Guest Picks: Dining Accoutrements for a Small Balcony
The Arc En Ciel folding chair from Design Within Reach is an outdoor dining classic. Two please!
The round top of the metal bistro table from Terrain would be just right for tiny terraces — more room to squeeze in seats!
I don't have much use for them in my current place, but I've been dreaming up excuses to buy a set of these coated linen trays from Fog Linen. They'd be just right for carting out cups of tea and breakfast granola to my balcony perch.
This earthenware pitcher from The New General Store would make the perfect balcony companion. The thick earthenware is insulating, so icy drinks won't warm up too fast in the summer sun.
I can imagine that balcony dining might sometimes require an entire panier of treats to enjoy. You'd never guess that this basket is insulated — but it is!
If my balcony were too tiny for a chair, I might invest in one of these small stools instead. The tiny gray one would do the trick.
To match the stately chair, here's the Arc En Ciel folding table from Design Within Reach.
White enamel bowls from Alder & Co. are lovely to look at, and unbreakable in the chance of a powerful gust of wind.
I don't use placemats that often at home, but when dining outdoors, they're just right. This striped version from Fog Linen is simple and sweet.
Painted an eye-catching red, this metal bistro chair from Terrain is a similar take on the Arc en Ciel and is refreshingly cheery.
When it comes to dining en terrasse, the French get it right. These French brasserie plates from Ancient Industries come with the menu printed right one them. Fromage divers, s'il vous plait.
Just because they're endlessly useful (and this one is particularly jaunty), I'll need a red linen dish towel.
These tempered glass tumblers from Old Faithful Shop are suitable for hot and cold liquids. I'd take coffee in the morning and lemonade in the afternoon.
For evenings with a little bit of chill in the air, I'll need a multicolor plaid blanket over my knees.
As long as I'm daydreaming, I'd love a set of this enamel cutlery.
Because we all know that dining outdoors can pose its share of problems, get some citronella candles by Recyclights to fend off mosquitoes.
I don't think I'd ever install one of these in my kitchen, but I'm fairly certain that this is the kind of thing balconies are made for. This bottle opener has been made by the same family for over 80 years.
I love the gray paint on this bamboo tray. It looks like there'd be just enough room for my morning's allotment of fresh croissants and jam.
And for those evenings when all you want to do is linger, invest in some sturdy outdoor string lights. Dessert just got a whole lot brighter.Next: 8 Space-Savvy Gardens
I can't quite imagine eating outside without a blue gingham napkin in my lap. These pretty ones are handmade by Small Batch Production.
Q