Al fresco dining, which means 'in the fresh air' in Italian, is a beloved summer tradition that conjures up images of savoring delicious food and drinks while enjoying warm breezes and beautiful views. So, why not treat yourself to an outdoor dining experience that you'll enjoy again and again?
Don't worry; the process is more straightforward than you think! From choosing the right seating to situating the ambiance, we'll go through the steps to dine al fresco in style! Let's get started!
Location is Key
Choosing the best location is essential! Sure, it needs to be outside to be considered "al fresco," but you need to consider where in your outdoor space is best. Think about the flow from the kitchen or grill to your seating (close, but not close enough to feel the heat and fumes), if you need electricity for lights, and if there's enough shade, how much noise will bleed out.
Typically, a screened area is best as it provides shade and a barrier against insects! But whether you choose the porch, deck, patio, gazebo, poolside, or the lawn, make sure you measure carefully before bringing in patio furniture!
Which Patio Dining Set
Once you've chosen your location, next comes choosing a suitable patio set! You need to consider several things, including: how many people you think you'll entertain in one sitting; the shape of the table; how it fits in your space; the comfort; and the style. Mostly, everything will come down to personal preference and the type of materials!
- Teak patio sets are long-lasting, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance.
- Aluminum patio sets are rust-proof, easy to maintain, and bring minimalist vibes.
- Wooden patio sets like cypress, redwood, and cedar have natural moisture-wicking properties and are easy to maintain (Ipe wood and mahogany are also ideal outdoor patio sets).
- Stone and wood patio sets are incredibly durable, weather-resistant, and customizable (it takes stains and paints very well!).
- Wicker patio sets are easy to maintain, water-resistant, lightweight, and look great with other furniture.
- Wrought iron patio sets are incredibly durable, heavy, and come with intricate patterns!
How to Set the Table
After getting your dining set figured out, next comes setting the table in style! You can be as formal or casual as you want — it depends on how you style it. For formal dining, you can use tableware you don't usually use inside, add a beautiful runner and themed napkins, and decorate with candles and foliage.
But if you want something more casual, you can play up your décor with interesting statues, flower pieces, and colorful napkins! Find a theme you like and stick with it!
Outdoor Bar
One aspect often overlooked in al fresco dining spaces is the benefits of an outdoor bar. This can look anything from a simple outdoor bar cart to a built-in home bar; it doesn't matter — so long as it fits your space! Either way, it's best to situate them close to your dining area so there's easy access to cold drinks, which minimizes the foot traffic indoors!
And the best thing is that you can find styles that match your patio set, so nothing breaks up your design vision!
Ambiance & Comfort
You might not think it, but there are various ways to add ambiance and comfort to your al fresco dining space! Some of these include the following:
- Bring in a large patio umbrella to block out UV rays.
- Add string lights or a low-hanging chandelier for cheerful lighting everyone can see by.
- Place an outdoor rug underneath the dining area for a cozy space.
- Set up an electronic fire pit or heater nearby for when it gets cooler at night (or simply turn them on for the ambiance!).
- Keep insects away using citronella candles, mosquito netting as curtains, sodium vapor lights, outdoor fans, or running water features!
Lounging in Style
So, you have your location, dining essentials, and ambiance — that's all you need, right? Not quite! You can't forget to include an outdoor lounge space, too! While not as essential as the actual dining table, outdoor lounge sets offer a cozy place to sit with after-dinner drinks or nap off your big meal.
The key is choosing a lounge set that fits your space before deciding on an outdoor sectional, daybed, or lounge set. Once you have your ideal setup, you can make it extra comfy with cushy throw pillows — now, you'll never want to go back inside!
Pro Tip: Position your outdoor lounge set close to your patio set for easy access and a cohesive design!
Sun & Fun!
There you have it — the best tips for dining al fresco in style! With the right location, seating, and ambiance, you'll have an outdoor dining experience everyone will be raving about. So, if you're ready to create the most refreshing al fresco experience at home, don't wait; check out our outdoor furniture selection at Karvonen's!
We have plenty of styles, so you'll surely find something you like! And if you have any questions, give us a call!