An outdoor dining area is not only a great place to entertain friends, but it’s also a perfect place to gather for family meals. A well-planned space encourages guests to gather more often and stay longer. To create your perfect at-home escape, consider the following four essential points.
A Good Base
Image by Flickr by Field Outdoor Spaces
The base you use for your dining area will affect the other components. The location and size you choose will affect your base. Consider locating your outdoor dining space close to your kitchen, unless you are planning to add an outdoor kitchen.
A nicely manicured grass lawn is an easy choice but requires moving items around to keep it mowed. Consider adding a deck of wood, concrete, or paving stones to help keep the area clean and neat. These flooring options also help define the dining space. Consider the other materials you will use to coordinate colors and textures.
Shade Cover
Unless your dining area is under a porch roof, consider a pergola for shade and added decor. More than adding needed shade, your pergola will help tie together the dining space and offer a base to create a distinctive design.
Choose a style that matches your home. Adding climbing plants increases the beauty and outdoor feeling as well as adds shade. For a touch of color and shade, consider adding cloth drapes on the sides.
Table Space and Seating
Your table and seating will be the focal point of your dining area. Choose or build a table that accentuates your home and yard. Your table may be a simple design or one that is more customized, such as a water table.
Consider the shape of the table, the type of material, and colors. Will you use a tablecloth or will the table surface meet your needs? You will also need to plan for the number of people you plan to host.
Seating should complement your table, but it also needs to be comfortable for your family and friends. Here’s an area where you can add color or texture. Bring a dining area of natural tones to life with a splash of bright color on your seating. Seating should also be weather-resistant and easy to keep clean.
Outdoor Decor
Your decor will highlight and personalize your dining area. A few plants in containers create natural beauty. Flowers add color and variety, while a small container of herbs brings culinary aromas to blend with your meals.
If you chose a water table, you might include a small water feature. While this feature may be a small fountain or basin, you may choose a pond. Add a few water plants, and you have a small garden in your dining area.
Other features you could add include a statue, windmill, or wind chimes. Look for decor that highlights your family’s taste.
Bring It All together
An outdoor dining space is a good family project, one that every family member can join in designing, planning, and helping to create. With proper planning, your outside dining space will be an at-home retreat your entire family will enjoy for years to come.
Great way to improve the outdoor dining area.