12 Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor Dining

There are so many wonderful things about summer but summertime outdoor dining is one of my favorite things.  I know I am looking forward to the arrival of a new table for my front porch where my hubby and I will enjoy a quiet dinner for two.

Summertime Outdoor dining
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Set a standard picnic table and dress it up with linens and stoneware.  Hang candles above the table and add pillows to the picnic bench so guests are comfortable enough to linger long after the meal is over.

12 Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor Dining
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12 Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor DiningI set this table last summer on the back porch, a neutral beach-themed tablescape with crafted seashell chargers was just the thing for a hot summer night.  The table was lovely, and everyone wanted to linger after the sun set with the candles glowing.12 Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor DiningOne of my favorite bloggers who always styles the prettiest lakeside tablescapes is Mary from Home is Where The Boat Is.  I could spend all day gazing upon Mary’s beautiful tables.  I would love to be a neighbor on the lake and sail over for an alfresco dinner at Mary’s anytime!  12 Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor Dining

If I had a gorgeous patio like this, I think I would want to dine out every single night that the weather allowed.  Isn’t this setting perfect!  I really love this stone patio with the grass!!  Everyday Living posts a tablescape every Tuesday, and when the weather allows, Pam is always setting the most attractive tables in her lovely garden.

12 Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor Dining

Kristy from Starfish Cottage enjoyed styling this summery outdoor table with a nod to the nautical with her anchor print table runner.  Check out those cute oyster shell napkin rings she made!

12 Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor Dining
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Sandy Koepke, Interior and Garden designer styled this dreamy outdoor dining space.  Isn’t it wonderful how this space glows with evening candlelight?

12 Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor Dining

What a lovely setting for a formal table Lory from Designthusiasm set on her patio last summer.  Can you tell she loves French country style?  Have you ever set a table outdoors with your best china?  It makes such a statement!

12 Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor Dining
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Perhaps you would like to dine in Mediterranean courtyard with a fire nearby for those cool evenings.

12 Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor Dining
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Do you have a sprawling lawn?  What an enchanting place to set your table for family and friends.

12 Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor Dining
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Perhaps you have a pergola (or hope and plan to add one to your outdoor space).  Set up a dining table beneath the pergola, hang a lantern and invite your guests!

12 Inspiring Ideas for Outdoor DiningOften when dining outdoors I want to serve up food in a rustic way, such as filling a crate with breads and mason jars of hummus and veggies.  However you choose to style your outdoor dining, a fancy table, or a blanket on the lawn, take some time to enjoy it this summer!

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17 Comments

  1. Being Southern, I am passionate about front porches, and I have a long one on our 1881 home. I love color so use a lot of it. (Yellow rockers with red polka dots) We have a swing at one end and then four different seating areas on the porch. We can also put a table on it and serve guests there if we want to have a dinner party. I have plenty of chairs to use, as well as white wicker furniture in one of the seating areas. I can dress the table any way I like, depending on my mood, guests, and what I am serving. Although, in S.C. I do have to watch for the heat and bugs……but there are still plenty of days and nights to enjoy the porch. I really enjoyed looking at all you have posted. Keep the information, pictures, and ideas coming!

    1. Sounds heavenly! Every home ought to built with a porch of some sort, at least in my opinion. My girlfriend in NC incorporated 3 porches when she and hubby built there home. It is such a pleasure to sit and chat and enjoy sipping a cool beverage on the porch.

  2. Chloe, I was elated to see my garden tablescape in your round-up! I know you are excited about a new table for your porch! I can’t wait to see how you style it for dinner for two! Beautiful post

  3. So glad I stopped by! I really enjoyed seeing all these fantastic outdoor tablescapes and lovely background scenes. Great inspiration for al fresco dining! Hope you are heading into a fun weekend!

  4. Thank you for all of the inspiration and your rustic table looks very inviting. I have yet to set up a tablescape outside but I’m looking forward to it. Have a happy weekend!

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