Al Fresco Dining: How to design a stunning outdoor eating area

A wonderful sense of peace and tranquillity comes with dining outside on our outdoor furniture. Being in the open air, enjoying the sunshine, and hearing the sounds of nature around you creates a completely different experience than dining indoors.

Dining in our gardens often feels like more of an event or celebration, even if it's just a casual summer day with friends or family. That experience of sharing a meal under the open sky fosters a connection—whether it’s with the people around you or nature itself.

It creates a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, and we offer a range of table sets that are perfect for any occasion, from quiet dinners for 2 to lively garden gatherings for 10 or more guests. Hosting outside seems to encourage us to eat at a more leisurely pace. There’s no rush, we can enjoy the food, drinks, and good company without the stress.

Of course, the weather here can be unpredictable, but with a little preparation, dining outdoors can still be a relaxed and enjoyable experience—even in our temperamental climate.

Our summers bring longer daylight hours, especially in June, July, and August, giving us plenty of time to soak up the sunshine before nightfall. The key is to be ready for sudden weather changes and any drop in temperature when the sun drops.

You can comfortably extend your dining into the evening with cosy throw blankets or an outdoor heater. A well-placed canopy, parasol, or pergola can provide shade from the sun and shelter from light showers, ensuring your al fresco experience remains a pleasant one.

What type of furniture is best for outdoor dining?

It should come as no surprise that a team dedicated to outdoor furniture loves spending time in their outdoor dining spaces. Whether it’s the BBQ, our pizza ovens, or simply enjoying a home-cooked meal under the open sky, we take every opportunity to dine al fresco.

Outdoor dinner parties are a fantastic way to enjoy great company, delicious food, and the beauty of our gardens. By enhancing our outdoor dining areas, we can create a welcoming and stylish space perfect for gathering with family and friends—and our range is the ideal place to start.

Investing in furniture designed for outdoor dining brings indoor comfort and style to your patio. Look for weather-resistant, easy-to-clean materials that stand the test of time. If you're shopping for new pieces, our outdoor dining collection offers the perfect balance of versatility, functionality, style, sociability, durability, and low maintenance.

1. Versatile
   Our furniture sets come in various sizes, shapes, and styles to suit any outdoor space. From cosy 2-seaters to spacious 10+ seater tables, they’re perfect for everything from a small balcony to a large courtyard. Easily reconfigurable, they adapt to both intimate gatherings and larger social events.

2. Functional
   Designed for comfort and convenience, our patio tables bring the indoor dining experience outdoors. With features like built-in parasol holes for shade and extendable tables for flexible seating, our sets cater to all occasions—without taking up unnecessary space.

3. Stylish
   With a timeless, elegant design, our furniture complements any outdoor setting. Available in Antique Bronze, Slate, and White finishes, they seamlessly blend with various decor styles and landscaping themes.

4. Social
   Dining tables create a central gathering point for meals and conversation, making outdoor spaces more inviting. Pair with a Lazy Susan turntable for easy sharing of drinks and snacks.

5. Durable
   Built to last, our patio furniture is crafted from high-grade sand cast aluminium with a protective, weather-resistant finish. Sturdy, stylish, and low-maintenance, they stand the test of time.

6. Low-Maintenance
   Easily cleaned with a damp cloth or hose, our furniture requires no re-staining or refinishing. We offer simple-to-use touch-up kits for minor scratches that will keep your set looking as good as new.

How do you design an outdoor dining area?

An outdoor dining area transforms your garden, patio, garden room, terrace, or balcony into a welcoming extension of your home, allowing you to enjoy fresh air, beautiful surroundings, and the pleasure of dining al fresco. Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee, a family dinner, or a lively gathering with friends, a garden dining area will create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that enhances everyday meals and special occasions.

Beyond aesthetics, an outdoor dining space adds versatility to your home. It provides the perfect setting for everything from casual BBQs to elegant dinner parties, making entertaining easier and more enjoyable. With the right outdoor furniture—designed for comfort, durability, and style—you can seamlessly blend indoor luxury with the beauty of the outdoors.

Many practical benefits make outdoor dining appealing in the UK too. Investing in our weather-resistant, low-maintenance furniture ensures longevity while keeping upkeep minimal. Plus, spending time outside has proven health benefits, from boosting mood to reducing stress.

By creating a dedicated outdoor dining area, you're not just upgrading your home—you’re elevating your lifestyle. A well-designed space encourages relaxation, social connection, and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

Designing an outdoor dining area involves balancing functionality, comfort, and style to create a space that enhances your outdoor living experience. Here’s how we would do it:

1. Location

Select a spot that provides a good balance of sun and shade. Ideally, it should be close to your kitchen for easy access to food and drinks. If space allows, consider a covered area like a pergola or awning for protection against the elements.

2. Furniture

Your outdoor table and chairs should be the right size for your space and accommodate your typical number of guests. Opt for weather-resistant materials like aluminium, teak, or synthetic rattan to ensure durability. Extendable tables are a great option if you entertain often.

3. Comfort

Enhance the experience with outdoor cushions, throw blankets, and rugs to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Look for UV-resistant and water-resistant fabrics to ensure longevity.

4. Lighting

String lights, lanterns, or outdoor sconces help set the mood and keep the space functional after sunset. Soft, warm lighting creates an intimate and relaxing ambience.

5. Shade

A parasol, pergola, or retractable awning can provide relief from the sun while also adding an aesthetic element to your space.

6. Shelter

In the UK’s unpredictable climate, shelter is essential for an outdoor dining area to protect from sudden rain showers, shield against strong sun, and extend usability.

7. Greenery

Potted plants, hanging baskets, or a vertical garden can enhance the natural beauty of your dining space. We think the more planting the better!

8. Decor

Decorative elements like a stylish centrepiece, outdoor art, or candles add personality and charm.

9. Maintenance

Choose furniture and accessories that require minimal upkeep. Opt for easy-to-clean surfaces and store cushions in a waterproof box when not in use.

By carefully designing your outdoor dining area, you create a functional and stylish space that makes dining outside a joy, whether it's a casual breakfast or a lively dinner party with friends.

How can you make your outdoor dining space more comfortable?

Creating a comfortable outdoor dining space in the UK ensures that you can fully enjoy your garden, regardless of the unpredictable weather. By incorporating cosy seating, weather-resistant cushions, and practical shelter options like pergolas or our large tilting parasols, you can make the space inviting and functional year-round.

Adding outdoor heaters or throw blankets also helps extend the usability of your dining area into cooler evenings, allowing you to relax and entertain without worrying about sudden temperature drops.

Comfort also plays a key role in enhancing the overall dining experience. A well-designed outdoor space with ambient lighting, stylish decor, and thoughtful details like windbreaks or rugs creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Whether it's a casual family meal or a social gathering with friends, ensuring comfort means you’ll want to spend more time outside, making the most of your outdoor space throughout the seasons. Here's what we like to include in our garden dining areas:

1. Outdoor Lighting
   Lighting is everything when dining outdoors in the evening. You want to set a soft, warm atmosphere that complements the natural beauty. Wrap fairy or string lights around trees, pergolas, or fences for a whimsical, cosy feel. Use lanterns or scented candles to create a relaxed, intimate glow. A fire pit will not only add warmth but serve as a focal point, making your outdoor space cosy and inviting.

2. Comfortable Seating
   Comfortable seating is essential for a pleasant outdoor dining experience. With our range, make sure you pair our dining chairs or benches with our weather-resistant cushions for added comfort. For a more relaxed vibe, you could pair our table range with outdoor sofas or large scatter cushions for post-meal lounging. On cooler evenings, drape outdoor throws over the backs of our garden chairs so your guests to wrap up in them.

3. Weather Protection
   We love talking about the weather but maybe that's because it is unpredictable, so it’s wise to prepare for a sudden drizzle or a breeze. You can create a more permanent structure to shield you from the elements such as an awning, pergola, or garden room. Alternatively, our large outdoor parasols are designed to work with our patio tables and will provide coverage from the hot sun and unexpected showers.

4. Pest Control
   Dining outdoors in the summer often means dealing with pesky insects. However, you can easily enhance the experience by using mesh covers or cloches to protect your food. Citronella candles and essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint—whether in diffusers or spray bottles—can also help keep bugs at bay. These simple solutions will ensure you and your guests stay protected, allowing everyone to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere without the distraction of pests.

Our final tips for enhancing your patio dining space...

If you want to further enhance our furniture sets for dining, then here are some of our favourite outdoor dining ideas and tips for keeping the area looking stylish and inviting:

1. Clean your patio area and furniture
   Treat your patio like an extension of your home. Regularly sweep away debris and hose it down if needed. Wipe down your furniture with soapy water and apply car wax for added shine. A clean, inviting patio makes it a place where people will want to gather and relax.

2. Create shade with our parasols
   Parasols are an easy and effective way to enhance your patio dining experience. Our fast-drying fabric parasols feature a crank handle and tilt mechanism, allowing you to adjust them to block the sun or shield from unexpected rain. Pair the right size parasol with your table, and save when bundled with a new patio set.

3. Arrange your patio seating
   The key to a great outdoor dining area is positioning your table and chairs for easy movement and conversation. Leave enough space around the set for guests to sit comfortably and move around freely. For more tips, check out our guide on choosing the right size garden table set.

4. Add patio lighting and heating
   To enjoy your outdoor space into the evening, install outdoor lighting and a heat source like a chiminea or fire pit. Simple additions, like LED string lights or solar-powered lanterns, create a cosy, inviting atmosphere without the need for a costly installation.

5. Decorate your patio table with flowers or plants
   Plants and flowers can transform your patio by blurring the lines between home and garden. Strategically place them to frame your dining area or create natural barriers. This greenery adds a relaxing vibe while enhancing the overall aesthetic and comfort.

6. Enhance comfort with our patio chair cushions
   Add cushioned seat pads to your chairs for extra comfort. Made from fast-drying, water- and UV-resistant fabric, these cushions are perfect for outdoor dining. Bundle them with your patio set for big savings, and protect yourself from hot metal surfaces under the sun.

7. Consider your outdoor cooking options
   If you love dining outdoors, think about adding an outdoor kitchen to your patio. It’s a convenient way to entertain guests while preparing meals, making your space even more functional.

8. Set your patio table
   Dress your patio dining table with weather-resistant tablecloths, placemats, and unbreakable dishes. For a complete setup, use outdoor-friendly trays and containers to serve food. Check out our get your patio table for a garden party article for more inspiration on creating the perfect setting.

9. Add some personal finishing touches
   Complete your outdoor dining setup with decorative touches like throws, rugs, lanterns, or garden art. Personalize the space with items that reflect your style and enhance the atmosphere, ensuring you’ll want to spend more time enjoying it.

Dining outside offers an unforgettable experience, combining nature, intimacy, and relaxation. With some thoughtful planning, you can create a comfortable, stylish, functional space to enjoy outdoor meals all year round.

If you have any photos of our outdoor furniture in your patio dining area, we’d love to see a few for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload It Here.