Outdoor dining – how to do it in style

There’s nothing better than enjoying a meal in the fresh air, with the tranquillity of your garden or patio for company. Everyone loves a bit of al fresco dining but you don’t have to go to a posh restaurant to enjoy a summer’s evening and meal at the same time.

There are plenty of easy ways to turn your garden or outdoor space into a relaxing and tranquil environment perfect for romantic evening meals or fun dinner parties.

So, what do you need to create a stylish outdoor dining experience in your own home?

Outdoor dining table

We’ve all got a dodgy garden table we’ve had for too long, which has taken on a look of its own thanks to rain damage and sun exposure over the years. To give your outdoor space a new lease of life, a brand new outdoor dining table is a good place to start. There are wooden, metal and plastic options to choose from depending on the style you are looking to create.  Or you could try your hand at DIY and revamp your old table by painting it or treating it to a new cover.  There are cotton and oilcloth varieties to choose from, go for a pattern that suits and will transform the look to shabby chic.

Plastic and metal tables offer the most durability against the elements (while still looking stylish) but modern wooden tables are often treated with a protective coating to ensure a long life.

Whichever option you choose, it’s a good idea to keep the table covered whenever it’s not in use. You should also consider combining a new outdoor table with an accompanying set of chairs to create a single new look for your outdoor space.

Garden oil lamps

Outdoor lighting can be an issue, especially as the days get shorter and summer comes to an end. But we still want to enjoy some al fresco dining, so what to do?

Rather than harsh electric lighting than can ruin the atmosphere of a warm evening, consider standalone garden oil lamps. These can be fixed into the ground across the garden or just around the dining area to create a warm, romantic ambience.

Patio heaters

The summer is obviously the best time for enjoying outdoor dining but thanks to some great outdoor heating options we can enjoy it for a lot longer these days. Patio heaters are a great way to keep the barbie burning as summer turns to autumn – even in winter, outdoor dining is an option!

Older patio heaters tend to be a little cumbersome and overbearing, but many modern models have been designed with style and elegance in mind. Whatever size your outdoor dining space, whatever look you are hoping to create, there is a heater that’s right for you.

So  get going and start enjoying delightful evenings al fresco in your own garden.  You could set the mood with candles, tea lights and Moroccan style candle holders.