As the temperatures begin to warm up and the sun starts to stay in the sky that little bit longer each evening, al fresco dining becomes a fantastic option. Outdoor dining is the perfect way to gather friends or family around the table while you soak up some rays.
We’ve put together a selection of fantastic furniture which will allow you to enjoy your al fresco dining experience in comfort and style.
How to choose an outdoor dining set?
When it comes to choosing an outdoor dining set the many options available can become a little overwhelming! With smaller bistro sets to picnic tables to full-sized outdoor dining tables it can be difficult to decide which option is the best for you and your needs.
If you’re dealing with a smaller space we would recommend a bistro set which will allow you to recreate the feeling associated with a Parisian afternoon sipping on coffee! The perfect spot for you and your partner or friend to enjoy a coffee and a chat.
A picnic table is incredibly convenient for larger families where there may be a number of children. With most picnic tables comfortably seating up to six people, this will be the perfect place to share a family BBQ!
If you are lucky enough to have adequate space for a whole area dedicated to dining then we recommend choosing a stylish table with chairs that will be the perfect place to settle down into for a dinner party!
Take a seat
Al fresco dining options don’t always require a full table and chair set up. A comfy sun lounger or armchair paired with a smaller outdoor table can become the perfect place to kick back with a cup of coffee to soak up the sun.
Save Space with Foldable Options
If your garden is on the smaller side or you know that you’ll need to store your garden furniture for parts of the year then you could consider investing in foldable or stackable garden chairs and tables. These options are also perfect for a balcony space as they can be easily folded away to the side when the balcony is no longer needed for dining.
Seek shade
As amazing as al fresco dining can be, it can also get quite warm if you’re sitting directly under the glare of the sun. We definitely recommend investing in a parasol or other garden shade to allow you to dine in comfort when the sun may be at its strongest.
Stay warm as the sun sets
As much as we wish that temperatures stayed high once the sun has set, unfortunately, this is not always the case. However, a drop in temperatures shouldn’t put an end to your evening of outdoor dining! Instead why not have a selection of cosy throws, blankets and cushions on standby to allow you and your guests to settle in for the night.
If you’d prefer to opt for an even warmer option then why not consider the addition of a fire pit. Sitting around a fire pit isn’t just about keeping warm. The addition of a fire pit to your garden helps to create a fantastic atmosphere as well as providing a source of light.
Bridge the gap between indoors & outdoors
The weather may not yet allow us to exclusively dine outdoors but in the meantime why not get your conservatory ‘dining ready’?
Creating a dining area in your conservatory means you can enjoy beautiful garden views while not having to worry about a drop in the temperature or a sudden rain shower. The use of bi-folding doors in your conservatory area allows you to then transform your space from an indoor area to an al fresco dining area in an instant.
When choosing your conservatory dining table opt for lighter wood to help keep the room feeling airy and fresh.
It’s not just about the dining table. Don’t forget the use of smaller pieces of furniture such as side tables to hold the important cup of coffee (or wine!) and the use of soft furnishings such as throws, cushions and rugs to add a homely, relaxed feel to the sun trap of your home. One of our favourite colours to use in conservatories is yellow as it helps to bring warmth and comfort into the room.
Choose soft wood furniture and accessories made of bamboo and light oak to create an informal but cosy dining space. Alternatively, the use of key rattan pieces is the perfect way to connect the indoors and outdoors.
We hope our selection of furniture and furnishings to make your al fresco dining experience perfect has provided you with some inspiration.
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