Cozy Outdoor Dining

What could be more relaxing than an evening spent with friends or family in your beautiful backyard oasis? In the wake of this pandemic, outdoor living has become more essential than ever and a luxury that we can all enjoy more of! We have put together a few key elements to entertain your friends in style and enjoy these fleeting summer evenings to their fullest!

1) Lighting

Lighting is one of the simplest ways to update your outdoor entertaining areas! Stringing some outdoor tea lights over the deck, adding candles to the table, or even an inexpensive solar powered pendant light over the dining table can bring so much magic to a space! Warming up your space with a soft glow will set a casual vibe that is sure to create a night of relaxation!

2)  Beverage Bar

Every summer dinner party calls for refreshing ice-cold beverages! An outdoor bar or bar cart is an easy solution to display what drinks are on hand for all of your guests. Before the party, prep the bar cart with slices of lemons, limes, and garnishes to give your friends and family a special experience! Acrylic glasses and bright cocktail napkins are great for outdoors and will surely keep the party going!

3) Florals

We all seem to have a closet full of vases and jars waiting to be used! Summer and fall are the perfect time of the year to create floral arrangements from your backyard clippings! This is an easy and effortless way to decorate any outdoor dining space. Whether it be some green leafy stems or a bushel of gorgeous hydrangeas, your tablespace will come alive with the bright pop of color they provide!

4) Inviting Lounge Area

A cozy lounging space is sure to have guests stick around once dinner is wrapped up! Quality outdoor furniture will last for years, but can sometimes begin to look dingy and uninviting with time. Luckily, sprucing your lounge area up can be as easy as adding some fresh outdoor throw pillows and even an outdoor rug! These add both a beautiful display of color to the space and can easily be stored during the winter months indoors. Check out your local home decor stores now for some great steals on end of season pillows, end tables, and outdoor rugs. We would love to see what you find!

5) Food

Whether you enjoy take out or are a chef in the kitchen, do not let outdoor dining be overwhelming to you! One easy way to casually entertain is to order takeout from one of your favorite local restaurants and plate it up on your own serveware set! It's a win-win for everyone, supporting our local businesses and enjoying an evening with friends!

There is no better way to enjoy summer nights than cozying up outdoors, with a cocktail in hand! We hope these tips and tricks will enable you to create an inviting and pleasurable evening in with friends and family!