Sunnier times are ahead, so now's a great time to look for stunning outdoor dining ideas. After all, what better way to make the most of good weather than long, lazy lunches in the garden, or sparkling dinner parties held under the stars?
There are lots of ways to pep up your space ready for those unforgettable barbecues or garden parties, from a spacious table and chairs that will seat all your friends to the must-have heating, flooring, and lighting. Oh, and don't forget the accessories: pops of color through cushions, throws, and even a rug will bring summer style to any space and set the tone. We've got plenty of chic table setting inspiration, too.
So, if you're browsing the web for outdoor dining ideas, look no further – we've gathered up the best hints, tips and pretty pictures below to get you inspired. And, if you want even more inspiration, you can find more patio ideas in our feature.
1. Pile on the florals for a summery scene
Embrace a riot of color for your outdoor dining ideas
Celebrate bright colors and vintage-inspired patterns for outdoor dining ideas full of summer cheer. Layer up soft textiles and embrace the clash of jewel-like hues. Try throwing an intricate runner over a lacy table cloth, providing mismatched cotton napkins, and scattering plush cushions over your chairs.
Complete the riot of color with a jumble of pretty outdoor dinnerware – mix modern designs with thrift store finds for a unique look. Of course, you'll want to add plenty of fresh blooms to your outdoor dining ideas too – take a look at our best cutting garden flowers guide for tips.
2. Pep up your outdoor dining ideas with vibrant glassware
The Asher Collection from LSA International will instantly lift your outdoor dining ideas
When it comes to a visual display, the smallest items of dinnerware are just as important as the furniture for your outdoor dining ideas. Invest in a set you love, with bright colors, bold patterns and some pretty colored glassware. This vibrant set above is perfect for a summer's day lunch party.
Add a striking feature jug and a tray – useful for piling up cutlery – and you're sorted. Got kids? Durable sets made from melamine or bamboo are a great shatterproof alternative.
3. Set the table for an enchanting soirée
Use outdoor dining ideas to curate a magical scene that your guests will adore
To make an alfresco meal feel extra special, take a cue from the scene above. It follows a woodland theme, which is full of sophistication thanks to the muted palette, delicate glassware, and twinkling festoons overhead.
You don't have to hire a florist to create a stunning display – a line of ceramic vases filled with meadow flowers will always look lovely. Place larger bouquets at the end of the table – positioning them in a wooden crate adds a rustic, laid-back look.
Don't be afraid to move your dining set-up around your plot to mark an occasion – even if it's just for one celebratory evening. Beneath one of the best flowering trees is always a good choice for a romantic, whimsical vibe. However, these styling tips will transform even a small patio space into an enchanting environment.
Want to discover more striking styles? Take a look at our garden decor ideas feature.
4. Make the most of a view
A vista like this will elevate any outdoor dining ideas
Okay, maybe we don't all have sweeping views of rolling hills from our backyards. But when it comes to positioning your outdoor dining ideas, it's well worth thinking about the surrounding vista, especially from a seated perspective. This doesn't have to be something grand – it could simply be a matter of placing your favorite potted flowers at eye level, or using clever garden screening ideas to hide the compost bins.
In any case, crisp white linen and accents of cool green foliage will lift a table no matter where it is – especially if you add a carafe or two of chilled vino.
5. Opt for pretty pastels
Pair pinks with grey to give outdoor dining ideas a pretty yet sophisticated edge
If you're a fan of cottage garden styles, then you may well love a pastel palette. And for summer outdoor dining ideas, they're a lovely go-to choice.
Bringing soft shades of grey into the mix is a simple way to add a modern edge – whether it's through table linens, furniture finishings, or galvanized planters nearby. A deeper pop of pink will also help to ground the scene – try incorporating it through a cushion detail, or a flourish of freshly-picked flowers.
Love the look? Head over to our cottage garden ideas feature for more styling inspo.
6. Try reclaimed features for rustic appeal
Natural textures and reclaimed objects make good choices for rustic outdoor dining ideas
Like our rustic garden ideas? Then mirror the theme for your outdoor dining ideas – it's the perfect choice for giving your alfresco lunch a laid-back vibe.
Dot tea lights around the scene in decorative holders (or try using mason jars for a charming look), add vintage dinnerware, and try a gingham pattern for your napkins.
Keep an eye out for reclaimed treasures to bring extra character to the scene. For example, these metal baskets and a weathered wooden tray make a great addition to a tabletop – especially when filled with small glass bottles of pretty garden flowers.
7. Fit durable flooring
Tough decking will withstand the traffic around your outdoor dining ideas
Just like an indoor dining room, your outdoor area will endure all the scrapes and scratches that come with supporting heavy furniture. So, invest in a durable, hardwearing surface that's slip- and spill-resistant too.
Uneven flooring is a huge trip hazard, especially when you’re carrying a tray of cocktails or plates of food, so opt for a smooth tiled or decked surface for safe walking.
Setting your outdoor dining space near your house? Opting for the same or similar flooring will give you that indoor-outdoor link.
8. Use decking to zone your space
Elevate your outdoor dining ideas, literally – this scene is from Sandtex
You’ve probably heard talk of zoning, a way of defining a space – indoor or out – with separate areas. It's often used in open-plan living, but it also works brilliantly in a garden – in this case, for an outdoor dining area.
This setup uses raised decking to create a section of the plot that's dedicated solely to dining out, and the introduction of a structure around the area adds interest. Get the look with decking of your choice, or use tiles to define a patio area for eating.
Find more great decking ideas in our feature.
9. Make a statement with a pergola
Shelter your outdoor dining ideas with a pretty cover overhead
Another way to zone your space is by including pergola ideas in your design. Stylist Maxine Brady has used one to create a cozy seating area in the corner of the plot, differentiating it from the rest of the garden and the dining set outside the house.
A bonus of a pergola is that you can paint it to create a feature – we love the pastel shades in Maxine’s space, but a dark and dramatic charcoal shade would look just as fabulous.
10. Barbecue all summer long
Opt for modular designs for your barbecue set-up, like this design from Ikea
Love a good grill, or fancy trying your hand at homemade pizzas? With a range of price points, outdoor cooking equipment like the best BBQ and best pizza oven are a great investment for anyone who loves to host in their garden.
A top-of-the-range barbecue might come with extra storage and multi-fuel capacity, but you can get a decent model on a budget, including portable tabletop barbecues for small spaces. We love this version above, which is part of a modular kitchen set-up. It's got space for pots and pans as well as a decent sized cooking surface.
11. Cook your meals alfresco
Whip up a storm outdoors for the full alfresco experience
Outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity as more and more people opt to eat and host guests in their back gardens. Far from a luxury, you can create your own kitchen space on a budget with the likes of Ikea, whose Klasen storage cabinets and trolleys are perfect for wheeling out with the barbecue.
If you’re looking for something a little more fancy, there are bespoke, more permanent options out there. And if you're handy with a spot of DIY, you could even knock something up yourself.
Find more inspiration in our round-up of outdoor kitchen ideas.
12. Keep your cool with a gazebo
This cool white gazebo from Ikea will keep the sun at bay for your outdoor dining ideas
As much as we love the sunshine, it's important to integrate shaded areas into your outdoor dining ideas. The last thing you want is a sunburnt guest.
Depending on your budget, there's a range of patio cover ideas to choose from: from parasols (attached to a table or separate) to pergolas, which can offer dappled shade, and gazebos. The bonus of a gazebo, of course, is that you're protected from pesky summer showers too – and so is the delicious spread you've laid out for guests.
13. Choose folding furniture for small spaces
This yellow bistro set is from Dobbies
In need of small garden ideas? Opt for folding furniture that can be easily stored away in a garage or shed when not in use, like this bistro set above.
This kind of furniture is normally a little daintier than others, so you can afford to go for strong, bright colors to bring some pizzazz to your garden. Another option is stackable furniture: chairs that can be piled on top of each other will take up less floor space in a crowded garage.