Tips for Dining Al Fresco
There’s nothing better than having a meal outdoors - I even think the food often tastes better when eaten in the fresh air! Since next week is the unofficial first day of summer, I thought I’d give you my top tips for dining al fresco. Use these ideas to create lovely outdoor events for your friends and family!
Beth Lindsey Interior Design
TRAYS ARE KEY
The one thing that’s most important - unless you have an outdoor kitchen - is to make the trips to and from the kitchen as easy as possible. And the best way to do that is with trays! I like to purchase woven trays because they have more of a “grip” to keep things from sliding around. You can carry food and dishes on pretty trays and even leave them under items for more visual interest.
Beth Lindsey Interior Design
MAKE IT MOBILE
For outdoor parties, I love these melamine plates that attach to a wine glass. They allow your guests to hold both their food and drink in one hand. That helps reduce spills and it keeps your guests mobile. In the photo above, you can also see the tray I purchased that is perfect for utensils.
Beth Lindsey Interior Design
UNBREAKABLE STYLE
Speaking of melamine, today you can find chic designs that look like glass and pottery, but are unbreakable. I love the striped plates above, and the little faux milk bottles are a great way to serve up drinks for kiddos and adults.
Beth Lindsey Interior Design
LOVELY LINENS
Don’t forget the linens! You can find gorgeous (and soft) napkins, runners, placemats, and toppers in great materials that can withstand the elements, while still setting a stylish table. Don’t you love those rope napkin holders I found in the photo above? That little bit of sea glass gives them a coastal look.
Beth Lindsey Interior Design
TEXTURE AND COLOR
Even more than on an indoor table, an outdoor table should feature plenty of texture and color. Why? Because the table decor is competing with all the color and views in the outdoor setting! So think of things like woven placemats, colorful drinkware, and patterned plates.
Are you ready to dine al fresco? What are your favorite foods to enjoy outdoors? Just let me know in the comments section below.
Warmly,
Beth