Your backyard but better – impress your guests all summer long with these outdoor dining ideas

I've recently undergone a massive patio makeover and am finally making the most of my backyard, and I can honestly say there’s nothing better than getting into your outdoor dining groove.

But whether it’s a cozy breakfast on the patio or hosting a dinner party that stretches into the night, finding the perfect backyard ideas to elevate your al fresco meals can be a little overwhelming. Until now.

Your outdoor space deserves as much attention as your interior. So I’ve spoken to the experts and have been gathering outdoor dining ideas that balance style and practicality – from choosing comfortable, durable furniture to layering in accessories that make your meals feel effortless and inviting.

9 outdoor dining ideas to inspire your summer hosting

Taking dinner from the dining room to the deck doesn’t mean you should lower your aesthetic standards; in fact, far from it. So you want to put as much care and attention into your al fresco dining table and surroundings as you would for any space enclosed in four walls.

There are also one or two extra considerations you’ll need to make with an outdoor setup than you do for indoors – from working with the elements to tying in your decor with the surrounding nature – so we’ve asked the experts to share their top tips below.

1. Create harmony between indoors and out

Ideally, you want your outdoor dining area to lead on from the indoors pretty seamlessly. Not just in terms of harmonious decor, but also for ease of food preparation and serving if you don't have an outdoor kitchen or need extra space for cooking.

This means you're going to want to consider the perfect spot to set up your dining space, and ensure it works seamlessly with whichever room leads out onto the garden.

Then, one of my favorite tricks is to incorporate elements that you’d normally find in an indoor dining room, like soft furnishings, a bar cart, and a few side tables for lanterns or drinks. Don’t be afraid to use accessories you already have inside too, they can help the entire setup feel relaxing and welcoming.

2. Choose comfort above all when shopping for furniture

Choosing your dining table and chairs is a key design decision that will affect the entire space, so take your time to research different looks to find the best outdoor furniture for your space – and be sure to check if your chosen outdoor furniture is waterproof.

Why settle for a basic furniture arrangement outside? Skip the boxed table-and-chairs set, and choose each piece on its own. A mix of traditional dining chairs with some armchairs or tub-style dining chairs will provide a much more comfortable dining experience for your guests, and you could even incorporate a mix of bench seating too.

'My No. 1 tip for outdoor dining areas is to put as much intention into your design as you would into your indoor dining area,' advises designer Kathy Kuo. 'Make sure you have comfortable dining chairs, a high-quality outdoor umbrella for the table if your dining area is in a full-sun spot, and some whimsical decorative accents like candle lanterns, planters, and outdoor sculptures.'

'Finally, one of my favorite little additions is an outdoor bar cart,' Kathy adds. 'Teak is always a great material here because it's both practical and fun, as well as easy to stow away if you're not using it.'

3. Set up a romantic spot for two

Not every outdoor dining setup needs to be made for a crowd – sometimes, the most memorable meals are the most intimate, as designer Bethany Adams has learned in her own home. All you need is a small bistro table, a couple of comfy chairs, and a little effort in the styling department to create something that feels special and secluded.

'Outdoor dining is such a pleasure after the doldrums and claustrophobia of winter. You needn't have an enormous terrace or dining pavilion to enjoy dining alfresco, though,' says Bethany. 'I love to pop a small bistro table and two chairs wherever there's an awkward outdoor corner waiting to be filled. These are always the hottest seats in (or out!) of the house.'

'Who doesn't want to feel like the star of their own French film by sipping on a coffee or even a glass of wine at a petite table. Even if the people watching isn't as good from your perch as it is on a Paris sidewalk, you'll love the flexibility of a bistro table outdoors.'

4. Soften the space with textiles

One of the quickest ways I make my outdoor dining area feel more inviting is by layering in plenty of soft textiles. Add a throw pillow to every chair, some blankets draped over benches, and an outdoor rug under the table to add instant warmth and personality.

‘When designing your outdoor space, it’s important to consider a number of things, primarily comfortable seating and texture,’ says George Miller, Home Designer at Neptune. 'Add a simple sheepskin or throw to ward off the cool evening chill, and scatter cushions to add a drop of color. Dressing your space will create character, personality, and an inviting atmosphere for you and your guests.’

And don’t be afraid to go bold with color or pattern. A playful rug or table linens can give your outdoor dining area instant personality. Plus, most modern outdoor fabrics are weather-resistant these days, so you can achieve a comfortable, stylish setup without worrying about fading or wear.

5. Create a cozy area for after dinner conversation

There’s something magical about lingering outside long after the plates have been cleared, especially when you’ve created a welcoming spot just for post-dinner chats.

If you don't have the luxury of space to create a totally separate outdoor living room area, try to carve out a dedicated nook close to the dining table with a pair of cushioned lounge chairs or a small outdoor sofa pulled up around a low fire pit so that your family and friends can naturally drift over with their drinks once dinner is done.

'Use conversational seating to create a relaxed dining atmosphere,' advises Bo Hellberg, CMO at Grythyttan. 'Arrange seating to promote a more easy interaction by creating a circular or semi-circular layout, inward-facing sections, or using modular outdoor furniture that can be adapted for different group sizes. Materials and comfort also play a crucial role, think deep cushions, weather-resistant furniture, and integrated features like coffee tables can help to enhance the experience.'

6. Consider the elements year-round

If you want to enjoy your outdoor dining area across all seasons, it pays to plan for the elements. Either create a convenient space close to the house for ease of access should you need to pick up and head indoors, or pick a spot in a picturesque or secluded part of the garden, where you can create a cozy, sheltered outdoor dining area.

This advice goes for rain or shine. Avoid sitting in an outdoor dining area in the part of a backyard that receives the sun at midday and early afternoon, or it may become unbearably hot, unless you are designing it in conjunction with a lovely big patio umbrella or pergola shade ideas.

Adding an overhead shade, sail, canopy, gazebo, or pergola roof to an outdoor dining area achieves several aims in one move. It will provide shade for warmer days, and depending on the density and waterproofing, shelter from the rain. Additionally, think about how you’re going to provide warmth for an outdoor evening party with simple solutions like a backyard fire pit, a patio heater, or an outdoor fireplace.

7. Dress the table to impress

When it comes to making outdoor meals feel special, I always put a little extra thought into the table itself. Even a casual alfresco dinner can feel like a proper summer garden party event with a few carefully chosen touches.

The best part? Tablescaping is an easy way to add style and personality without overhauling your entire outdoor setup. It’s those small, thoughtful details that make every outdoor dining experience feel a bit more memorable.

Start with outdoor table linens to set the scene and then build up the center of the table by bringing in items of different heights with potted plants, candlesticks, and taper candles, and floral displays. I like to mix and match serveware for a relaxed, collected vibe, then add a few seasonal elements like sprigs of rosemary tucked into napkin rings or a scattering of tea lights for a little extra magic.

8. Don't forget outdoor lighting

Whether you prefer a rustic vibe with twinkling fairy lights or a more modern aesthetic with sleek solar lanterns, good garden lighting will elevate your entire dining setup.

Lighting isn’t always the easiest thing to get right when setting up outdoor dining – requiring an electrical connection can limit the positioning of your table. Dining by candlelight, however, doesn’t require any power and adds a romantic quality to your meal’s atmosphere.

And of course, there are lots of clever cordless and portable lighting options out there now with rechargeable batteries. Garlands of fairy lights and solar-powered lanterns hung from the branches of trees or placed on side tables are such a pretty choice and can be switched around easily.

9. Try a picnic-style set-up

For an impromptu gathering or to switch up the typical outdoor dining area, try lining up a row of cocktail tables, and forgo dining chairs for large outdoor cushions and creating a picnic-style dining experience instead.

It’s surprisingly simple – all you need are a few cozy blankets or an outdoor rug, some big, comfy floor cushions, and a low table or tray for your food and drinks. It’s a lovely way to encourage everyone to really unwind.

I like to add a big basket of extra blankets, a few lanterns scattered around for mood lighting, and easy, shareable dishes that can be passed around. This is also a lovely idea if you're hosting a more casual affair, such as a pool party.

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How can I create a stylish outdoor dining area?

If you're stuck in a style rut for your outdoor dining ideas, the key is to view an outdoor dining area as an extension of the kitchen or living room and style your outdoor dining area accordingly.

'Be bold by integrating interior and exterior colors and style,' says RHS Chelsea Gold medal-winning garden designer Tony Woods of Garden Club London. 'If you have a feature wall color inside, run it outside and along the boundary. Or if you have a very light interior, continue it outside: then choose furnishings to fit the space.'

'The key with styling an outdoor area is to look at the hard landscaping and work around it, building your theme from that starting point,' advises Tasha Green of outdoor soft furnishing specialist Weaver Green.

How can I make my outdoor dining space feel more welcoming?

To make your outdoor dining area super welcoming, pay as much attention to setting the scene as you would do with your dining room ideas indoors, with warm and textured throws, cushions, and rugs.

Low-level lighting, such as candles in storm lanterns, is flattering and casts interesting shadows. Think elegance when you’re entertaining. If you’re using outdoor flatware and glassware, choose a sophisticated style that echoes your favorite dining pieces indoors rather than items that scream ‘picnic’.

Interior designer Sarah Vanrenen says that when she’s planning an outdoor space, she always includes a fire – 'whether it's an actual fireplace on a wall or a firepit'. She is a firm believer that a fire is a natural place for people to gravitate towards and allows the space to be used all year round.

What’s the ideal height for an outdoor dining table?

The ideal height for an outdoor table depends on how you’re going to use your outdoor dining area. 'If you want a social hub for your guests to relax in while you cook – especially alongside an outdoor kitchen – an island unit is ideal,' says Chris Dance, head designer and director at InHouse Inspired Room Design. 'A low coffee-style table offers a casual setting for socialising, an early morning coffee or evening cocktails. For a more formal experience, traditional sit-down dining tables are ideal for dinners, long lunches, and special occasions.'

If you need your dining surface to be as flexible and multifunctional as possible, invest in a table with both high and low level so that it can easily adapt to any kind of social situation.