One would argue that a table and a few chairs will suffice in order to dine. Who will oppose that? Then again, creating a functional and inviting outdoor dining area takes more than that. How to transform your own backyard living space to create a fabulous dining nook, which won’t only be cozy but also practical? That’s what we are about to tell you.
Now, before you get down to work, you need to remember that not all backyards are the same. And not all families have the same habits and tastes. And so, you need to consider your own. For example, are you interested in creating a beautiful outdoor area for your family meals or to entertain friends? And when friends gather, are they a lot? Do you do that often? And how much space do you have in the backyard?
It’s vital to consider your personal needs so that you won’t spend more than you need to or won’t come short when it comes to entertaining big groups. Ready for some ideas?
An outdoor kitchen will make a world of difference
Function first. If you are going to dine in the backyard quite often, it’d be convenient to build an outdoor kitchen. Even if the home kitchen is a breath away, it’s still easier to cook outside. It’s also a way to avoid odors in the house. Since we are being practical now, let’s say that the bigger the outdoor kitchen countertop will be and the more storage space you have, the better. To put it simply, you’ll have everything at your feet.
One more thing you can do is build an outdoor bar. This could be attached to the kitchen countertop or placed farther. It will serve as the go-to place for drinks and snacks, for an outdoor buffet too. A buffet area comes in handy since it frees up dining table space and goes hand in hand with the precious informality of dining with friends in the backyard. Hence, the importance of an outdoor kitchen bar.
Think function when you pick the outdoor flooring
Since we are talking function, let us also say that a hard outdoor flooring will be the best thing you can do. A wood deck, for example. If you don’t want to build a deck, you can also go for a concrete patio or big tiles. It’s important that the table and the chairs are stable and don’t sink into the ground.
Choose the appropriate outdoor lighting
Nowadays there is an abundance of outdoor lighting fixtures, lanterns, and other styles that help you create the perfect atmosphere in the backyard. It’s good to have ambient lights over the dining table, task lights over the outdoor kitchen island and countertop, string lights traveling from tree to tree, and lanterns on the deck stairs.
Place a speaker in the backyard
Even if most of the time you invite friends to enjoy a quiet dinner and converse, music is always the best company. And regardless of what genre of music is appropriate to play on each occasion, an outdoor speaker will do the work.
Get comfortable chairs and a big dining table
The size of the dining table and chairs depends on the available backyard space. It actually dictates your decision. But if you have the space and invite people over often, it’s nice to have ample space on the table not only for dishes but also for the bottle of wine, the various dips, and some flowers. Big chairs bring more comfort and that’s something everyone would appreciate.
Make the dining table inviting
Making the dining table inviting is not only about impressing visitors (okay it’s about that too), but mainly about enjoying the dinner more. Choose beautiful linen tablecloths, nice dishes and glassware, and colorful napkins. Place candles and flowers on the table.
Spruce up the surrounding environment
It makes sense to say that the setting of the outdoor dining area is important. The last thing you want is to squeeze the dining table in a corner – unless you have no other choice. Discover the best part of the surrounding area and set up the dining area with a view of this section. It could be the ocean or a green hill or a beautiful valley or the view of the cityscape. Whether you are lucky enough to have a wonderful view or are forced into this little corner for your dining area setting, take care of the surrounding environment by painting the walls, placing flower pots, installing new lighting fixtures, and decorating with items made of natural fabrics and materials.
Make sure the dining area is covered
Why let the weather ruin your dining plans with a sudden rainfall? To protect the outdoor dining area, cover it. The choices are plenty, starting with a wooden pergola to getting a parasol. You won’t only be protected from the rain but the sun too.
