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I blog here:
http://blog.designpublic.com/
and here:
http://thebubbreport.blogspot.com/
I also have a Masters in Landscape Architecture from UVA. I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta.
How to Set Up a Gorgeous Outdoor Dinner Spread (8 comments)
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.
by Clinton & Associates Landscape Architects 
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.
from decor demon, photographed by Sarah Dorio
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.
by SchappacherWhite Ltd.
Use portable card tables for an outdoor buffet or bar, and cover it up with tablecloths or even a simple white sheet.
by AHBL
Consider taking a can of rustoleum in a bright color to your metal outdoor furniture! Turquoise is the perfect bright summer color.
Dear Daisy Cottage- patio
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!
by AHBL
Provide comfy seats. Sunbrella fabrics are great for your outdoor furniture.
by huntley & co
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?)
by sb-architects.com
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!
by Carson Poetzl, Inc.
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.
outdoors
Make a community roofdeck fabulous so that you can get to know your neighbors. This one was a group effort.
by Brian Patrick Flynn
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.
by Gleicher Design Group
Not in the mood to entertain? It's perfectly acceptable to relax with a cocktail table, complete with a cheery flower, nearby!
by Michelle Kaufmann Designs
comments
kitpollard says:
I love it! This is the time of year when I can't get enough pictures of outdoor dining. Even though it is WAY too hot in Baltimore to even think about eating outside!
kitchenlab says:
These are all amazing spaces. I just wish I lived somewhere that bathing in bug spray wasn't part of the deal! Ah, the Midwest in summer!
becky says:
Kit, I hear you, even Cape Cod was ROASTING yesterday!
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!
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!
lindaramirez says:
Hey Becky! I'm in Oklahoma, and also on the screened porch. The humidity is unreal. The cicadas love it. But I still love these pictures, and I can dream, can't I. lol
becky says:
linda, yes, dreaming of spring and fall! If it's any consolation, I was in Boston yesterday and it was 98 degrees!
storklady says:
This is my favorite idea book in a long time...if only we could enjoy being outside in San Antonio this time of the year. The worst part is not the heat as we have a good breeze most every night. It's the $*%#@ mosquitos. They will carry you away in about two seconds flat. My big dream is a free-standing screened porch in the back yard with a beautiful landscaped path to it's door....
storklady says:
I hate it when I make typing errors...I should have said...with a beautifully landscaped path to its door. I did advance from 3rd grade! haha.
manderley says:
They're fantastics!
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