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.
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.
I 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.
One 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! 
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.
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!
Sandy Koepke, Interior and Garden designer styled this dreamy outdoor dining space. Isn’t it wonderful how this space glows with evening candlelight?
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!
Perhaps you would like to dine in Mediterranean courtyard with a fire nearby for those cool evenings.
Do you have a sprawling lawn? What an enchanting place to set your table for family and friends.
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!
Often 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!
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!
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.
Oh, your porch and home sound lovely! Sounds like the perfect spot for some sweet tea and good conversation!
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
Oh Pam, you do such a lovely job of styling tables! I am always happy to share one of yours!
These setting are so inviting! Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to see how you style yours.
Thank you Naomie, they are lovely, aren’t they.
Beautiful collection of tables!
Thank you Rita! I do love styling outdoor tables, just not so much in the Florida summer heat!
So many wonderful tablescapes and dining to look at! Love them. Thanks for sharing. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you so much Cindy! Hugs and blessings to you, too!!
I enjoyed all your tables you featured. Thanks for tips.
Thank you Bonnie.
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!
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!
Thank you Sandra. Here in Florida I have been moving indoors with all of the afternoon showers and the oppressive heat!
Beautiful choise, every table is gorgeous! Summer is the Best season for tablescapers (after Christmas, of course )…