Romantic Outdoor Dining Inspiration
Set the Table for a Meal Under the Stars
Having lived in New York, where snagging a piece of the private outdoor pie is no small feat, I've long dreamed of having a little spot in which to dine alfresco. It took moving to Texas to make that dream a reality. Yes, I was willing to move across the country to get a little outdoor space because, to me, nothing beats enjoying a meal or drinks surrounded by trees and fresh air.
Spring has arrived in many places around the U.S., and it's just around the corner for others (c'mon, East Coast!), so it's just about time to start planning for outdoor living. Whether for a fancy garden party or a simple early evening dinner, there is something special about eating outside. Some of the best spots are those that treat the outdoors like the indoors, making use of natural surroundings to create four walls, a floor and a ceiling, and taking into consideration lighting, accessories and ambiance.
Spring has arrived in many places around the U.S., and it's just around the corner for others (c'mon, East Coast!), so it's just about time to start planning for outdoor living. Whether for a fancy garden party or a simple early evening dinner, there is something special about eating outside. Some of the best spots are those that treat the outdoors like the indoors, making use of natural surroundings to create four walls, a floor and a ceiling, and taking into consideration lighting, accessories and ambiance.
Nestled beneath flowering trees, this cozy dining spot is one I would have trouble leaving. Pulling the mirror outside brings an unexpected indoor element and the gravel clearing gives the dining nook a sturdy landing pad.

If trees don't hover overhead, introduce another element, like this birdcage, to give the essence of a light fixture and ground the dining area. Layering lacy tablecloths completes the shabby-chic look.
Curtains lend a breezy feel to any outdoor space. In this image, the trellis overhead mitigates the sun a bit while providing a structure from which to hang other accessories, such as the Moroccan pendant. The mixed-and-matched chairs give the dining area a casual, impromptu feel, although we know a lot of work went into creating it.
Gorgeous architecture makes it easy to create a romantic alfresco dining area. The simplicity of the table setting allows the surrounding walls to shine, while tall candles, wood and metal chairs and a dash of green running down the table warm up the rustic setting.
Rugs work the same outside as they do inside, providing a focal point and a base upon which to add layers and warm up a space. The well-coordinated rug, tablecloth and pillows paired with durable (and comfortable!) teak chairs work beautifully with the bushy green surroundings and simple votives spread about.
Houzz contributor Brian Patrick Flynn transformed his own decidedly uneventful carport into a fabulous party hot spot with a little elbow grease.
Factory-style pendants mixed with Japanese-style lanterns, a giant wood farm table and well-worn French industrial metal chairs all surrounded by trees and plants — this is outdoor dining perfection.
This scene combines open air dining with indoor pieces like upholstered chairs. The foliage "walls" and "ceiling" make for a lovely overgrown, forest-like setting for a fanciful alfresco dining experience.
Add a pop of color by painting wood or metal furniture. The purple picnic table and benches pair perfectly with the bright yellow–green glasses and multi-colored napkins. A bouquet with flowers that looked like they were plucked from the garden add to the sophisticated bohemian result.
Plush, striped pillows, white metal furniture, drum stools as occasional tables and plenty of potted plants soften the urban backdrop of this beach-y dining oasis.
More outdoor living ideas:
Northwest Style: Staying Cozy Outside
Exterior Lighting: Take the Drama Outside
More outdoor living ideas:
Northwest Style: Staying Cozy Outside
Exterior Lighting: Take the Drama Outside