Outdoor Entertaining: How to Create a Stylish Dining Area on Your Patio
Make the most of even a mini patio area by creating a secluded, leafy dining spot for solo coffees and laid-back dinner parties alike
Among the many delights of summer, alfresco dining is high up there. From breakfasting with the papers to hosting a barbecue, there are few things more likely to give your day a boost than the feeling of sunshine, the sound of birds and the smell of fresh air while enjoying a meal. Here are some of my favourite outdoor dining areas that illustrate how to do alfresco in style.
Get in the zone
Section off your outdoor dining area to create an intimate nook that enhances the mood of your space. Enlist the help of nature for a pretty look that blends your alfresco dining room into its surroundings.
On this pretty patio, the paper lanterns are a fun and functional touch. Leave them empty for a daytime do, or string up outdoor garland lighting and cover a few bulbs with different-coloured shades after dark.
Section off your outdoor dining area to create an intimate nook that enhances the mood of your space. Enlist the help of nature for a pretty look that blends your alfresco dining room into its surroundings.
On this pretty patio, the paper lanterns are a fun and functional touch. Leave them empty for a daytime do, or string up outdoor garland lighting and cover a few bulbs with different-coloured shades after dark.
Dare to be fancy
Who says the outdoors is no place for vintage, French-style furniture? Between the elegant shapes and plush cushions, this table and chairs set is fit for Marie Antoinette herself. The wood’s raw, natural texture makes the set work for the patio, keeping it fancy without being fussy.
Who says the outdoors is no place for vintage, French-style furniture? Between the elegant shapes and plush cushions, this table and chairs set is fit for Marie Antoinette herself. The wood’s raw, natural texture makes the set work for the patio, keeping it fancy without being fussy.
Shelter from the elements
An awning offers a multitude of benefits: as well as the practical function of sheltering diners from our changeable British weather, it also zones the area and gives the patio form. The complementary finish of the awning frame and patio furniture keeps the whole look cohesive.
An awning offers a multitude of benefits: as well as the practical function of sheltering diners from our changeable British weather, it also zones the area and gives the patio form. The complementary finish of the awning frame and patio furniture keeps the whole look cohesive.
Bring indoors luxury outside
A cosy dining area like this wouldn’t look out of place inside the home, which makes the dining experience even more comfortable. A sleek, neutral style and roomy chairs padded with plush cushions lend this patio an air of luxury.
Discover more inspiration for the perfect garden seating
A cosy dining area like this wouldn’t look out of place inside the home, which makes the dining experience even more comfortable. A sleek, neutral style and roomy chairs padded with plush cushions lend this patio an air of luxury.
Discover more inspiration for the perfect garden seating
Give yourself options
If your patio is big enough, you can keep the space versatile with different seating options – perfect for large get-togethers or generously sized families. This patio can function as two separate zones – banquette seating for chatting and a dining set for eating – or can be put together for a chilled-out dining area with lots of room to relax.
If your patio is big enough, you can keep the space versatile with different seating options – perfect for large get-togethers or generously sized families. This patio can function as two separate zones – banquette seating for chatting and a dining set for eating – or can be put together for a chilled-out dining area with lots of room to relax.
Dine with a view
Even if you don’t have the luxury of a stunning sea view, giving you and your guests something to look at – whether it’s a flowering trellis, twinkly lights or well-placed accessories – will lend atmosphere and ambience to your dining experience. Consider bringing out favourite decorative pieces from indoors for the occasion.
Even if you don’t have the luxury of a stunning sea view, giving you and your guests something to look at – whether it’s a flowering trellis, twinkly lights or well-placed accessories – will lend atmosphere and ambience to your dining experience. Consider bringing out favourite decorative pieces from indoors for the occasion.
Dine in Wonderland
This delightfully eclectic outdoor dining area looks all set for the arrival of the Mad Hatter and his friends. A spacious layout like this is inviting and versatile, whether you’re having a tea party or a sedate lunch with family. Seats that double as storage are also a handy touch. The addition of unexpected features, such as statement lighting and mirrors, takes it from patio to party.
This delightfully eclectic outdoor dining area looks all set for the arrival of the Mad Hatter and his friends. A spacious layout like this is inviting and versatile, whether you’re having a tea party or a sedate lunch with family. Seats that double as storage are also a handy touch. The addition of unexpected features, such as statement lighting and mirrors, takes it from patio to party.
Streamline it
The symmetry of this dining area that mimics the lines of its environment creates the illusion that the home flows straight out into the garden. And with outdoor cooking facilities close to hand, all that’s needed are guests (and a few sausages for the barbie…).
The symmetry of this dining area that mimics the lines of its environment creates the illusion that the home flows straight out into the garden. And with outdoor cooking facilities close to hand, all that’s needed are guests (and a few sausages for the barbie…).
Embrace the outdoors
Add contrast to a sleek and contemporary interior by choosing rustic natural textures that link a dining area to the garden.
The key here has been to extend the pale palette throughout the garden; with the space unified, there’s room to mix things up a bit without creating an incongruous feature. This solid-wood table softens the concrete and glass of the patio area, and keeping the table within easy reach of the house is smart placement.
TELL US…
How do you like to use your patio for entertaining? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Add contrast to a sleek and contemporary interior by choosing rustic natural textures that link a dining area to the garden.
The key here has been to extend the pale palette throughout the garden; with the space unified, there’s room to mix things up a bit without creating an incongruous feature. This solid-wood table softens the concrete and glass of the patio area, and keeping the table within easy reach of the house is smart placement.
TELL US…
How do you like to use your patio for entertaining? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Even the tiniest garden should have room for a diminutive bistro table. This vintage-looking dining set adds charm and character to this pint-sized patio, and the wall-to-wall mirror adds dimension and space.
Tip Keep a bench on standby to accommodate extra guests. A couple of foldaway tables and a tablecloth to connect them will help to extend your dining area if things get crowded.
Get more stylish ideas for small garden entertaining