How to Create an Al Fresco Dining Setup in Your Outdoor Space
Create the perfect summer outdoor dining experience!
It's the season for all things dining alfresco now that people are starting to safely gather again. There's not a better way to celebrate the warmer weather with loved ones than dining outside! It's the perfect time to plan a little fun, and here are the best tips for dining alfresco.
1. Prep ahead of time.
Do all the heavy lifting before guests arrive. The goal when hosting a gathering is doing it so well, it doesn't really feel like hosting at all.
This means food and drink prep should be ready beforehand with tiny steps that can be taken before the beginning of the shindig. It just takes a little planning ahead of time, including having the table set and ready to go, having music mixes ready to play, and even having drink stations prepped. It makes a big difference to have the little things finished to avoid feeling scattered during the event.
The best way to ensure a great time is to make sure everything has been prepped ahead of time.
To ensure a relaxing atmosphere, make sure that your self-serve stations are prepped and ready so guests can get what they need. For instance, have silverware in jars for easy access. Place drinks in coolers and stack plates in a corner for a small buffet line. Prep it all in areas that are easy for guests to access. This way, the gathering truly takes care of itself. It's the best way to truly enjoy dining alfresco.
Just because the dining area is outside, doesn't mean fun choices for serving pieces can't be an option. The best ideas for plates are often melamine finds mixed with glass for a fun visual effect. This choice is eco-friendly and bound to charm guests into feeling like they really are part of a special event. Pair your plates with cloth napkins for a smarter look. Just because your dinner is served outside doesn't mean you have to default to paper products.
The best way to instantly cozy up a space is to use smartly placed lighting in an outdoor area. Make sure to install some lights so that guests can see long after the sun goes down to create instant warm-weather ambience. There are plenty of creative options for lighting, from simple cafe string lights to landscape lighting around the yard. From lanterns to table toppers and even additions to the pool, add layers of ambience by applying lights in unexpected ways.
Dining alfresco is the best opportunity to take a chance with colorful decor in the backyard. No matter where you host your gathering, it's a great opportunity to embrace something you normally wouldn't do or try something fresh and new.
The most important thing? Have fun, and enjoy all the alfresco dining that comes with warmer weather. Everyone's been waiting for it.
Jamin and Ashley Mills are the design duo behind The Handmade Home design studio in Nashville. They help clients locally and nationally achieve realistic, attainable homes while living by their mantra of "we don't believe in the dream home we believe in your home." They've been recognized nationally by numerous TV and media outlets as well as named as two of the most creative people in the country by Country Living Magazine. Check out their designs and creations at thehandmadehome.net as well as on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
