Let’s start by saying that if you have an outdoor space you are amongst the fortunate ones – in the world! It is currently prime real estate, you have to use it, PERIOD.
Here is a little journey of how your next dining experience can be functional, personable, and insta-ready.
Summer outdoor dining can be as simple as having a bite using paper plates or a fancy experience using your best china. Formal or casual, summer is the time for no-rules dining.
What we are about to suggest is doing something in between, both for the environment – so you are not constantly producing waste, as well as giving it a personal touch, making every outdoor dining experience a memorable one.
To make a table worthy of outdoor dining, it needs to be thought-out.
First things first,
the logistics. Find the perfect shady outdoor spot in your home and set up your outdoor table in this space. And make sure to keep the hungry bugs at bay. Here are some ways to ward off these pesky nips:
Essential oils such as eucalyptus, geranium, soybean, and neem are amongst our favorite.
If you don’t like putting oils on your skin a good alternative is to use patches. Buzz Patch can be an option.
Add bunches of rosemary, mint, and marigolds around the table, they are pretty to look at and will also help keep those peskies away.
For the really sticky hot days/nights having an outdoor fan, can come a long way. Not only will it give you and your guests a much-needed breeze but it will stop the bugs from flying around.
Use lighting to set the mood – lanterns, hurricane candles, string lights can be great options.
Finally, put together a summer playlist mix of fun and playback way back music. Make sure to play it on a wireless portable Bluetooth Speaker.
Now you have all your logistic needs set.
Let’s get to the fun and pretty. Al fresco tablescapes are like an extension to your kitchen table. The best part is that with the outdoors we can mix and change things around much easier than with the indoors.
Create a table to set the mood. Make it personal. This rule applies to both indoor or out, it should represent YOU! Now more than ever, it is easy to conquer, there are endless options out there. Melamine and plasticware are trendy, beautiful, and perfect for outdoor dining! Bamboo is also a great unbreakable option to add to your mix. Use these options to pick your serving platters, bowls and dining plates. When it comes to your drinkware, plastic and acrylic are the way to go. They are much better for the environment than disposable cups! Again, the options are endless. We happen to like these ones.
When it comes to flatware pretty and sturdy is where it’s at. We like these simple and stylish ones. For the more casual events, placemats are a great option. For the formal dining experience, we suggest using a linen table cloth that will elevate the occasion. You can use the linen you use for inside. Add colour with these linen napkins. You can also opt for paper napkins that can always be changeable and fun, just not as eco-friendly.
When setting up, there are a few items that really help to make things easy. Using a caddy makes it easy to bring and take your cutlery in an organized and fashionable manner and serving drinks can be helpful when using a dispenser, as well as a pitcher. Rolling out the bar on wheels is definitely the extra step that has everyone extra happy.
The ultimate and last touches are flowers picked from the garden, if you have them, and placed in vases to be used for your center piece. You can also use tiny pots of succulents, herbs in ball jars, or bowls of fruit. Placing a few going across your center table usually looks best.
If you are tight with time for your next outdoor event, we have made it easy for you. All the items found on our mood board are linked in this blog. To no one’s surprise, the color palette is strong on the blue and whites, that is DM Designo giving our personal touch to our table setting.
Now, go on and create a beautiful table to dine al fresco.
Questions about setting your stylish outdoor dining table? You can email us at info@dmdesigno.com or comment below. We would love to hear from you.