Spring has FINALLY sprung here! I have been wishing it so for so long (it snowed three times, just last week), but now things are starting to burst through the ground…oh, happy day! With that being said, we LOVE entertaining outdoors and do so often. Today, I am sharing a whole bunch of Alfresco dining ideas to inspire you for your own outdoor entertaining.
Alfresco means “in the open air”. So, basically, any meals you have outside are “alfresco”. It is just a fancy way of saying “we are eating outside”. Grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, cuz this is a really long post! Being stuck at home has presented more time for blogging. 🙂 I really enjoyed putting this together.
Ideas for Alfresco Dining
USE TABLECLOTHS/COVERS TO ADD INTEREST TO THE TABLE. Adding a table cloth or a unique blanket, throw formalizes the table setting. It can also set a lovely foundation for a theme…whether it has a color theme or a theme around a special event.
This coral, patterned table cloth was a perfect base to coordinate Lory’s gorgeous, green charger plates, and coral napkin rings.
For this Anthropologie-inspired backyard party I put together with two of my close blogging buddies in Arizona, the starting point for the whole design was this gorgeous throw. It dictated the rest of the colors we chose to use, which made it all so easy.
An Anthropologie-inspired Dinner Party
Outdoor Farm to Table Entertaining
BRING YOUR INDOOR CHAIRS OUT! Doing this can totally change the look of an outdoor table setting. It feels more like an indoor setting, but even more special because you are dining alfresco.
For this Father’s Day dinner party, I brought my kitchen chairs and two of my dining chairs to create this cozy look. The table coverings also helped the table setting feel more “finished”.
Rustic Alfresco Summer Table Setting
My friend, Holly (yes, she is also named Holly J!), set this gorgeous table in her backyard with chairs from inside. Doesn’t this create such a beautiful atmosphere for her guests?!
Pink Peony Summertime Tablescape
BRING YOUR PARTY OUT TO THE LAWN. Creating a dining experience in the grass is such a unique experience for any guest. Plus, it just changes things up so nicely from being on a hard surface of a patio. Don’t be afraid to just pick that patio table and walk it out into your yard…with help, of course!!
How adorable is this Moroccan Party Picnic on the lawn?! Total perfection!
Moroccan Party Picnic on the Lawn
Another perfect example of dining out in your yard! My friend, Karen, of Sanctuary Home Decor, nailed this one. I don’t think I would want to leave!
How to Plan a Bohemian Backyard Party
For this July 4th dinner party we hosted last year, we literally picked up our patio table and chairs out into the yard and our guests were so surprised and loved it. It felt like we were somewhere else or in a park, but very private.
Simple Patriotic Table Setting
Choosing to serve the beautiful wine pairing dinner in Lory’s yard created the unmatched ambiance for her guests. Again…a park-like private dining experience. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy a wine pairing dinner!
USE FRESH HERBS IN YOUR CENTERPIECE. Not only is this an organic option, but you can also use them before and after your event. It adds such a fresh touch without having to use flowers. It also adds a variety of lovely fragrances depending on the species you use.
Alfresco Dinner Party for Father’s Day
Alfresco Dinner Party for Father’s Day
A Backyard Friendsgiving Table Setting
INCORPORATE SUCCULENTS OR NATURAL GREENERY FROM YOUR YARD. This concept is similar to the idea of using fresh herbs. Natural greenery and succulents can add such great fresh texture to any table. It also contributes to the adventure of eating outdoors. They are also very cost-effective options.
Gorgeous Garden Party – Elle Decoration
How to set a table for St. Patrick’s Day – House Beautiful
Mediterranean-inspired Dinner Party
DINE UNDER THE TREES. Offering shade for your guests in the warm summer months is a must to consider. If you don’t have enough shade on your patio, move your dinner party under a tree. The umbrella of a tree can also add to the coziness of an outdoor function…kind of like dining under the stars.
Alfresco Dining – To Have + To Host
Outdoor Living and Patio Ideas – Architectural Digest
UTILIZE RUSTIC BUCKETS OR LANTERNS IN YOUR CENTERPIECE. There are so many ways to use these items on your table. There is something about being outdoors that feels rustic to me. The more rustic, the better…
Rustic Alfresco Summer Table Setting
Warm spring or summer evenings are the perfect time to gather around a beautiful table in a serene setting. What a perfect way to end your day?! I hope that some of the Alfresco dining ideas will inspire you to spend more of your dinner time outdoors “alfresco-style”!
beautiful, beautiful table settings. The landscape has such a fresh open look. It certainly adds sincerity to you as hostess and a pleasure for your guest.
Thank you so much! That is certainly the goal!