How to design a beautiful outdoor dining area

by Carolyn Kay 11/27/2022

Metal outdoor chairs

If you’re interested in making mealtime more memorable and also getting more out of your outside living space, you might consider an outdoor dining area. Add a breath of fresh air into the mix by dining and cooking in the great outdoors. Here are some tips for arranging a backyard dining setup for ultimate outdoor enjoyment. 

Add shelter to shield against the elements 

When planning your outdoor dining space, consider the weather and the position of the yard. Avoid areas receiving most midday sun. If your dining area is close to the house, a simple outdoor umbrella may suffice. If you need more coverage, consider building a gazebo. This adds a large structure to shelter against sun and rain. 

Examine the location of your outdoor dining space 

You can transfer food and drinks easily by building your dining areas close to the kitchen. However, do take precaution with the proximity of outdoor grills. Proper space will prevent accidental fires. 

When setting up your dining table, try not to place it too close to a neighbor's property or directly underneath a bedroom window. Be mindful of privacy and be considerate of noise levels. 

Make your dining space pop with garden design 

Enjoy outdoor dining to the fullest with a charming garden design. If you enjoy butterflies and would like to add a splash of color, try planting Phlox, Butterfly Bush, Bluestar or other plants butterflies love. 

If you enjoy artwork, small stone statues are a great addition. These statues can be of people or animals and will bring a sense of animation and life to the space. Statues also are a great topic of conversation.

An herb garden is a great idea if you would like to have fresh herbs for your meals. Adding plants that complement other decor elements is sure to enrich the experience! 

Plan out your tablescape 

Spice up your dining table this season with a one-of-a-kind tablescape. Create a pleasant vibe by adding cloth to your outdoor dining table. The cloth can match your overall aesthetic. If you prefer bright shades, try a bold tablecloth. If you have a simplistic vibe, try neutral tones.

Organize your table based on what it will be used for. If you intend to have dinner parties, allow room for plates, food, and guests to stretch out during their meal.  If the table is being used mostly for chatting and a few snacks, you can fill up the place with more centerpieces. This will help to enhance the overall aesthetic and can be a talking point for guests. 

Let the center of the table be the focal point. Play with the aesthetic by adding candles, wood pieces and plants to create a cozy, earthy vibe. Surround the table with dining chairs made of sling fabric or other easily cleaned materials for easy maintenance. 

Infographic about desining an outdoor dining space

The same warmth found in the kitchen and dining areas can be extended onto your patio or deck. Create a beautiful outdoor dining set to make the most of your patio. Kick back with your favorite relaxing activity and enjoy your backyard space.

About the Author
Author

Carolyn Kay

As a Real Estate professional, I specialize in helping my clients buy, rent or sell properties in Westchester County. I am passionate, dedicated and committed to my clients and my first priority is to provide them with first class service and guidance throughout the entire process. It has been said that I go above and beyond for my clients to get the deal closed! I have experience working with clients who have financed their purchases with either a conventional, VA or FHA loan and have a good understanding of how they work; no sale is too big or too small for me to take on. My family and I relocated to England for 2 ½ years, this was a wonderful experience but at the same time, it was overwhelming. I have first hand knowledge of the challenges as well as the positives in discovering a new community. I was born and raised in Scarsdale and once married, my husband and I decided to raise our two daughters here. Both of our daughters successfully graduated from the Scarsdale schools and are both married, living and working in Manhattan. After living in the same house for 30 years my husband and I took the leap, sold our home and bought and renovated a condo townhouse in another town. Once again we are discovering a new community and fully understand the highs and lows of selling a home we loved and buying and making a new home. I feel that my personal real estate experiences have made me more in tune with my client’s needs and therefore better able to help them navigate through the complex process. Please call me so that I can put my knowledge and experience to work for you.