After of a dose of the Texas heat in Austin last week (are you following all my recaps on Instagram Stories yet??), all I can think about is outdoor dining. Those balmy evenings, perfect for endless late-night hangs and glasses of rosé, are really is the best thing about the summer months. I don’t think I’ve ever met an outdoor dining situation that I didn’t like. As soon as I finally finish my the inside of my house, I’m going to be starting on our yard, so I figure it’s never too soon to start banking inspiration.

I’m drooling over this neutral outdoor dining area. That simple bar area is the perfect solution for an outdoor “kitchen” that doesn’t require a major construction project. The mix of materials, rustic wood, stainless steel, and wicker. But the black chairs, lanterns and wall sconce add a modern edge.

If you love a boho vibe, there’s no need for an outdoor dining set! Simply throw some vintage rugs and poufs on the ground. A bit of plywood can serve as your table. A simple bolt of cloth makes a great runner and your set of white dishes look fresh and bright with a beautiful dip-dyed napkin. While you probably wouldn’t leave this set up in your yard all summer long, it’s the perfect solution for a beautiful dinner party.

A pergola is a perfect way to demarcate a dining area in your yard. They offer shade, they offer a spot to hang cafe lights or even install an outdoor fan.

Who says you have to hop a plane to a far-flung destination to feel like you’re on vacation. A reclaimed wood table and benches, woven mats and vintage wicker chairs will immediately give you the island vibe.

The top of your table not so purdy? No problem! Just lay down a layer of butcher paper and you’ve got a gorgeous neutral background for your tablescape.

Bench seating is a great way to pack a lot of guests around your outdoor dining table, but I love the idea of spicing up the look with a crazy cool vintage peacock chair.

 

I’m really digging the look of the desert inspired yard. A simple white table is paired with stools (the ones above are actually concrete side tables – virtually indestructible – & you can get them here) for an individual seating place for each guest. A woven end chair softens the look (one like this would work well). The table is a high-gloss white wood making it pop against the sand and also makes it very easy to wipe down!

While outdoor dining is usually associated with laid back, casual affairs, it’s pretty easy to set a dramatic scene. Simply dot your table with tapered candles and some beautiful stemware and your yard will feel dressed up in no time.

Not everyone gets to enjoy a super toasty summer evening every night. That’s why I love the layers on this outdoor dining table. The sheepskin-covered benches offer a spot for guests to warm their bums. The linen tablecloth and runner add a cozier texture to the table and the throw pillows warm up that gorgeous vintage cane chair. While still casual and easy, this set up also feels special.

And who says you have to actually set an outdoor dining table. Why not just put a giant cheese board down the middle. Your guests can grab and nosh as they please. A self-serve drink station is also never a bad idea. A gorgeous stone-topped outdoor dining table makes it easy to create a beautiful setup. A simple wipe with a damp cloth and you have all the decorating you need.

What say you? Does one outdoor dining style speak to you more than another. It’s usually too cold in San Francisco to eat outside in the evenings but we head to wine country next week and I’m planning to pack some pretties to set a gorgeous table – just because I can!

 

For my favorite yard design inspiration, CLICK HERE.

For outdoor dining recipe ideas, CLICK HERE.

For my favorite summer cocktail, CLICK HERE.

 

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