Creating an Outdoor Dining Space for Summer Entertaining
Creating an Outdoor Dining Space for Summer Entertaining
As London enjoys some warm weather, many homeowners are thinking of creating an outdoor dining space for entertaining. Making the most of the sunshine by eating outdoors helps us hold onto summer a little longer and create some wonderful memories with family and friends.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or wanting to update your existing dining area, finding the right tradespeople for the job is essential, especially if you’re planning some heavy work like laying a patio or building decking. No job should be undertaken without getting several quotes. You can do that quickly and easily with MyJobQuote. Up to three local tradespeople for all kinds of trades will send you quotations so you can compare them and make your choice.
Location, location, location
The positioning of your dining area is key to its success and suitability. You’ll need enough space for the size of table and chairs with good clearance all around. Consider how many people you typically invite to ensure you buy the right size table. Having a couple of extra chairs for unexpected guests is always a good idea.
It’s really important to remember to leave sufficient room around the table for ease of movement. And for chairs to be pushed back without toppling over the edge of your deck or patio!
When picking a location, you may also want to stay close to the kitchen for ease of carrying food, drinks, plates, etc. Not to mention being able to quickly duck for cover if rain spoils your evening.
Of course, you may have the perfect spot in the garden, under the shade of a tree or in a serene corner, and that’s fine too. Think about wind breaks for chilly evenings and how overhanging foliage may become an issue.
Light and warmth for your guests
Lighting your outdoor dining space should be tackled in much the same way as indoor lighting. You don’t just want harsh overhead lights, nor should you be guessing what you’re eating because the solar garden lights are not bright enough.
Make sure there are layers of lighting to create a cosy atmosphere, but with paths, steps, and obstacles well lit for safety. Fairy lights overhead, on fences or in trees, create a lovely scene, and pillar candles in lanterns are a decorative delight. You’ll also need to ensure any lights you place outside are watertight enough to withstand the elements.
Even the warmest summer days can turn cool, so make sure you provide each guest with a cosy fleece or blanket on the back of their chair. A patio heater or fire pit will warm everyone and offer a natural hub around which to gather. Many people prefer gas fire pits, as wood-burning options create smoke and odours which can linger on clothes and in hair.
There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to picking a garden dining set. You may go traditional with teak, which lasts, can be left outside, and doesn’t need painting. Or you can have equally low-maintenance aluminium with no worries about rust and offering a more modern look.
Rattan, or rather its synthetic alternative, is hugely popular. It’s resistant to the weather and looks more like indoor furniture, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor pieces. Coupled with all-weather cushions and glass-topped tables, rattan offers a functional but stylish and comfortable dining option.
Ultimately, the material and style of dining set you choose reflects your own personal preference and taste. As it should, rather than simply following trends.
Final thoughts
Your outdoor dining space gives you the perfect excuse to enjoy cosy family dinners, fun birthday parties or elegant dinners with friends, all summer long. Sadly, British summers don’t last nearly long enough. So make the most of it while you can.
