia, I have to stick with my screened-in porch, with the fan going on high speed in summer!