OUTDOOR DINING IDEAS

Outdoor DINING IDE A S

Make eating in the garden a breeze with these solutions – perfect for plots both big and small

ith sunnier times

Wahead, chances are you’re on the lookout for outdoor dining ideas to pep up your outdoor space.

If you love hosting barbecues or garden parties then creating the perfect dining area is key. From a spacious table and chairs that will seat all your friends to the must-have heating, flooring, lighting and more that will complete your setup, there’s plenty to consider. You’ll want to think about the accessories too: pops of colour through cushions, throws and even a rug will bring summer style to any space.

With some careful planning and flexible furniture, even the smallest of plots can accomodate a comfy dining area. Choose your furniture and layout wisely, and all that’s left for you to do is enjoy your next meal in the sunshine!

Transform an old dining set with paint

Give your old dining room furniture a new lease of life by upcycling it into a garden set. Brighten it up with a lick of paint – we recommend Annie Sloan’s chalk paint – then finish off with a lacquer to seal and weatherproof it. Set against a background of green foliage, colourful flowers and neutral fencing, anything goes when it comes to the shade you choose (though we’re personally partial to a bright pop of yellow for a cheery summer hue). Let your imagination run wild!

Choose sleek furniture for a stylish setup

Love a contemporary garden scheme? Make sure your dining furniture matches by choosing sleek, slimline styles in modern materials – think smart steel frames and powder-coated aluminium finishes. Use accessories like cushions, throws and outdoor rugs to help soften the sharp lines and add a splash of instant summer colour.

Mirror your indoor scheme for harmony

There’s no reason you can’t treat an outdoor space like any other room in the house, so if your home has a clear scheme, carry it out into your dining area. Love Scandi style? Opt for an outdoor dining table in a light wood colour. Love vibrant, modern styles? Go for bold shapes and pops of colour for a statement scheme.

Keep your cool

As much as we love the sunshine, it’s important to integrate shaded areas into a garden, especially in dining areas – the last thing you want is a sunburned guest. Depending on your budget, there’s a range of options to choose from: from parasols (attached to a table or separate) to pergolas, which can offer dappled shade, gazebos or even awnings. The bonus of a gazebo, of course, is that you’re protected from pesky summer showers too – and so is the delicious spread you’ve laid out for guests.

Fit durable flooring

Just like an indoor dining room, your outdoor area will endure all the scrapes and scratches that come with supporting heavy furniture, so invest in a durable, hardwearing surface that’s slip- and spill-resistant too. Uneven flooring is a huge trip hazard, especially when you’re carrying a tray of cocktails or plates of food, so opt for a smooth tiled or decked surface for safe walking. Setting your outdoor dining space near your house? Opting for the same or similar flooring will give you that indoor-outdoor link.

Go for flexibility with benches

Another great option for smaller plots, benches are a stylish alternative to chairs that can easily be tucked under a table when not in use. They also double up as extra seating space for more informal gatherings.

Adding cushions will up the comfort factor for guests gathered around the table, plus they will also add a dash of texture, colour or pattern to a garden. Just make sure they’re weather resistant: you’re almost certain to forget to bring them in at some point, leading to the familiar sinking feeling when you hear rain pattering against the window…

Keep cosy with outdoor heating

Extend the life of your outdoor dining area into early autumn by investing in some outdoor heating. You can buy tabletop gas or electric patio heaters relatively cheaply, or invest in a standing or hanging model in a stylish finish. Want more of a feature? A chiminea or fire pit can be a focal point as well as a practical source of heat. Alternatively, you can opt for a more contemporary look by choosing a dining table with a central gas fire pit, guaranteed to create a focal point for any alfresco dining experience.

Choose folding furniture for small spaces

In need of ideas for a small dining space? Opt for folding furniture that can be easily stored away in a garage or shed when not in use, like this bistro set. Wooden designs will create a timeless look, but as this kind of furniture is normally a little daintier than others, you can also afford to go for strong, bright colours to bring some pizzazz to your garden. Another option is stackable furniture: chairs that can be piled on top of each other will take up less floor space in a crowded garage or shed in winter.

Invest in a lighting scheme

As with any room, lighting is a must in an outdoor dining space. At a minimum, you’ll need lighting around the dining area itself, which will set the mood as well as allowing guests to see the fabulous treats you’ve cooked up.

You’ll also need task lighting over any cooking areas – wall lights are great for this. If you have a path leading up to your dining area, lighting will be a welcome addition when it gets dark, and you could even illuminate some of your favourite trees or plants to dramatic effect.

Add texture with an outdoor rug

When it comes to the finishing touches for your space, treat it like any other room in your house, right down to the soft furnishings you use. Outdoor rugs will provide comfort underfoot and add pattern and colour. Look for recycled plastic rugs for eco credentials – not only do they save plastic from landfill, they’re also water resistant and super durable.