As the temperatures keep rising, it only makes sense that we’ll start spending more time outdoors. If you have the space for it, creating an outdoor dining area to eat and entertain alfresco can be a wonderful perk of the summertime. 

Continue reading below as we provide you with some tips for creating a stylish outdoor dining space that you can enjoy all season long. 

1. Consider the Size & Define the Area

When you’re planning out how you want to design and decorate your outdoor dining area, consider the size of the space. This will help you determine the size of the table you can include, and if you can fit any other elements like a grill, an umbrella, a fountain, a fire pit, or potted plants. 

Once you have your space mapped out, it can be impactful to define the space with a pergola, an outdoor rug, or planters that set your dining area apart from the rest of your outdoor space. This brings a sense of intimacy and warmth to the space to make it more inviting. 

2. Stick to a Theme

Before you start picking out furniture and accessories, select a theme that you want for your outdoor space. This will make it easier to pick out items that go together and will make the dining area look cohesive and well-designed. 

Some common themes for outdoor areas include a Hampton style, a monochromatic theme, and Mediterranean, among many others. Feel free to browse your options and come up with a theme that fits your aesthetic and preferences. 

3. Choose the Right Furniture

Now you can begin to select furniture to bring your vision to life. Of course, you want your outdoor dining area to look amazing and well-designed, but it also needs to be practical. 

Start with a dining table and chairs as the center of the space, again, considering the size of the table that the area can accommodate. The chairs should be both comfortable and weather resistant since they’ll be exposed to the elements. 

Make sure you have enough seating for the family and friends that you plan on entertaining. For more flexibility, you can consider adding a bench to the space as well when you have extra guests. 

4. Accessorize

With the essentials in place, you can now select fun accessories to liven up the space even more. As we mentioned above, you may want to consider larger statement pieces like fire pits, umbrellas, and fountains if your space permits.

But, there are also some smaller accessories to incorporate that let you show off your unique style and create a cohesive look. This includes chair cushions, pillows, lanterns, tablecloths, placemats, and more. Make sure the patterns and prints you choose are aligned with the theme you chose to make your outdoor dining space look like it was designed by a pro. 

5. Add Lighting Elements

Lastly, you can create a welcoming ambiance in your outdoor dining space when you select the right lighting. 

This is both for form and function because you’ll need enough lighting to be able to see your plate if you’re eating in the evening. But, you can also bring in warmth with string lights and pendant lights scattered throughout the area. 

With these helpful tips, you can curate an outdoor dining space that feels like it’s right out of a magazine!