Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family and create an inviting and relaxed space for outdoor dining. It’s all about creating a comfortable experience, a space where you feel time is at a standstill as you enjoy the company of others and the beauty of the outdoors. The first step is to decide what space outdoors you want to use and measure the area. Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of space, a small area is just the right size for an intimate setting. Then, gather some inspiration about how you want the space to look. The following questions are a helpful guide in helping you to decide how you want your outdoor dining experience to look and feel: Do you want your table and chairs to always occupy the space or do you prefer something that can easily be stored away (collapsible). Do you want to use a table covering? If so, do you want to use a washable or a disposable cover? Do you want to use washable napkins or disposable? Using washable table coverings and napkins may provide you more options to choose from especially if you have a special theme in mind, but will cost more. However, if you’re looking for easy clean up and inexpensive, disposable would be the better choice. Do you want to use washable plateware, flatware and cups or do you prefer disposable? Again, it comes down to preference and the look you’re going for. Do you prefer to have the table decorated and place settings set up ahead of time? By doing so takes a little more planning beforehand and can also give more of a themed look. If you prefer a spur of the moment, laid back feel, simply stacking plates and cups on the table along with placing flatware and napkins in a container holder may be the way to go. Do you want lighting? If so, what type? Strings lights offer a beautiful overhead lighting experience, whereas lighted candles, real or faux, add a beautiful ambiance to the table itself. Do you want to use plants or flowers, real or faux, to decorate the space? Either one adds a beautiful touch to the outdoor space. It really comes down to what resonates with you, there is no right or wrong. Don’t get caught up in creating a “perfect look” rather remember that “imperfect” is real and feels more inviting. The most important thing to remember is that it’s all about having fun. No matter what, they’ll appreciate the thought that you put into creating an outdoor dining space to spend time together eating, relaxing and enjoying the summer weather.
