How to Create the Perfect Summer Dining Area
One of the best things about summer is being able to enjoy delicious meals outside in the sunshine. However, if you want to make the most of it, you’re going to need to create the perfect summer dining area. That way, you can have everything ready and waiting for you whenever you need it.
If you have a garden, patio, or terrace, creating an outdoor dining area is the ideal way to make the most of your space during the warm summer months. There are so many beautiful ways to decorate and create the ideal backdrop for summer gatherings with family and friends. So, let’s take a look at how to create the perfect summer dining area.
Creating the perfect summer dining area – the essentials
If you want to create the perfect summer dining area, the first step is to plan it all out carefully. So, grab a pen and paper, and start designing, making sure to include all the points listed below.
Where to place your summer dining area?
Think carefully about where you’re going to set up your summer dining area. As with any outdoor space, it’s important to consider how you’re going to orient it with regards to the sun. We recommend incorporating an umbrella, awning or pergola, depending on the amount of space you have to work with. A large tarpaulin can also be an effective way to create a little shade.
That way, you’ll be able to use it even in the middle of the day, when the sun is at its hottest. Don’t forget to place your dining area somewhere accessible, to make it easier for you to bring out food, drink, plates and other utensils.
Choosing furniture for your perfect summer dining area
Look for practical and hard-wearing outdoor furniture that won’t get damaged easily. We also recommend including a bench with built-in storage where you can keep extra cushions and blankets for those late-night gatherings with friends and family.
If you don’t have much space, folding chairs and tables are the ideal solution. That way, you can take them out whenever you need them, and store them safely away again when they’re not in use. The IKEA Saltholmen collection is a great option.
If you want to make life even easier for yourself, why not install some outdoor shelving units for dishes, glasses, cutlery, napkins, and anything else you might need? You can also use it to store some basic snacks and condiments, such as salt, ketchup, cookies, peanuts, potato chips, etc. That way, you won’t have to keep making trips to and from the house.
If you have plenty of room, don’t hold back. Why not put up a hammock or two, and give yourself a comfy place to lie back, relax, and chat with your friends?
Choosing your dinnerware
Now’s the ideal time to forget all the usual formalities, and try something new. Mix and match your tableware, combining pieces from a range of different sets to create a whole new collection.
If you prefer, you could look for a new set of tableware, especially for your outdoor dining area. Colorful, rustic-style plates are a great option here. You can find a range of fantastic dinnerware at Maisons du Monde, which are perfect for creating a fresh and casual atmosphere.
Tip – take your food outside in wooden or plastic boxes, using others to store drinks, sauces, and spare plates. When it’s time to clean up at the end of the night, you can use these boxes to carry everything back into the house, saving yourself from making multiple trips.
Lighting your summer dining area
LED fairy lights are a must-have item for any outdoor dining area, and are perfect for creating a super romantic atmosphere. You could also have some portable lamps, bug repellent candles, lanterns… There are so many different lighting options to choose from. If possible, try to go for warm lighting, avoiding cold, white lights. This will help to create a warm, welcoming space where you can share magical moments with your loved ones.
The devil’s in the detail
Once you’ve taken care of all the practical aspects, it’s time to turn your attention to all those little details that will help to bring a real sense of character and charm to your outdoor dining area. Pick out a bright, colorful summer tablecloth, decorate your table with fruit, flowers, and essential oils. And don’t forget to place jugs of fresh water on the table.
And there you have it! Your summer dining area is just about ready! Invite all your friends around, whip up some delicious food, get those summer tunes on, and lose yourself in the incredible atmosphere of summer.
Warm summer nights are the perfect setting for making incredible memories that you’ll treasure forever. Don’t forget about all those little details that help to ignite the senses.