How to create the perfect outdoor dining area

Just imagine – what would it be like to treat friends and family to a relaxing al fresco meal any time of the year? 

Whether it’s creating a cosy family space or a place for summer parties, there are so many outdoor dining ideas to take inspiration from to help you unwind and enjoy your garden come rain or shine. 

Let’s take a look at our easy guide on how to create the perfect outdoor dining area.

6 ways to create an outdoor dining area

Planning is everything 

First, ask yourself what you want to achieve with your new dining space. Do you want a family-friendly place to host BBQs? Or do you want an ultra-modern, luxury outdoor dining room to host dinner parties? Having a clear goal in mind of what the end result should achieve will help guide the rest of your decisions. 

Likewise, it will help guide the space planning stage. You’ll need to select the right spot for the dining area. You may want to select the most sheltered part of the garden to set up, avoiding parts of the garden that get the most sun, as this could become uncomfortable for guests unless you introduce shading solutions. Or you may want to create the dining space next to the house to allow for an easy flow from inside to outside.

Furniture offers comfort and style 

Don’t sacrifice comfort over style, or your guests might not want to come back! Likewise, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy eye-catching furniture that complements your garden. 

Everyone’s tastes are different, so as long as you’re clear on the type of mood and ambience you want to create, you can allow this point of reference to guide you through the furniture selection process. You may also want to lead with a colour scheme to stop things from getting too busy – unless busy is your style, of course! So, whether it’s warm woods or modern metals, make sure you choose a look and stick with it. 

And remember, cushions and padding are your friends, as nobody wants to sit on a hard wooden chair for hours. 

Conjure the right mood with lighting 

Lighting is everything, especially outside when you are at the mercy of the weather. Think about where the lighting will need to be placed, and how you want it to be introduced. This might be through quaint hanging lanterns or floor-set LED lights to give you that laidback Mediterranean atmosphere. Alternatively, add simple fairy lights to offer a bit of whimsy. 

Without a doubt, the best approach you can take for lighting is to invest in an outdoor fireplace, fire pit or stove. Fires are famed for their inviting aura of cosiness that they bring to any space, and there’s no reason that your outdoor dining area can’t benefit from this too. As well as warmth, fire and stoves provide an excellent source of light too that everyone will appreciate. 

Keep dry and protected from the weather 

The UK is known for its temperamental weather, so you need to set up some cover to keep your guests dry and sheltered throughout their meal. Whether it’s retractable awnings installed onto the side of your home or a simple umbrella, it’s easy to bring this element of shade and protection to the space. You could also opt for a free-standing canopy or a gazebo to give you both full coverage and the flexibility to erect it anywhere. 

Fireplaces and stoves for that warm, inviting touch 

Al fresco dining doesn’t just have to be limited to the summer. Thanks to outdoor fireplaces and stoves, you can enjoy warmth and comfort throughout the year, meaning you get the most out of your new dining space, whatever the season. 

Whether you want a contemporary fire pit as an impressive centrepiece or you prefer the homely comfort of a stove, there are so many options to choose from. Fireplaces are always popular thanks to their organic, authentic feeling and appearance, as well as their excellent heat output. 

Bring some personal touches with decoration 

Next comes the fun part. Now you have all the elements of the outdoor dining area in place, you can get creative with decoration and personal touches. This can include everything from potted plants and planted borders to intricate table settings, but it’s these details that will bring your dining area to life and truly make it feel like home – both for your family and your guests. 

Candlesticks, ornaments, mats, coasters, even the style of plates — everything contributes to forming that memorable dining experience you’re aiming for. You may even want to bring in textile draping or living green walls to bring that touch of privacy and theatrics. 

Be inspired by EnviroFlame’s range of outdoor fires to create drama and impress guests. From sleek, modern fire pits to cosy, rustic stoves, come along to our London showroom to get some outdoor fireplace ideas — or just call us. Our team is always happy to help.